potentials for collection?

[MauroUna]

Number 3 would be a bitch to collect. You would need to get the hunk of root from the big tree because that is its main source of water and nutrition. You basically would have a tree on a log.
Number 2 looks doable. It looks to be a spruce or fir maybe.
If you try make sure to get as many roots as possible with native soil around them.
Number 1. If it's a maple I can't help. I don't mess with any. Too large of leaves,petioles and internodes. But it looks collectable if you are set on it.
The thing about all of these trees (and I've done this in the past) is they are just run of the mill trees growing in the woods. I've collected trees since I've gotten back into bonsai that are just plain trees. Straight trunks ,hardly any taper. Just to have trees to work on. Now I hate them.
Since almost everything is now just kindling I'm looking to replace with better,more interesting trunks. Which means,and no poke at you or the trees you've chosen,is I walk by hundreds of trees that I used to collect to find the real good ones. Those aren't usually found in the woods itself but on the outskirts. Trees in the forest are all trying to get to the sunlight. So they grow tall,straight and with no taper to the trunk.
Collecting trees is a great way for people to get out. See things. Get some fresh air and exercise. And the best way to end a day of collecting is to come back with a tree or two that you lose sleep over thinking about what it can be and how to get it there.

Wow. This is the truth.

 

[barrosinc]

It looks to be a spruce or fir maybe.

I have never seen a fir in real life and look so similar to spruces... Any tips on separating them?

 

[aml1014]

My rule is collect anything you see potential in and are confident in survival. If you don't like it in a few years, SELL IT! That's just more money for trees

Aaron

 

[M. Frary]

I have never seen a fir in real life and look so similar to spruces... Any tips on separating them?

The easiest way to tell the difference between fir and spruce is to touch them. Spruce have stiff needles that poke.
Fir needles are soft like,well like fur.

 

[fredman]

Bears don't worry me much

Best is to speak to it first...it might be Mike Frary in a coat

 

[Nwaite]

Dug this up to night. .. what a fucking job that was..

It was in the side of a 20' gravel drive way in the middle of were trash used to be dumped. ..

I'm 90% sure it's an elm . It had supper flaky bark and there was a big alm not to far away.

 

[fredman]

WoW. If it doesn't make it, the children can use it as another toy...

 

[aml1014]

Dug this up to night. .. what a fucking job that was..

It was in the side of a 20' gravel drive way in the middle of were trash used to be dumped. ..

I'm 90% sure it's an elm . It had supper flaky bark and there was a big alm not to far away.

Nice dig man! It looks like an elm, and if so, it's going to live. I personally may have chopped it a little lower since that's where this trees character is.

Aaron

 

[LanceMac10]

Dug this up to night. .. what a fucking job that was..

It was in the side of a 20' gravel drive way in the middle of were trash used to be dumped. ..

I'm 90% sure it's an elm . It had supper flaky bark and there was a big alm not to far away.

Take a look around for some Larch..Tamarack...as well. Should be some up there your way....
Good luck with this one....should be some other elms locally as well.

 

[CWTurner]

I personally may have chopped it a little lower since that's where this trees character is.

I agree with this Nwaite. Chop about half of that dry portion of trunk before it starts putting out new tender, and easily broken, roots.
CW

 

[Nwaite]

I'll hit it with the old chainsaw when I get home from work

 

[rockm]

Well, um, looks a bit like a headless animal of some sort...Prove me wrong, but there's not a lot you can do or learn with a huge log with an uninteresting, unworkable rainbow curve. I mean beyond keeping it alive. If it's an elm, you'd probably have to set it on fire to actually kill it. So you're going to have to find a container large enough to hold it and enough soil to fill that container.

If I aim to dig a trunk that big, it's got to have something that pretty dang special--
What I'm saying is, same problem with this trunk as the ones you posted before. It's not all that interesting.

 

[j evans]

Lots of good advice. Sometimes you feel like you just need to dig something up. Would be good practice for the future if you don't mind the work and have the time. Just my two cents

 

[Nwaite]

Well, um, looks a bit like a headless animal of some sort...Prove me wrong, but there's not a lot you can do or learn with a huge log with an uninteresting, unworkable rainbow curve. I mean beyond keeping it alive. If it's an elm, you'd probably have to set it on fire to actually kill it. So you're going to have to find a container large enough to hold it and enough soil to fill that container.

If I aim to dig a trunk that big, it's got to have something that pretty dang special--
What I'm saying is, same problem with this trunk as the ones you posted before. It's not all that interesting.

Lol thanks
Trust me I didn't realize it was that big... all the dark part was under the ground.

But I like to dig and I have an idea in mind that hopefully will work out.
Only one way to find out.

 

[Nwaite]

Something like this. ..?

 

[fredman]

Nothing like...time and a plan

 

[sorce]

I'm with that.

I'm also with ground layering something like that where it stands.

If you dig down a bit, and it's lopsided, just layer it!

Sorce

 

[Nwaite]

So I went out and dug up that maple this evening. Got help from my little baby girl

 

[fredman]

Nice. Hope they grow up well together

 

[sorce]

I like the size and shape of the pot you chose.
Very unrookie like move!

Nice!

Sorce