The Progression of an Alien

[mattspinniken]

Collected fall 16
And how it looks today. Cut way back and rebuilding structure. I might have an open hole right through the middle BC why not.

 

[AlainK]

Very interesting, I think it will be a great bonsai.

What species is this alien, what planet is it from?

Thuyaland, the Chamaecyparis Federation?...

 

[M. Frary]

What species is this alien

White cedar.
They grow like weeds here.
Right next to the Tamaracks.
Down in the swamp.

 

[mattspinniken]

Very interesting, I think it will be a great bonsai.

What species is this alien, what planet is it from?

Thuyaland, the Chamaecyparis Federation?...

Yep the not so elusive Thuja. It’s actually @M. Frary ’s favorite species

 

[M. Frary]

Yep the not so elusive Thuja. It’s actually @M. Frary ’s favorite species

Keep it up and I might go look for a suitable one to excavate next spring.

 

[mattspinniken]

Keep it up and I might go look for a suitable one to excavate next spring.

I'm going to start experimenting with Hinocki grafts. Im also going to try some Shimpaku grafts which I have heard could work but is hard for me to believe. Not on this tree but a different one. Im going to set up some approach graft experiments and I will let you know how they go.

 

[M. Frary]

I'm going to start experimenting with Hinocki grafts. Im also going to try some Shimpaku grafts which I have heard could work but is hard for me to believe. Im going to set up some approach graft experiments and I will let you know how they go.

Shimpaku foliage is hardier than hinoki.
That would be killer.

 

[Cosmos]

Amazing tree and outstanding progression in 1.5 year (?!?!). Any tip for collecting thuya, as far as timing and aftercare go?

 

[M. Frary]

Amazing tree and outstanding progression in 1.5 year (?!?!). Any tip for collecting thuya, as far as timing and aftercare go?

Like most it's spring for collection.
Let sit at least a year to recuperate.

 

[Wilson]

Amazing tree and outstanding progression in 1.5 year (?!?!). Any tip for collecting thuya, as far as timing and aftercare go?

If you look at the cedar industry in our province, you will see that these are vigorous as all heck! These are sold bare root in the nurseries, hacked right outta the field!

 

[Cosmos]

Like most it's spring for collection.
Let sit at least a year to recuperate.

How wide is that window? Are we talking late winter/early spring, as soon as the big frosts are behind us, or can that window stretch to late May? Given that it's a bit harder to tell when a thuya starts growing, as opposed to a pine or a spruce for ex.

If you look at the cedar industry in our province, you will see that these are vigorous as all heck! These are sold bare root in the nurseries, hacked right outta the field!

Oh, trust me I know! I bought one on the south shore (hedging material, 20 bucks, about 4' tall) in late April, hacked the hell out of it in the last month and it is budding all over the trunk. Wonderful deciduous-like reaction to pruning, really.

 

[mattspinniken]

For collection from what I have found:

1. Get ALOT of roots, its worth the effort to excavate carefully to remove a good amount of roots. If you do this and collect in the early spring or early fall it will work nearly 100% of the time.

2. Aftercare is keep it out of afternoon sun and high winds like other species. Dont let it dry out but dont overwater.

Collecting old Cedars is different than younger plants, if you get an old Cedar (some that I have collected are over 200-300 years old) without enough roots it will die.

 

[mattspinniken]

Another shot with this tree and another, foliage not worked at all on these yet.

 

[M. Frary]

Another shot with this tree and another, foliage not worked at all on these yet.View attachment 197117

That's It!
I'm looking now.
I usually walk by these trees every day without taking a second look.

 

[Lazylightningny]

Collected fall 16
And how it looks today. Cut way back and rebuilding structure. I might have an open hole right through the middle BC why not.View attachment 196971View attachment 196972

That was a bold reduction. Well done!

 

[mattspinniken]

That was a bold reduction. Well done!

Yeah thank you, it was one were I knew I didn’t like the tree unless it was a lot more compact. It had some small branches that are doing well now, not much backbudding.

 

[DannyDj]

Keeping that JM as a buddy, eh?

 

[mattspinniken]

Keeping that JM as a buddy, eh?

I figured he needed a little buddy in there.

Also, side note, WC has back budded for me and the way to do it is get it super happy.

 

[just.wing.it]

Wow!
Awesome ?