Cadillactaste
Neagari Gal
So...now that I am observing the lower part of trunks on trees in my area...just curious if there is a way to...know what to leave and what would make a good specimen? Also...when is the best time/season to do this?
Good collecting specimens for Ohio area?
- Thread starter Cadillactaste
- Start date
Hello from a fellow Ohioan and Newbie! I will be following along to see what the more experienced folks say.
My understanding though is to do this once the trees drop leaves in the fall. I have read that there is a lot of risk losing a tree that is collected in the wild, because it is very traumatic for the tree.
My parents own some property with a woods. I need to get out there soon and start scouting.
My understanding though is to do this once the trees drop leaves in the fall. I have read that there is a lot of risk losing a tree that is collected in the wild, because it is very traumatic for the tree.
My parents own some property with a woods. I need to get out there soon and start scouting.
MrFancyPlants
Masterpiece
Spring, just before bud break is the best time and maybe a little later for pines and such, but still when the candles are about to extend, is the generally accepted best time to repot or collect because when you think about it, collecting is like a particularly traumatic repotting.
If you scout out your plants now looking for interesting trunks and try to start the root pruning process now by spading half way and under the root ball. Mark the plants so you can find them again in spring. Compact growth and smaller leaves are other things to look for when selecting material.
If you are new with bonsai you want to start with the less interesting material and work your way up, because you are likely to kill a few while figuring out "bonsai soil" and proper watering techniques. Also be sure you have permission to dig holes and collect wherever you plan on doing your hunting. Private property of yours or your friends is your best best.
If you scout out your plants now looking for interesting trunks and try to start the root pruning process now by spading half way and under the root ball. Mark the plants so you can find them again in spring. Compact growth and smaller leaves are other things to look for when selecting material.
If you are new with bonsai you want to start with the less interesting material and work your way up, because you are likely to kill a few while figuring out "bonsai soil" and proper watering techniques. Also be sure you have permission to dig holes and collect wherever you plan on doing your hunting. Private property of yours or your friends is your best best.
jk_lewis
Masterpiece
Generally you search them out in the winter when their form is visible, and you collect in the early spring.
However . . . with rare exceptions, flat(ish) farm country is not the best collection area. Trees that are not already stressed in some way are often quite dull and the process of turning them into somethins interesting can be more convoluted than it needs to be.
Where to look:
1. Pastures, along the fence where livestock has to reach through to nibble leaves, etc, or where mowers "trim" the tree annually.
2. On the edges of woodlands, among the shrubs. These are transition zones where trees and shrubs are always struggling for light and where the elements can affect them directly. Ditto streambanks.
Some of your best hunting may well be in the city in old landscapes.
Remember to ALWAYS ask permission of the owner of the land and the plants that grow on it.
However . . . with rare exceptions, flat(ish) farm country is not the best collection area. Trees that are not already stressed in some way are often quite dull and the process of turning them into somethins interesting can be more convoluted than it needs to be.
Where to look:
1. Pastures, along the fence where livestock has to reach through to nibble leaves, etc, or where mowers "trim" the tree annually.
2. On the edges of woodlands, among the shrubs. These are transition zones where trees and shrubs are always struggling for light and where the elements can affect them directly. Ditto streambanks.
Some of your best hunting may well be in the city in old landscapes.
Remember to ALWAYS ask permission of the owner of the land and the plants that grow on it.
Poink88
Imperial Masterpiece
Scout while the plants still have leaves...makes it much easier to ID the plant. Mark (GPS location is great) then collect on spring just as the buds start to swell.
Note that the actual base & lower trunk may be hidden under the soil, leaves, rocks, vegetation, etc. Most of the nice ones will probably look like a shrub or bush...not a tree.
Much of collecting success depends on what is done during and after collection...but sometimes, you can do prep work as well if you have or can wait years.
Good luck!
Note that the actual base & lower trunk may be hidden under the soil, leaves, rocks, vegetation, etc. Most of the nice ones will probably look like a shrub or bush...not a tree.
