How can you handle the large bonsai?

[rockm]

Yeah, but I can't afford 20 year old Scotch and decent bourbon's $30.

Decent beer is half that and I don't have to make a special trip the Va. Alcoholic Beverage Control Store to get it. Va.'s local constabulary covets tax revenue from sinners...

Anyway, drinking doesn't really help with lifting, it just makes it less painful when you drop that 150 lb tree and pot on your left big toe...

 

[greerhw]

Yeah, but I can't afford 20 year old Scotch and decent bourbon's $30.

Decent beer is half that and I don't have to make a special trip the Va. Alcoholic Beverage Control Store to get it. Va.'s local constabulary covets tax revenue from sinners...

Anyway, drinking doesn't really help with lifting, it just makes it less painful when you drop that 150 lb tree and pot on your left big toe...

Who said anyting about drinking and lifting, a full coctail glass only weighs about 10oz, lifting, geez..................

keep it green,
Harry

 

[fredtruck]

I use a hydraulic lift cart. I can raise the bed to the height of the tree on the stand, slide the tree off the stand onto the cart, and then take it to where it will be for the winter. You can get a hydraulic lift cart at a good tool supplier.

 

[Bill S]

Ah but the liquor makes you think you can levitate that big ol tree, the next morning is when you realize your back is doubly shot.

Good for you Walter, good to be in that good of shape, I used to work out at the gym regular, it's the herniated disc that keeps me out of there now.

Also nothing wrong with smaller trees.

 

[greerhw]

Hey Walter, if I had to start working out to be able to lift my trees, I'd start collecting stamps.....

keep it green,
Harry

 

[mholt]

Or a few....12 oz curls continues the pump. I'm glad to hear Walter is an advocate of lifting weights. He looks like he's in better shape than most guys 30 years younger. Oops...reply was intended for Rockm. Still getting used to the forum.

 

[Attila Soos]

Harry Hirao comes to mind,
He must be over 80 and I've never seen him working on small trees. One can look at big trees as a form of physical exercise. They can keep you strong as long as you live.

The key is to keep the correct body form when lifting, so that injury is avoided.

Or, one can use this:

 

[mcpesq817]

Harry Hirao comes to mind,
He must be over 80 and I've never seen him working on small trees. One can look at big trees as a form of physical exercise. They can keep you strong as long as you live.

The key is to keep the correct body form when lifting, so that injury is avoided.

Or, one can use this:

Harry Hirao is in his early 90s. He did a demonstration on a California Juniper at the annual spring show at the National Arboretum this past May. From the stories they were telling, it sounds like he still goes into the mountains collecting - he actually came down with pneumonia after one collectring trip just before the spring show, yet recovered and made it to DC.

I hope I have half his strength, energy and enthusiasm when I turn 60, let alone 90.

 

[Attila Soos]

Harry Hirao is in his early 90s.

That was my original thought, but then I became unsure and made it "over 80", to be on the safe side.

Harry being over 90 is good news for us, it shows that age takes the back seat behind passion.

 

[Kirk]

This is a very interesting and legit concern. Treated properly, our trees should outlive us. As a horticultural therapist at a university hospital, I spend a great deal of my time teaching adaptive gardening- showing patients how to set up a garden or tools so that they can continue to do what they enjoy despite age or injury. This keeps them active and combats depression as a result of abandoning what they once enjoyed. To accomplish this we have raised garden beds, specially fitted tools, accessible greenhouse, etc.

Translating this over to bonsai, I would say that smart design would help. This would incorporate benches at a height appropriate for a hydraulic lift cart, a level surface to roll the cart upon and the proper width aisle between benches. It would also help to have a sheltered spot where one could comfortably work/sit out of the elements. Repotting usually happens when its right for the tree not necessarily comfortable for us. An anchor point for a pulley or block and tackle may also be needed. Lots of forethought would need to go into a set-up like this but it would enable work with larger bonsai. Ideally, you want your garden to be enabling not just accessible, if that makes sense. This facilitates use regardless of age or physical condition (within reason). Nothing is more frustrating than wanting/needing to do something and just physically being unable.

That being said, I do think that aside from planning ahead and smart design one of the best things in the world to do is cultivate some young-uns who want to help and learn. This keeps things fresh and there is nothing better than teaching to keep you sharp and on your toes. Early this past Spring a friend and I helped a senior club member repot a maple that resided in a pot that I could bathe in- and I'm 6'3". It was, at the very least, a 2 person job regardless of anyone's strength. We had a wonderful time and had a great learning opportunity.

In my experience with the local club too many members are bonsai hermits that only come out to meetings and then retreat to amazing collections. Mentoring younger enthusiasts or, at the very least, taking them up on offers to help would assist as we age in the artform.

