GRAY OAK (QUERCUS GRISEA)

Jorow99

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Awesome tree, rare to see deadwood of that power on broadleaf trees.
 

Cadillactaste

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I've had some dieback on smaller branching, but extremely strong push of new foliage on extension growth from last summer. I haven't messed with the roots at all despite the deteriorating collection pot. I am being pretty cautious in how I'm going at it. With this past winter's extremely unpredictable weather pattern, I've been even more cautious--just let it grow.

The new growth this spring was encouraging, however, some of the initial leaves had the same grey out as the leaves that were on it last summer--I suspect a fungal issue. However, since that initial problem, the tree put on dense growth

There seem to be two growth periods, as far as I can see. Early spring and mid-summer, which would make sense in timing--springtime rain, and the summer monsoon season in its native habitat. Stronger, but more localized, growth in the summer period.

As it did last June/July, the tree is pushing new growth on the two foot long extension shoots it grew out last summer. That new growth on the stronger shoots is moving at a half inch per day at this point. I expect them to extend as far as the shoots did last year.

I have been fertilizing with low phosphorous ferts at full strength all summer once a week. It's not a problem as the pumice drains pretty freely.

Insects don't like this tree --at all. Have had only a couple try to chew leaves, but they moved on since the leaves are thick and tough. Along with the fert, I'm also supplementing with Epsom salts every other week--a half teaspoon to a gallon. That helps toughen up the leaves. I do that for all my trees. Works OK.

Obviously, 'll have to post a photo soon.

This species is interesting. Dropping finer branches seems to be in its DNA, given the extensive deadwood on all of these I've seen. That wouldn't be surprising, as its native habitat would force that kind of thing, same as desert juniper species with their deadwood. Surprisingly, or maybe not, the tree seems to like water. I was trying to let the soil dry down, but wound up killing some new growth in early spring. I water every day, sometimes twice in this ungodly heat. Also covering the pot with a white cloth if the temps are forecast to top 90.
You do a regiment of Epsom every other week...interesting, I am trying to do some extended research on benefits of Epsom salts. That it helps toughen up the leaves...harden off you mean?
 

rockm

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You do a regiment of Epsom every other week...interesting, I am trying to do some extended research on benefits of Epsom salts. That it helps toughen up the leaves...harden off you mean?
My bonsai nursery owning friends said that is what they do for their trees. They have a big fertilizer injection system that is incorporated into their watering system at the nursery. The Epsom salt helps with toughening up the leaves a bit. Makes them less edible to bugs.
 

Cadillactaste

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My bonsai nursery owning friends said that is what they do for their trees. They have a big fertilizer injection system that is incorporated into their watering system at the nursery. The Epsom salt helps with toughening up the leaves a bit. Makes them less edible to bugs.
Very interesting...and a good tidbit. Thanks for explaining!
 

MACH5

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The story this year seems to be very positive with this oak. It seems now quite stable and settled into its wooden box. Looks like I have not lost any branches or twigs this winter. Quite different from last year where I lost many coming out of winter dormancy. This is very encouraging as I wasn't sure how this species would do up here in the Northeast, particularly during the winter months. Little by little I am figuring this one out... I think!
 

Hyn Patty

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What an interesting, great thread. Thank you so much for sharing the story of this tree with us. I hope it lives and thrives for you. Inspiring. Please do continue to keep us updated.
 

Lars Grimm

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Wonderful tree Sergio! I know it is a long way down the road, but have you given any thought to the eventual pot? Are you thinking glazed since it is deciduous even though the deadwood is so rugged. Perhaps a more architectural piece?
 

MACH5

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Wonderful tree Sergio! I know it is a long way down the road, but have you given any thought to the eventual pot? Are you thinking glazed since it is deciduous even though the deadwood is so rugged. Perhaps a more architectural piece?