Much of collecting success depends on what is done during and after collection...but sometimes, you can do prep work as well if you have or can wait years.
Good luck!
Cadillactaste
Neagari Gal
Thanks all...I just know I want a thick interesting base...it can take a year for it to even resemble what should be a tree...so new I don't wish to invest in something like that and possibly kill it. I may find the bank who did a repo on a house here at the lake. The woman had lots of interesting trees and shrubs.
Good advice in asking! I would never think to collect without doing so. To many farmers with guns. Plus its just not my style. I am the firm believer that no question asked is a dumb one. Worst case they say no...and your where you were before you asked. Best case they agree.
May go looking at that property...the bank owns. I also know a lot of people with lots of land.
Just want a narly stump to work on.
Good advice in asking! I would never think to collect without doing so. To many farmers with guns. Plus its just not my style. I am the firm believer that no question asked is a dumb one. Worst case they say no...and your where you were before you asked. Best case they agree.
May go looking at that property...the bank owns. I also know a lot of people with lots of land.
Just want a narly stump to work on.
Poink88
Imperial Masterpiece
Your hubby being in construction trade can probably supply you in short order much more than you need. Be careful. LOL
My collection is amazed in less than 2 years...a busy contractor can get 5 times in a year (easy). You just need to educate the hubby now.
Good luck!
My collection is amazed in less than 2 years...a busy contractor can get 5 times in a year (easy). You just need to educate the hubby now.
Good luck!
Cadillactaste
Neagari Gal
Your hubby being in construction trade can probably supply you in short order much more than you need. Be careful. LOL
My collection is amazed in less than 2 years...a busy contractor can get 5 times in a year (easy). You just need to educate the hubby now.
Good luck!
His sub contractor is also a tree trimmer and takes trees down.
augustine
Chumono
Join a club and get opportunity, advice and help. Read and learn. You re spinning your wheels without tutoring and good teachers may be found in a bonsai club or seminars w exp artists.
Good luck.
Good luck.
Cadillactaste
Neagari Gal
I've made contact with a gentleman named Ken an hour from my place...he is a whole seller...and does have open houses and classes and will also come to my home or I can go to him...he will will also take care of a persons collection (which is important for when I am out of the country on mission trips) so I need not worry the house sitter taking care of our zoo will do something like...over water them. Though...I am looking into a group near me. But you made a great observation! And I do appreciate that.
The book I just received...has gotten me wanting to mess with either a stump...or something collected. They have a section on stumps that intrigued me.
Cadillactaste
Neagari Gal
Well...I went to the back of the woods with the golf cart. (We have go cart paths through the woods) Then got off and walked a bit. I think the trees struggling to hang onto the hillside with some interesting root systems.
But...I also seen at the end of ones drive...a pruned pine/shrub that was 3/4 of the way dead...with two branches still having good life...hm-mmmm I know Rick...it's a weekend house. So I may think on it...and possibly ask him what his intentions are for it. (He pulled the other one flanking the other side out and tossed it due to it being dead) not to overly tall...I bet no taller than my up to my knees if that.
But...I also seen at the end of ones drive...a pruned pine/shrub that was 3/4 of the way dead...with two branches still having good life...hm-mmmm I know Rick...it's a weekend house. So I may think on it...and possibly ask him what his intentions are for it. (He pulled the other one flanking the other side out and tossed it due to it being dead) not to overly tall...I bet no taller than my up to my knees if that.
fore
Omono
His sub contractor is also a tree trimmer and takes trees down.
Start by having your hubby bring home 4-5' tree stumps and cement them into the ground and you've got yourself a very natural looking bonsai stand. Your lucky to have access to this
Cadillactaste
Neagari Gal
Start by having your hubby bring home 4-5' tree stumps and cement them into the ground and you've got yourself a very natural looking bonsai stand. Your lucky to have access to this
What a neat idea! We have hardscape with large boulders I was going to use...but that is also an idea.
We also have dead space on a small deck/landing coming up the front of our house...but full afternoon sun.
