Cruiser
Chumono
Let’s meet halfway. Somewhere in Nebraska.
Tenets of collecting
- Thread starter Cruiser
- Start date
Cruiser
Chumono
This one is pretty good. I’m adding it to my list as Acceptance. Accept when a tree is unobtainable and move on. HAMPA.
rockm
Spuds Moyogi
Yeah. No. These trees are not what I’m talking about as weird. Wouldn’t have collected the first BTW Pretty non descript. Anyway, The second isn’t weird. It’s a common natural form of the tree. I’m talking about “one off” oddities that draw attention because they stick out visually at the expense of the rest of the tree. Can’t count the number of new collectors who dig a tree with some kind of oddity -inverse taper, bulbous roots, out of scale burls etc.-BECAUSE of that singular oddity. The vast vast majority of those kinds of trees aren’t worth the trouble
Cruiser
Chumono
You were referring to weird features, I was referring to weird form.
It sounds like you do not collect many Abies.
The second tree does have weird form for a noble fir. You either do not understand what it is you’re seeing or can’t make it out from the photo. If you’re curious, I can explain why it is both weird and uncommon.
I agree that there are some oddities that do not go well with popular bonsai styles.
But what if a person wants to showcase certain weird features that occur naturally in wild trees? What if weird features are the point? In this scenario it might work better to collect a tree with a desired oddity rather than try and create it in an existing bonsai.
shohin_branches
Chumono
I drove through Nebraska but I don't remember any trees. The kind of place you could watch your dog run away for three days.
rockm
Spuds Moyogi
Of course I don't collect many Abies. I live in Va. There are none to collect except at the nursey in the sale section.
Why the objections to avoiding weird features when collecting as a general guideline?
. It's pretty much basic to beginning collecting trees for bonsai. I assume if someone is reading this thread they're looking for information on what to do when they collect trees. That implies they're not experienced collectors. People just starting out don't know what to look for and sometimes collect trees that look weird not natural. You first have to understand that bonsai are not generally collected because they look odd, weird or unnatural. That is a stereotype. Bonsai look natural, like actual trees.
rockm
Spuds Moyogi
Gabler
Masterpiece
What makes it uncommon and weird?
treeline
Seedling
As a brief aside in the weirdness conversation, I’d nominate location as a key collecting tenet of mine. Permissions are critical, but I’m talking about looking for and digging up trees in inspiring places. Not only does this make the process of searching for material more fun, it adds a pleasant layer of memory to any tree you bring home.
shohin_branches
Chumono
I do like to harp on the "ask for permission" tenant for new bonsai practitioners. You're representing all of us and one bad actor can ruin things for everyone else who wants to dig bonsai. If you're calling for permits in national forests or on public land please be patient because many foresters have been let go so they have less people to do the same amount of work.
rockm
Spuds Moyogi
For a live oak It’s very unusual because of the spiraled movement of the upper trunk so close to the base in a trunk this size. Taper like this is also very rare in collected live oak which typically are taper less for the first 20 feet of trunk. The tree was collected because of those two things
Gabler
Masterpiece
I always thought you trained it into that spiral shape after collecting a stump. That's pretty neat.
WinstonWolfe
Yamadori
To that, I'd also add: Don't be afraid to prune in place, partially dig, and return when the tree is ready. It doesn't have to be "done" all in one go
rockm
Spuds Moyogi
As collected in the 90s. A year out of the ground. The twist in the top was there I just grew out the top third of it
Attachments
rockm
Spuds Moyogi
This may be species and location dependent. I’ve tried this on a number of species is here including hornbeam and beech. All of those trees located in deeper parts of the forest died after being topped and semi root pruned. Hornbeam in particular. There is no reason not to collect hornbeam all at once r with 95 percent root reduction and drastic trunk reduction
They recover quite quickly as they are strongest when first collect them. Partial collection weakens them and forces them to compete against stronger trees that over shadow them
I suspect hornbeam isnt alone in this
WinstonWolfe
Yamadori
Cruiser
Chumono
Yes, I see that my condescension got to you and it is now getting redirected back at me. I hope this helps you realize, no one likes being condescended.
That is a nice tree there. I believed you when you said it was weird. No explanation needed because I do not overstep my knowledge/experience just to tell people they are wrong.
Cruiser
Chumono
That’s a good one. Adding it to the list as “Prep” (prep-work).
Cruiser
Chumono
A cool location certainly does add flavor to a tree. It’s the journey too, not just the destination.
rockm
Spuds Moyogi
You don’t see it do you?
