Collected Quercus virginiana

[Cajunrider]

That's what I'm getting at clumsily, unfortunately. I'm of a mind that my live oak could probably get by in-ground here in Zone 7 in an optimal full sun site that is sheltered from the North wind.

In a container, it probably would fade and die after six or seven winters--less if there's early deep freezes and the tree is still active. Keeping live oak above the Mason Dixon can be done, but it depends on what you're willing to invest to do it. FWIW, my live oak is one of the most responsive bonsai subjects I have. It's tough as nails other than the winter sensitivity (and it does snow in its native range). It can take full summer sun all day. It backbuds reliably and vigorously for the most part when hard pruned. It pushes roots like mad (it outgrew its original container) and no real pest issues (other than gall wasps in the summer which are easily removed).

If you want to provide substantial shelter for the trees you have, your live oaks will probably behave similarly. It boils down to what you're willing to put up with.

If I take the live oaks to the North, they will be put in an unheated but not freezing space that has windows for sunlight.

 

[Gabler]

If I take the live oaks to the North, they will be put in an unheated but not freezing space that has windows for sunlight.

Sounds perfect.

 

[Cajunrider]

36” growth in 2 months.

 

[Cajunrider]

36” growth in 2 months. View attachment 551343

Massaging the mighty oak

 

[Cajunrider]

Massaging the mighty oakView attachment 551376

I am planning to wire the branches soon to have them zigzagging and drooping to the ground. Once they fully lignify, they don't respond to wiring well. It takes a long time for them to stay with the bends.

 

[Cajunrider]

I am planning to wire the branches soon to have them zigzagging and drooping to the ground. Once they fully lignify, they don't respond to wiring well. It takes a long time for them to stay with the bends.

 

[Cajunrider]

My collection is thriving

 

[Cajunrider]

Water sprout growing fast. Nothing on big tree.
View attachment 548462

I am afraid big tree is dead dead. I may separate out the watershoot sometime soon.

 

[Cajunrider]

To be wired soon

 

[Cajunrider]

Wired
View attachment 555505

4 weeks later the wire already bites in. Wiring removed today and new shoots massaged down. Also carved the chop.

 

[Cajunrider]

4 weeks later the wire already bites in. Wiring removed today and new shoots massaged down. Also carved the chop.
View attachment 560779View attachment 560780View attachment 560781View attachment 560782View attachment 560783View attachment 560784

It doesn't look like much now but I think in 10 years it will look a little more like this.

 

[Cajunrider]

The branches are 3-4 ft long and are bent down to simulate long oak branches that droop down from up high.

 

[BrightsideB]

The branches are 3-4 ft long and are bent down to simulate long oak branches that droop down from up high.
View attachment 569677View attachment 569678

Hope it persists with good health. The direction you are taking will look cool!

 

[Cajunrider]

Initial wiring for another live oak. All side branches wired down except for the apex that is allowed to grow freely.

 

[Cajunrider]

Initial wiring for another live oak. For this one the apex was wired down and demoted to a drooping branch. A smaller side branch was wired up to be the new apex.