Thanks Lars! Yes, I have already spoken to Roy about possibly making a custom made pot for it. I can see this tree with an unglazed one but glazed may work nicely if it is somehow highly distressed. Perhaps one side could be busted open to accommodate an existing piece of dead root at the back.
 

Lars Grimm

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Thanks Lars! Yes, I have already spoken to Roy about possibly making a custom made pot for it. I can see this tree with an unglazed one but glazed may work nicely if it is somehow highly distressed. Perhaps one side could be busted open to accommodate an existing piece of dead root at the back.

Harry Harrington has this nice example of an unusual pot shape to accommodate an interesting root on a yew.

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http://bonsai4me.com/bonsai4me gallery page2.html
 

rockm

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Harry Harrington has this nice example of an unusual pot shape to accommodate an interesting root on a yew.

View attachment 233594
http://bonsai4me.com/bonsai4me gallery page2.html
I would be careful with that kind of pot for an oak. Despite being a desert species, gray oak from what I've seen likes water. A container that has a "shallow end" could be a health issue. I've found over the years that my live oak does much better in a deeper container.
 

Lars Grimm

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I would be careful with that kind of pot for an oak. Despite being a desert species, gray oak from what I've seen likes water. A container that has a "shallow end" could be a health issue. I've found over the years that my live oak does much better in a deeper container.

What kind of live oak? My understanding is that some types of live oaks grow in pretty wet climates (coastal live oaks?).
 

rockm

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What kind of live oak? My understanding is that some types of live oaks grow in pretty wet climates (coastal live oaks?).
I have a grey oak like this one--Quercus Gresia is native to West Texas, New Mexico and Arizona. Although those locations are mostly desert, this species grows near water, or where water is most abundant in the desert.

I've had a bonsai made from a subspecies of the southern (coastal) live oak collected in Texas for over 20 years. Quercus fusiformis is a subspecies the main species of southern live oak that grows all over the Southern U.S. in rather moist conditions. The fusiformis subspecies is colder hardy and prefers more well drained soil than the main species. I keep my tree in a deeper pot as it uses a lot of water, especially in the summer. I had it in a shallower pot when I got it a long time ago. It didn't grow as well in that container.
 

Lars Grimm

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I have a grey oak like this one--Quercus Gresia is native to West Texas, New Mexico and Arizona. Although those locations are mostly desert, this species grows near water, or where water is most abundant in the desert.

I've had a bonsai made from a subspecies of the southern (coastal) live oak collected in Texas for over 20 years. Quercus fusiformis is a subspecies the main species of southern live oak that grows all over the Southern U.S. in rather moist conditions. The fusiformis subspecies is colder hardy and prefers more well drained soil than the main species. I keep my tree in a deeper pot as it uses a lot of water, especially in the summer. I had it in a shallower pot when I got it a long time ago. It didn't grow as well in that container.

Great to know. Thank you.
 

MACH5

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Just recently did a rough and very initial styling of this oak. It was strong enough now to take some heavier work. I setting the initial design, I did some editing and removed a left branch that will eventually be jinned. By removing the tree's direction becomes very clear and strong with all parts now moving to the right. I expect a second flush soon from the pruning.

Oak in late afternoon before it was worked on. All branches on left where eventually removed in the styling work making the tree more compact and creating a powerful movement to the right.

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Shot from different angles after the work. Initial structure set but a long way to go still. Apologies for not photographing it against my customary clean studio background but it is way too heavy to move by myself.

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One of the branches was brought back and around the deadwood to peek from the back left side so that in the future it will balance out the design and give it depth.

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Some detailed photos.

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A sketch I made prior to the work to help me envision what the intended design will look like in the future.

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barrosinc

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Wow!! That's looking good.

Whats the plan in cutting the large root to get in a pot like that??
 

MACH5

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Wow!! That's looking good.

Whats the plan in cutting the large root to get in a pot like that??

Max I think it will take several years to prepare the roots to go and fit into such a container. But I need to procedd with care specially with these very old specimens.
 
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