Getting Started - Reflections on year 1

[BobbyLane]

I can tell you really like this tree, but if you want it to become anything substantial, maybe even a focal point of your collection, I would stick it in the ground for a few years, if you have the space. then move on to other projects and allow it to develop unchecked.

 

[penumbra]

Frankly, that's Horse hockey, I grasp it fine. Some might think =air layering is somehow a "free" way to get multiple trees. It might seem that way, but nothing is free. At some point, the cost and effort of supporting 100+ mediocre cuttings or air layers becomes a burden in both budget, space, and time. I don't have the luxury of much space. My backyard is likely only a tenth the size of a typical suburban backyard (I live in a townhouse).

If you're about plants and have bonsai and favor plants, then yeah, air layering is for you.

Damn near word for word what I was expecting. Your last sentence was very generous though. You don't disappoint my friend.

 

[rockm]

Damn near word for word what I was expecting. Your last sentence was very generous though. You don't disappoint my friend.

Well, um, this forum is a BONSAI forum, not really a plant forum per se. I lean towards giving bonsai advice by default I guess.

 

[penumbra]

Well, um, this forum is a BONSAI forum, not really a plant forum per se. I lean towards giving bonsai advice by default I guess.

Perfect!

 

[Eckhoffw]

Air layering may be a waste for some. Others, may find enjoyment and reward in being able to have control of a new plant with a new root structure and nebari formation. Very much a bonsai thing.

 

[dbonsaiw]

I can tell you really like this tree,

I don't actually find it to be very special. I bought it and then didn't know why and spent too much mental energy trying to figure out a path forward.

 

[dbonsaiw]

Now this one is very special to me. Bonsai goals definitely differ, but if one is looking to develop one of the awesome specimen trees we see on Bnuts and elsewhere, one needs to pay the freight. And the currency is a combination of time and money. If you are willing to put in more time and effort, you can start with something younger and less developed. Alternatively, paying more for a tree that is further along in the development process can save a tremendous amount of time. And to be totally honest, there is a certain caliber tree that simply cannot be developed from a stick in the dirt in one's lifetime.

Airlayers are free material. You can't beat that. But where in the development process are you really once the layer has been taken? I'm sure folks have taken unbelievable layers, but most of the time what we have is starter material. We just have to go into the development process with this tree with eyes open. It's going to be many years before the trunk is developed and branching can begin. If we expect a Walter Pall tree from an airlayer in a few years, there will be nothing but disappointment. You simply cannot get decades of work in a few years. If we understand that development of starter material into something more refined will take time, the process will be rewarding and enjoyable.

This has been my personal experience with yamadori as well. I know people are collecting awesome specimens. That's how I got the BC. I'm just not collecting those types of trees personally and will need to pay someone to collect and care for it long enough to be able to ship it to me in good faith (dying trees are worthless).

I'm also the cheerleader for Home Depot Japanese maples. Nothing like a 6 foot tree with a 1.5" trunk for $15 that I can abuse the hell out of. But I know what I'm getting myself into. It will require a lot of work and years to get it to where I want it to be. We need to be realistic with our expectations.