Winterize - how to?

[JerArt]

Hi all! This is my first season practicing bonsai. I am in zone 8b, and curious about setting up for the winter season. I have seen where it is a good practice to place young (if not all small(er)) trees into a poly tote container with a few drainage holes, and fill it up with some mulch. When i was going to pick up a poly bin for my trees, i thought about should i get a clear or black poly tote. Does this matter? would a black poly tote be better then a clear poly tote? It may not even make a difference but was curious none the less. any input is appreciated. Cheers!!

The trees I would put into the bin(s) would be:
- 2 Bald Cypress'
- 1 Trident Maple
- 1 Alberta Spruce

 

[19Mateo83]

Welcome to the nut house! Your the answer to your question depends on some variables. First off, please add your location to your profile so members can give you more location specific advice. Secondly, those are all fairly cold tolerant trees and the tote may be unnecessary.

 

[Eckhoffw]

In your zone, I would think just placing these trees on the ground in the winter would be sufficient. If critters are a problem, perhaps include a netting around them.

You may want to throw some ice from time to time on the Alberta Spruce.

 

[Orion_metalhead]

On the ground, no tote, in a wind-protected location with mulch around them should be good. I use cedar mulch, piled about 2-3" above the pot surface. In spring, I remove the mulch. I am one zone colder here in NJ.

 

[JerArt]

Thank you all for your feedback. It’s very helpful. I’m very much a rookie. Haven’t even truly styled anything, just want to make sure I can take care of them through summer/winter first . Definitely have a lot to learn.

 

[dbonsaiw]

On the ground, no tote, in a wind-protected location with mulch around them should be good. I use cedar mulch, piled about 2-3" above the pot surface. In spring, I remove the mulch

This is what I do as well.

 

[rockm]

In NE Texas winter protection for the species you list are on the ground under light mulch up over the tops of the pots. Make sure there is some dead space under the pots before you cover with mulch. Water the trees before mulching. Then water the mulch. Make sure the pile stays moist over the winter. If the pots drain ( the space underneath insures that) you won’t have to worry about out rain etc.

Important that all your trees get hit with frost and several shallow freezes above 25 BEFORE you store them. That cold will harden them off and help protect them for the deeper Jan/feb cold