Collecting stream side.

Zerik

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Hello all. I am new to this forum and newish to bonsai. I'm making this thread to get some tips and get pointed in the right direction. So I own part of a stream that has many beautiful trees and well I got a letter that this summer the state is going to start dredging the stream out to increase drainage for near by farmers. I would love to collect and try and save some of them. I know that collecting a tree can result in its death but if I don't try they'll certainly die from the dredging so can someone give me some tips?
I tried collecting seedlings before and none survived.
Can anyone help?
Thanks!
 

M. Frary

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If you've never collected successfully before there's a lot to learn. Knowing you location will help immensely. But here are a few tips.
1.Try to collect trees in the proper season. Mainly spring just before or as buds start to swell.
2. Chop any deciduous trees you plan to collect before you dig them up.
3.Most deciduous trees can take drastic root reductions. And barerooting.
4. When collecting conifers try not to cut off too much foliage at collection.
5. Try to get as many roots as possible with conifers.
6.Leave field soil on conifers. Don't bareroot.
7. Bring home and leave them alone for at least a year.
There will be more to come,I'm sure.
 

Zerik

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I am located in the very upper part of Ohio.
From all of my scouting none are conifers.
1. How much should I leave on the tree when chopping? (Both foliage and roots)
2. Once home should they be in full sun, partial, or shade?
3. should I feed them as I would any other tree?
 

sorce

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Bring a box of donuts for the Operator....
And have him dig you some rootballs out.

Find and tag the good trees now....
Then come back here and show us pictures so you can untag half of them!
Lol!

Truth...

Don't get excited about quantity....
Find a couple few excellent specimen, good flare, taper, roots, fat trunk.....
And get them, then go back for secondary crap.

Welcome to Crazy!

Sorce
 

Zerik

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Alright I went out and took a few pics. I only walked about 25 feet so these aren't all my options for trees they are just the best (well what I thought was best) of the 25 feet I did walk. Let me know what you all think. Also I know these trees aren't gonna be the best or even ones that would ever be put in a show but to me they look unique and interesting so don't be to harsh if you think they are junk.
Thanks
 

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Zerik

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Ok I selected many pics but it only posted once so ima try this again
 

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Zerik

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Gonna post one at a time I guess. Sorry everyone
 

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Zerik

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I'm no camera man. Trust me these trees look better in person lol.
 

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Zerik

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It's making me type something here lol.
 

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Zerik

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Same tree as last pic just different view.
 

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Vin

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There may be one tree of the ones you photographed worth collecting and by the looks of the leaves on the ground it probably isn't worth collecting either. Not trying to be harsh, just realistic. There may be other trees around that are a better choice. If you can find someone nearby that has been in the hobby for a little while they may volunteer to go with you and point out some trees worth collecting. Just my two cents worth.
 

Zerik

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I thank you for your input, which tree do you think is a maybe? Also what do you mean by the leaves on the ground may make the tree not worth it?
Also I wish I knew others in this hobby that were close by lol.
 

cbroad

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I think the third picture could be something interesting, (4th picture looks like the same type of plant).

Not sure of the type but to me it kind of looks like Witch Hazel, and that would make sense so close to a stream. Not sure about the viability of witch hazel as bonsai, I bet they would have die back and rot problems. I've haven't heard much about them as bonsai, which might mean they're troublesome, but I just googled some pictures of them and they look awesome, especially in flower.
 

Vin

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The leaves on the ground around a tree can give you a clue as to what kind of tree it is. They look like big leaves so once you find out what kind of tree it is the next question would be will the leaves reduce. If not, you move on. It's kind of like a Magnolia around here. There are some awesome trunks but leaf size would not make them believable as bonsai.
 

Zerik

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The 3rd and 4th are the same type of tree. I will look into trying to identify them. As far as leaves go it'll be hard to tell what ones are from what due to there being several big trees over top of these trees and with there location the stream constantly raises up that high and whisks away and deposits news things. I will make sure to check around the trees better for what leaves are near by and try to figure out what ones are from which tree.
Thank you everyone so far. You all have been alot of help. :)
 
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cbroad

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Shit, Vin's right, but the leaves under the third and fourth pictures looks like it could be Winterberry Holly and now that I think about it, it does look like their bark. They can make very nice bonsai :cool::cool::cool:
 
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cbroad

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And that's exactly where you'd find them
 

Zerik

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While I have a few of you here what about this one? Thinking of air laying it. It's a side shoot that by the looks of it has been hit with a weed whacker or two.
 

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cbroad

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It definitely has some movement, I'd keep my eye on it and figure out what it is
 
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