potentials for collection?

[Nwaite]

It depends on what you are looking for. The problem I have with collected trees is that it will be many years before they get to the refinement stage. It is nice to work on trees that are further along. There are also trees that you are just not going to find or rarely find. Pines are a good example. Unless you are really out there looking you are not going to find many pines that are collectable and worth collecting.

...BUT, collecting could be a good way to finance your addiction. Each year collect more trees than you want so that you have stock to trade or sell later on. In a few years you could set yourself up for a zero cost hobby.

I have a a good size family and try not to spend $ on my own hobbys... so if and when I do buy a tre/shrub in a box store plant for $5 at the most ... I think I spent 8 one time. If I get enough collected stock that u could sell some day though you can bet your sweet ass I would lay down some cash for an already to go in a pot real deal bonsai. But for now I have an entire forest to collect from... for free. Thats were my enrgy will go.

 

[M. Frary]

many years before they get to the refinement stage.

3 to 5 for a collected elm.
It is a great way to get material. Except if you want trees that don't grow in your area. Like japanese maples,junipers,chinese elms and other great bonsai candidates.
I need shimpaku. So I save for them. All the ones I had got ate up so now I'm behind.
Digging extra material when out collecting to sell does work. Especially if it's in demand,like tamaracks seem to be gaining.

 

[mattspinniken]

I'm thinking about selling some of my collected Tamarack to make some room for other species. I love Tamarck but also want some Shimps, Maples, Jack/Mugo Pines, White Cedar, etc.

 

[Nwaite]

Just found this on the side of my driveway. ... think it's worth digging?

I think it's a fur?

From what I think ( please correct me if I'm wrong ) the roots look cool?

And there lower new growth that I would think is what you want...?

 

[sorce]

Just found this

You must have a long ass driveway!

I like it....

If I had the space.....I would plant stuff like this in a kiddie pool.....so you can keep all the roots splayed out and reduced back in time.

Nice.

Sorce

 

[Nwaite]

Went and dug it up after I had my fish, asparagus and rice dinner mmm.

It was all sand and fist sized rocks so it wasn't to bad to get out.

Just don't know were or if I should chop it. And in site would be very grateful.

 

[jeanluc83]

My money is on Eastern hemlock. Not a bad tree but not the best for bonsai.

 

[Nwaite]

So should I hack the top off somewhere? It's like 4 feet tall.

 

[sorce]

So should I hack the top off somewhere? It's like 4 feet tall.

No!

Let it Friggin live first!

Go take another avatar pic!

Sorce

 

[M. Frary]

Go take another avatar pic!

It looks like it was taken right after a little wake and bake!

 

[Nwaite]

Sooo do you not chop the tops off of conifers at all?

It looks like it was taken right after a little wake and bake!

I was pooping. .... kinda like a wake and bake I gess. I don't smoke until the kids are relaxing for the night.

 

[sorce]

A slow reduction is preferable I reckon...

It's the dirt that is killing me.

Sorce

 

[Nwaite]

A slow reduction is preferable I reckon...

It's the dirt that is killing me.

Sorce

Don't worry... it's only the top 1/2 inch the rest it the same stuff I dug ir out of. Just less rocks. Figure I would keep it as happy as possible after ripping it out of there.

 

[M. Frary]

Sooo do you not chop the tops off of conifers at all?

You try to keep as much as possible for root production.

 

[Nwaite]

Thank you. Hopefully she makes it.
It was hard digging it out with all the rocks. But I used my hands so I think I kept a good amount of roots.

 

[M. Frary]

Thank you. Hopefully she makes it.
It was hard digging it out with all the rocks. But I used my hands so I think I kept a good amount of roots.

Now that's a real man! Forget the shovels and saws! Fingers and teeth!
That explains the avatar picture.

 

[aml1014]

Now that's a real man! Forget the shovels and saws! Fingers and teeth!
That explains the avatar picture.

Lol the first two trees I ever dug up I used a rock and my hands, then I wrapped the rootballs in my hoodie.

Aaron

 

[M. Frary]

They make tools you guys! Going at it caveman style is awesome but we have evolved into tool use.

 

[aml1014]

They make tools you guys! Going at it caveman style is awesome but we have evolved into tool use.

That was over 3 years ago lol, I've learned that it takes 10 mins to pull a mature tree with tools, instead of 25 mins to pull a little sapling lol.

Aaron