WTB: Oak

[zachkent29]

I'm looking for a decnt quality oak (any species). I would prefer shohin but would consider most any size.

PM me if you have anything you're looking to get rid of.

Thanks.

 

[zachkent29]

And by get rid of, I mean sell.

 

[zachkent29]

Okay, I've seen a lot of posts on here from everyone that has oaks. So, let me ask, where are you getting these??

We don't have any full-time bonsai nurseries near Nashvile so I've been emailing nurseies who ship trees and have been getting only a few responses. So far those are only "we don't have any".

 

[Paradox]

Not sure where you are seeing "everyone that has oaks".

In the four years Ive been paying attention, I rarely see an oak as bonsai. Ive seen literally like less than 5 of them out of 1000s of posts/trees and Ive never seen one for sale at a bonsai nursery.

My understanding is that they dont bonsai well because most of the time they dont cooperate with leaf reduction tecniques and dont get small leaves.

There is the rare exception, but like I said it is very rare.

 

[rockm]

I have had oak bonsai for some time. This is my live oak this spring--Quercus virginiana "fusiformis." Texas-collected about 25 years ago. I got lucky back when there were more collectors in the Southern U.S.

You'll have to be more specific about what you're looking for.

Oaks are different on the east coast and west coast. West coast and desert oaks (Coast live oak Quercis agrifolia is probably the most commonly used oak for bonsai, second is cork live oak, quercus suber--a European species native to warmer climates there) can't really take eastern winters. Both of those species will need a lot of protection in your area. Do a search on either and "bonsai" and you will come up with many sources.

If you're after oak species native to your area, things are more complicated (And probably more expensive and harder to accomplish). A lot of eastern oak species aren't used for bonsai, because no one has taken them up. That's a shame. The most commonly used (which probably has the best characteristics for bonsai treatment) is Willow Oak Quercus phellos. It's native to the southeast in your area. It's relatively rare as bonsai, but there are collectors who have it.

Zach Smith, at http://bonsai-south.com/ has been collecting and selling Willow oak for some time.

If you're after eastern "live oak" Quercus virginiana, you can find it, but not easily. I got mine from a collector in Texas back in the 90s. Not many people are selling it, now, although Zach has said he occasionally runs across it.
Don at
http://www.gregorybeachbonsai.com/ has some spectacular examples of live oak and even eastern white oak, but unless they'll set you back several thousand, not to mention another in shipping.

 

[rockm]

Not sure where you are seeing "everyone that has oaks".

In the four years Ive been paying attention, I rarely see an oak as bonsai. Ive seen literally like less than 5 of them out of 1000s of posts/trees and Ive never seen one for sale at a bonsai nursery.

My understanding is that they dont bonsai well because most of the time they dont cooperate with leaf reduction tecniques and dont get small leaves.

There is the rare exception, but like I said it is very rare.

They are not uncommon, especially on the West Coast where the native species are apparently more amenable to bonsai training. I've found thatt when you mention oak bonsai online, people always assume you're talking about Cork oaks and California Coast live oak. Eastern oak species are rare as hen's teeth.

There is some truth to what you say about leaf reduction. White oak can actually increase its leaf size if you're took aggressive with pruning etc. My live oak is capable of reducing 2-3 inch long leaves to a half inch of smaller, though. Eastern oak species can be a touchy about having their tap roots messed with. Some debate about timing (before leaf break, or during active growth) has been going on in the last few years.

 

[zachkent29]

Paradox-I'm not trying to debate whether or not they make "good" bonsai. I just want one.

Rockm-I can protect those that need protection during the winter so I'm really looking for any oak species. I will reach out to those you mentioned.

Thanks for the comments.

 

[rockm]

By protection, I mean cold greenhouse, above 28 F. If they are live oaks, they need light in the winter.

 

[zachkent29]

Yes, I understood.

Thanks.

 

[LanceMac10]

How about a Pin Oak? Quercus Palustris. Trunk chopped one a few years ago and the leaves were starting to reduce a bit. Then, I killed it last winter, 13-14. With a little more protection, (I left it outside!!) it would have been fine. Should be no problem in the "Nash" Don't think a small tree would work, Oak growth can be pretty coarse.

 

[zachkent29]

Pin oak would be nice as well.

 

[aframe]

English Oak and Coastal Live oak seedlings pop up all around my house. I'd send them to you, but the shipping wouldn't be worth it. Are you looking for a pre-trained specimen?
I found this pin oak in a nursery 20min from home, are you sure there is not good material in your neck of the woods? I thought pin oaks could be found throughout the south?

 

[zachkent29]

Yeah, I was looking for something more developed.

Luckily, I just received a wonderful cork bark oak from a member here.