My best,
Kirk

 

[Redwing]

This is a very interesting and legit concern....
My best,
Kirk

This is the THE best post I've read since joining the site. Thank you, Kirk.

-rw

 

[bonhe]

Your information is really good. I'm thinking to get Hoyer lift to help transplant a big tree, since you're working in the hospital, you may know the Hoyer lift. It's much cheaper and lighter than portable floor lift. Thanks Kirk. Bonhe

 

[Kirk]

Your information is really good. I'm thinking to get Hoyer lift to help transplant a big tree, since you're working in the hospital, you may know the Hoyer lift. It's much cheaper and lighter than portable floor lift. Thanks Kirk. Bonhe

Bonhe,

That is a good idea. The Hoyer lift gives smoothe control and the legs can roll right under a table or bench. My only concern would be not having enough height to the lift if you have a large tree already fairly high up on a bench. The boom only goes so high. There is a new lift out that is totally portable-folds up and rolls like luggage, almost. You would have to own quite a few whoppers to justify the expense.

Sounds like fun, though... And, much for fun than lifting patients.

Kirk

 

[Kirk]

This is the THE best post I've read since joining the site. Thank you, Kirk.

-rw

I consider that high praise. Thank you.

BTW-I am so envious of your location, surrounded by such wonderful scenery, plant material, nurseries and talent.

K

 

[bonhe]

Bonhe,

That is a good idea. The Hoyer lift gives smoothe control and the legs can roll right under a table or bench. My only concern would be not having enough height to the lift if you have a large tree already fairly high up on a bench. The boom only goes so high. There is a new lift out that is totally portable-folds up and rolls like luggage, almost. You would have to own quite a few whoppers to justify the expense.

Sounds like fun, though... And, much for fun than lifting patients.

Kirk

How about if the big tree is transferred down to the ground from the bench by Hoyer lift, then it is lifted out of the pot and worked from there? It's really true, not a patient. Bonhe

 

[Mark]

That was supposed to be funny, maybe you take yourself too seriously. No hatred either. I really thought you could handle it.

Mark

 

[Kirk]

How about if the big tree is transferred down to the ground from the bench by Hoyer lift, then it is lifted out of the pot and worked from there? It's really true, not a patient. Bonhe

You could do it. Lots of care would need to be taken so that the harness straps didn't damage limbs, twigs, etc. I still think it would be a scary balancing act. The Hoyer harness is designed for a limp person to fit into and it molds to the body. A rigid container would be unstable and could easily fall if not balanced perfectly. I think the safest bet would be sliding a container onto another level surface, i.e. hydraulic cart, and lowering it. That way you wouldn't have to worry about anything swinging in mid air or straps breaking branches. From the cart, it could slide down to the ground or onto a lower table for root work/repotting.

This is all hypothetical. I've never tried a Hoyer on trees, only patients who couldn't transfer from bed to chair.

 

[bonhe]

You could do it. Lots of care would need to be taken so that the harness straps didn't damage limbs, twigs, etc. I still think it would be a scary balancing act. The Hoyer harness is designed for a limp person to fit into and it molds to the body. A rigid container would be unstable and could easily fall if not balanced perfectly. I think the safest bet would be sliding a container onto another level surface, i.e. hydraulic cart, and lowering it. That way you wouldn't have to worry about anything swinging in mid air or straps breaking branches. From the cart, it could slide down to the ground or onto a lower table for root work/repotting.

This is all hypothetical. I've never tried a Hoyer on trees, only patients who couldn't transfer from bed to chair.

Yes, I already have a hydrolic cart. I'm thinking to use 4/6 point sling for Hoyer lift. It should be more balance than 2 point sling. Bonhe

 

[capnk]

Here's the solution we use.
The Hoyer could be useful. Since medical equipment tends to carry a premium price compared to similar devices used in other industries, I have 2 suggestions:
1. Look for a used Hoyer in the Nifty Nickle, or whatever source you may have in your area (Craigslist, eBay?). When people are done with medical equipment, they often will sell it very cheap.
2. How about an engine hoist? Again, look for a used one.

Good luck,
Chris

 

[Shima]

I'm currently recovering from hernia surgery after moving this JBP on a very heavy rock to a local bonsai exhibit earlier this year. I know how to lift properly but you still have to do what it takes to get the bloody thing where you want it. And I had help lifting it up to the dai. There's a Hoyer lift on Craigslist but it wouldn't help in my situation going over lawn and gravel. I really should sell it but it would have to be picked up here, too heavy to ship. It's going through leaf reduction technique beginning this year. I guess I'll just keep enjoying it sitting in the greenhouse/rain shelter.