That sounds super fun! I’m west coast with mostly partial shade area for bonsai, so the American Hornbeam seems appropriate and I love how the species looks.Not for me. They are so readily available here, in stunning starter material, to collect at no charge. My best friend and I host Yamadori Expeditions here in Atlanta and help those that participate collect their tree and get them processed for success. We charge $250 for the first tree, up to 3” caliper above root spread. Maybe this helps.
agreed. These backbud pretty well on old wood, so you might have a new leader to cut back to that you haven't considered by next year.A rule of thumb when I buy stock is to let it sit for a year as is. Don't make drastic design decisions you may regret. Sometimes what options appear first aren't the best. Give it time, LOOK at it in front of you. Don't bring preconceived plans.
since it was just dug, the tree is going to have a lot of energy come spring. if i was really worried about the soil, I'd go ahead and slip pot it and knock off any loose soil and check it out. you're still going to have to monitor watering till you bare root it as there's still field dirt in the root ball.Question for everyone, the tree just got here and came in some very moisture retaining soil.
Should I leave it in this soil until next spring? Or half mix it with some bonsai jack soil? The tree was recently dug as well, I believe last week 02/3 or 02/4 Here’s a picture
At this point, a week from collection, repotting and/or otherwise screwing around with the soil and roots is iffy. If it were mine, I'd just let it be and be watchful on watering (Which you should be anyway, since overwatering is a primary cause of death for newly collected trees)Question for everyone, the tree just got here and came in some very moisture retaining soil.
Should I leave it in this soil until next ? Or half mix it with some bonsai jack soil? The tree was recently dug as well, I believe last week 02/3 or 02/4 Here’s a picture