Bought some Zelkova and Hornsbeam today. It is ok to shape trimming while its in dormant ?

[vp999]

Went to Meehans today and got 5 larger pre-bonsai Zelkova and Hornsbean and 1 small leaf chinese elm. All of them are in dormant and don't have any leaves at the moment. Is it ok for me to cut some of the unsightly branches and to start shaping them now or should I wait for the spring? Thanks

 

[penumbra]

You should be ok but personally I do almost all of my pruning beginning late winter.
What size were your Zelkova? I was up there a couple months ago and ran out of spending money before I got all I wanted. Imagine that!

 

[Matte91]

Let's see the trees!

 

[vp999]

I think they were in 5g plastic pots, I didn’t know they had a half price sale on some of them. Now they only have a few left, there were this monster trident maple that was already sold that I wished I got to it earlier. I’ll take some pics tomorrow when it’s bright outside again.

 

[penumbra]

Sounds like I need another trip.

 

[Tieball]

I don’t do any Zelkova pruning or work until spring starts.
You might just wait to find out which branches are alive after your winter ends....that’s one of the reasons I wait.

 

[Pitoon]

Sounds like I need another trip.

When do you plan on going? I wouldn't mind
picking up a zelkova. They are a hike from your location.

 

[penumbra]

Probably not until after Christmas. Don't have any money now anyway.

 

[Pitoon]

Lol, we are on the same boat. Let me know when you're ready and if I'm free i'll drive up too

 

[penumbra]

Cool. That would be fun.

 

[Pitoon]

Cool. That would be fun.

We should all plan a trip up there for the Bnutters the reside in the DMV area. It's always nice to put a face to a name

 

[vp999]

I would love that but Im only free on weekdays, weekends is when Im busy so I doubt I can make it there with you guys.

 

[Pitoon]

I would love that but Im only free on weekdays, weekends is when Im busy so I doubt I can make it there with you guys.

I can only do weekdays as well.

 

[Bonsaicarpenter]

I was just there last month and also picked up a big zelkova and Chinese elm. They do the half off sale every year. I would also be interested in a group trip there. Doing it on a week day sounds like a good excuse to use a vacation day.

 

[Pitoon]

I was just there last month and also picked up a big zelkova and Chinese elm. They do the half off sale every year. I would also be interested in a group trip there. Doing it on a week day sounds like a good excuse to use a vacation day.

Maybe we could plan it start of the new year?

 

[penumbra]

I'm in. It is a great idea.

 

[Bonsaicarpenter]

Maybe we could plan it start of the new year?

Sounds good to me.

 

[sorce]

Pics or it didn't happen!

Meeting Nuts in person...

I met @Alain first, @Owen Reich second(way starstruck!), @Leo in N E Illinois, @chicago1980 and @CasAH most recently... If snow allows, which it must, our newb @iOne today.... And hopefully another out of stater @Soldano666 here soon. Had a phone chat with @GrimLore once...but who hasn't!?:p...

www.bonsainut.com

I'm holding you'se to it.

Have fun!

Sorce

 

[ConorDash]

Both can be pruned pretty much anytime... I’ve done my pruning of elms and hornbeam now, Im dormancy. I could have waited till spring but I’ve got repotting to do in spring so it’s just less to do.. i really do not believe it makes a difference. Aside from that, both species are stupid tough.
I’ve also wired now on those pruned.

 

[vp999]

Thank you! I think I'll prune some of them tomorrow to kill winter boredom.