My First JBP

[markyscott]

For past week all trees Black pine included have been covered with ice. This has happened in past as well. Have only lost one JBP in past and not sure why. Just failed to wake up and grow one Spring. Also have been thru temps down to about zero F so not that cold sensitive at least here.

They can certainly tolerate freezes, but JBP are not as cold hardy as other pine species. I'd be cautious with temps down to 0F. Here are couple of references.

http://www.bonsainut.com/threads/why-japanese-black-pine.16109/page-2#post-215761
https://crataegus.com/2016/10/28/be-careful-with-shore-pine-in-the-winter/

Scott

 

[petegreg]

I was advised before their first winter not to expose them to temps lower than - 4℃ (25 ℉), some other sources say -7 ℃ (19 ℉). So they are sitting outside out of the direct sun and wind and are shuffled when required. First winter, just a thought.
And this comes from free downloadable newsletter http://victoriabonsai.bc.ca/Newsletters/2016-oct-17.pdf ...

 

[Grant Hamby]

I chose to bring the tree into the unheated garage for the cold spell. The tree is now back in its outdoor spot. I have a PVC frame over it with netting to keep critters away, and I also drape a canvas over it when temps get a little lower, just in case.

 

[jeanluc83]

I would try to find a spot for the tree and leave it there. Moving your trees around too much can cause additional stress. Consistency is what you are looking for. You want to avoid extremes.

Yes I have all my deciduous trees in the garage, I can throw it in there for a bit.

Why would you not just leave your pine in the garage with you deciduous trees?

 

[Grant Hamby]

I would try to find a spot for the tree and leave it there. Moving your trees around too much can cause additional stress. Consistency is what you are looking for. You want to avoid extremes.

Why would you not just leave your pine in the garage with you deciduous trees?

I assumed the pine needed sunlight throughout the winter and was more tolerant of colder temps than the maples and such.

I'd much rather put the pine in the garage if that's not a problem.

This is my first legit pine, so I don't really know what I'm doing, haha.

 

[aml1014]

I assumed the pine needed sunlight throughout the winter and was more tolerant of colder temps than the maples and such.

I'd much rather put the pine in the garage if that's not a problem.

This is my first legit pine, so I don't really know what I'm doing, haha.

The maples are definitely more cold hardy then the JBP. I'd say if Temps are consistently below 40°f in your garage, it'll be fine in there as it should be completely dormant.

Aaron

 

[Grant Hamby]

The maples are definitely more cold hardy then the JBP. I'd say if Temps are consistently below 40°f in your garage, it'll be fine in there as it should be completely dormant.

Aaron

Dang! That makes life so much easier.. However, it looks like the weather is warming up for a while. In the 60's on Christmas?!

 

[Nybonsai12]

i tend to bring the black pines into the garage when temps are around 25 degrees. usually with wind that means it feels like 15 or less. Other species I leave out.

 

[aml1014]

Dang! That makes life so much easier.. However, it looks like the weather is warming up for a while. In the 60's on Christmas?!

Tell me about it, I have some of the more cold hardy flowering species flowering at work right like willows, lilacs, forsythia and others. Insane "winter" we're having eh? Lol

Aaron

 

[Grant Hamby]

Tell me about it, I have some of the more cold hardy flowering species flowering at work right like willows, lilacs, forsythia and others. Insane "winter" we're having eh? Lol

Aaron

Yes indeed.

I'll be a sad dude if this tree doesn't wake up. But I won't give up on pines. I'll just be Muranaka's favorite customer, haha.

 

[jeanluc83]

I believe that pines do not need light when the temperature is below 45° F.

Insane "winter" we're having eh? Lol

Based on the last few winters these big temperature swings are going to be the norm. It is our job to ensure our trees stay as consistent a temperature as possible.

 

[Grant Hamby]

I believe that pines do not need light when the temperature is below 45° F.

Based on the last few winters these big temperature swings are going to be the norm. It is our job to ensure our trees stay as consistent a temperature as possible.

It seems like the garage would help to insulate the tree from the wild temp swings, is that right? I keep a wireless thermometer in the garage so I can monitor it.

 

[Grant Hamby]

Grass is starting to grow in the pot, it's probably still on California time. Does that mean I need to repot this tree soon? I have no idea what swelling buds on a pine look like, so I'm not sure how to tell.

 

[Adair M]

Grass is starting to grow in the pot, it's probably still on California time. Does that mean I need to repot this tree soon? I have no idea what swelling buds on a pine look like, so I'm not sure how to tell.

Go out and take a picture of some buds of the tree. The top ones will do.

Later, when you check on the tree, compare the current buds to the photograph. If they're bigger, they're swelling. Easy-peasy.

 

[Grant Hamby]

Go out and take a picture of some buds of the tree. The top ones will do.

Later, when you check on the tree, compare the current buds to the photograph. If they're bigger, they're swelling. Easy-peasy.

Genius. Thank you, Adair.

 

[Grant Hamby]

I was happy to find a decent basal flare and healthy roots on this guy. I decided to skip the basket and go straight to the training pot.



I tried to adhere to Boon's repotting methods as closely as possible. I feel like it was one of my better repots. After seeing it potted up, I have new enthusiasm for this tree. I feel like after a couple years of good growth and styling (better wiring, pulling the branches down a bit more, etc.), the tree will really begin to take shape.

 

[Adair M]

Looks good, Grant. You can begin using organic fertilizer in a couple weeks.

Let it settle in. I don't recommend decandling this year, wait until next year.

 

[Grant Hamby]

Looks good, Grant. You can begin using organic fertilizer in a couple weeks.

Let it settle in. I don't recommend decandling this year, wait until next year.

Thanks! Sounds like a plan!

 

[LanceMac10]

Did you happen to get a photo of the roots before you put it in it's container?

 

[Grant Hamby]

Did you happen to get a photo of the roots before you put it in it's container?

Nooo