Im stuck away from my trees!

[mattspinniken]

My family and I have decided to stay in Puerto Rico until things relax a bit. I am not sure I want to fly my 4 month old or 4 year old right now. We had a flight booked until it was canceled and things changed quickly.

My father in law is actually living at my house right now, and will care for my trees until we can fly back.

It makes me sick to be away from my trees this time of year and potentially missing collection, repotting, and larch wiring. Keeping the family safe is a priority though.

He will be watering my trees at a minimum. My trees are winterized outdoors inside of large hardware cloth boxes. Any tips on how to ensure my trees survive under my father in laws care while I am gone? He thankfully is a very smart and detailed person. I am thinking facetime might come in handy.

 

[Wires_Guy_wires]

Toothpicks or chopsticks in the soil to check if they need water, and having him send pictures every threw days should help a lot.
My parents pampered my trees thanks to that basically fool proof system.

 

[jaco94]

Maybe also don't stress him too much , just tell him how to water and everything will be fine

 

[sorce]

And don't you stress brother!

Everything will be fine!

Sorce

 

[Cadillactaste]

Can he set up a yard sprinkler to turn on and shut off to reach them? I find that is quite helpful...than watering individually for care takers. And leave it run 15 minutes on them.

Family is ones first priority. Stay safe...trees at the end of the day can be replaced.

 

[Leo in N E Illinois]

Hang in there Matt

 

[Carol 83]

I am not sure I want to fly my 4 month old or 4 year old right now.

I sure wouldn't! Take care of your family and be safe. Sounds like your trees are in capable hands.

 

[penumbra]

You are where you need to be. Miss your trees but by thankful.

 

[crust]

I lived overseas for 3 years and my wife tended many many trees. Just watering is easy, checking when to water is the skill you must impart. Easy.

 

[River's Edge]

My family and I have decided to stay in Puerto Rico until things relax a bit. I am not sure I want to fly my 4 month old or 4 year old right now. We had a flight booked until it was canceled and things changed quickly.

My father in law is actually living at my house right now, and will care for my trees until we can fly back.

It makes me sick to be away from my trees this time of year and potentially missing collection, repotting, and larch wiring. Keeping the family safe is a priority though.

He will be watering my trees at a minimum. My trees are winterized outdoors inside of large hardware cloth boxes. Any tips on how to ensure my trees survive under my father in laws care while I am gone? He thankfully is a very smart and detailed person. I am thinking facetime might come in handy.

I understand where you are coming from. It is happening to me in a different way. Recovering from major back surgery I am unable to get out to my workshop or Bonsai Nursery. Will likely miss another three weeks of busy time this year! Have been tied up since March 9th. My helper is watering carefully, All other activities on hold for the season. Patience is such a necessity for this hobby. Experience tells me the trees will be fine and I should stop fussing
Keep Healthy and enjoy the family time.

 

[0soyoung]

Well, @mattspiniken, you are all healthy.
Little else really matters more than staying that way.

 

[Paradox]

My family and I have decided to stay in Puerto Rico until things relax a bit. I am not sure I want to fly my 4 month old or 4 year old right now. We had a flight booked until it was canceled and things changed quickly.

My father in law is actually living at my house right now, and will care for my trees until we can fly back.

It makes me sick to be away from my trees this time of year and potentially missing collection, repotting, and larch wiring. Keeping the family safe is a priority though.

He will be watering my trees at a minimum. My trees are winterized outdoors inside of large hardware cloth boxes. Any tips on how to ensure my trees survive under my father in laws care while I am gone? He thankfully is a very smart and detailed person. I am thinking facetime might come in handy.

Its probably still pretty cold in Michigan so I wouldnt worry about the trees.
Are they still buried under snow?
Your and your family's health is more important.
The trees will be fine

 

[mattspinniken]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the kind words. It actually does make me feel better. I agree they will be fine once I get back. I hope everyone is safe and healthy.

 

[mattspinniken]

For watering I like the toothpick idea, im trying to keep it simple. Some of my trees have "wicks" out the bottom, which also help in telling if something needs water.