Show us your Oak (Quercus) Pre-Bonsai

[RaginCajun]

I might be wrong, but it looks like black oak to me.

You may be correct. It’s definitely either a black oak or cherry bark oak. Here’s an updated guide from the LSUag center.

 

[Housguy]

Worked on big corker

 

[Moridin]

Mt. Tabor Oak

Trunk and base were covered in moss when I got it so it will take a bit to get the bark back forming down low.

 

[rusticana]

I really love oaks and I hope to create a few decent bonsai in the coming years. I have several seedlings from acorns collected locally, but the few that I have that are at the pre-bonsai stage have been purchased in the past year from various sources. The one exception to this is my live oak that I grew from seed sprouted in 2006. This tree, which has a dedicated thread, is residing in Fl under my dad's care.

English Oak:

View attachment 159522

Two other English oaks (Quercus robur):

View attachment 159524

Scarlet oak (Quercus coccinea) with massive leaves. It remains to be seen if these can be reduced for a somewhat convincing large bonsai:

View attachment 159525

Closeup of scarlet oak trunk:
View attachment 159526
White oak (Quercus alba), purchased last month:

View attachment 159527

Closeup of trunk, the base looks better in person:

View attachment 159528

Lets see more oaks!

Never quite sure what to do with oaks. So they end up in my neglected department,
The first one is the Gary oak. Its quite ancient. I'm hoping to just keep it alive. The other one (white/english oak) is kind of weird. Dos'nt lose it leaves in fall and even next spring it a chore to get them off

 

[Wulfskaar]

I have this coast live oak growing in my front yard. I planned on digging it up soon, but at this point, it seems way too big. The trunk is quite a bit fatter than a soda can.

Also, it may be illegal for me to dig it up, so I'd have to hope no one notices. If I were to collect this, it would obviously be chopped.

Would you guys dig this up or let it stay?

 

[BrianBay9]

You could certainly count on getting lots of new growth after the chop, but you'd still be starting with a smooth, grey cylinder. It will be a long time turning new growth into substantial primary branching. I would pass on that one.

 

[Wulfskaar]

You could certainly count on getting lots of new growth after the chop, but you'd still be starting with a smooth, grey cylinder. It will be a long time turning new growth into substantial primary branching. I would pass on that one.

Thank you Brian. I think I will pass on that and not risk getting a fine. A huge oak it shall be!

 

[Big Country Bonsai]

Slightly uncertain of the exact species but it appears to be a type of post oak. Collected in 2019 and getting close to being ready for a bonsai pot.

 

[rollwithak]

View attachment 574610
Slightly uncertain of the exact species but it appears to be a type of post oak. Collected in 2019 and getting close to being ready for a bonsai pot.

Good looking tree !!!! I am terrified to try and get my oaks out of bigger pots. Already killed one tree that I really really loved.

 

[Joe Dupre']

Good looking tree !!!! I am terrified to try and get my oaks out of bigger pots. Already killed one tree that I really really loved.

I'm with you. Look, trees don't like small pots. WE like small pots. I always try to use the largest pot size that appeals to me. I had a post a while back showing bonsai in Japanese prints from 200-300 years ago or more. All of the pots where gigantic by today's standards. Tastes come and go in the bonsai world just like in anything else. I'm a child of the 60's and 70's. I long since gave up wearing WIDE collars, leisure suits and platform shoes.

 

[Gabler]

I'm with you. Look, trees don't like small pots. WE like small pots. I always try to use the largest pot size that appeals to me. I had a post a while back showing bonsai in Japanese prints from 200-300 years ago or more. All of the pots where gigantic by today's standards. Tastes come and go in the bonsai world just like in anything else. I'm a child of the 60's and 70's. I long since gave up wearing WIDE collars, leisure suits and platform shoes.

I often see Japanese trees in pots that look comically small. I'm not sure why that's trendy.

 

[Big Country Bonsai]

Good looking tree !!!! I am terrified to try and get my oaks out of bigger pots. Already killed one tree that I really really loved.

I’ve done the same thing with a different species. I repotted this tree 2 years ago and it got knocked of a bench this year and has seemed to bounce back good both times so hopefully it doesnt fuss too much

 

[Big Country Bonsai]

Well the day arrived this weekend. Not sure if it’s considered a bonsai or pre-bonsai at this point but she’s in a bonsai pot!

 

[Tieball]

Well the day arrived this weekend. Not sure if it’s considered a bonsai or pre-bonsai at this point but she’s in a bonsai pot!

Excellent! Nice choice of bonsai pot. I like the soft unglazed pastel teal tone with the complimentary patina. It coordinates well with the trunk bark. The tree and pot are working well together and the whole visual package is well assembled.Mighty fine!

 

[SFDrake]

Southern live oak I purchased a year ago with a funky base. Threw on a couple guy wires because the branches were so straight

 

[houterig]

Well, not really pre bonsai but lets say in the future.

Not all are quercus though,

20 patraea
20 robur
5 rubra

 

[Big Country Bonsai]

Excellent! Nice choice of bonsai pot. I like the soft unglazed pastel teal tone with the complimentary patina. It coordinates well with the trunk bark. The tree and pot are working well together and the whole visual package is well assembled.Mighty fine!

I was unsure if it was going to fit but it was nearly a perfect fit! I’m happy with how it came out. If I ever put this tree in a show it may need a pot upgrade but I like it for now!

 

[Tieball]

Well, not really pre bonsai but lets say in the future.

Not all are quercus though,

20 patraea
20 robur
5 rubra
View attachment 585364

You’re going to have looks of work in the future.