How should I Collect a Cedar from my yard?

[startjuniper]

Okay, so I found the perfect little cedar tree in my yard, and I have done some research on collecting wild bonsai trees and I know that once I get it I need to let it be for a year, but I need information on what kind of soil to use and how much room I should leave for roots. This is my first tree that I will be collecting from the wild, so I am really exited. Please don't try to discourage me from doing it, because everyone needs to start somewhere, and I just want to know how to do it. It is about 1 and a quarter feet tall. I plan on trimming it down a little after the year's wait, so it won't be that tall when I am done. Also, any tips on keeping it happy would be nice. Thanks!

 

[edprocoat]

Whenever you collect something you want to make sure to get permission first, seeing as this is your yard you best ask the other half first !

Seriously though, if its only 15 inches tall is it worth the effort? I doubt a cedar that size has much of a trunk unless it has been continually pruned over the years. Another good thing would be to add to your profile your location as this is important info on collecting times and will make it easier for people here to advise you properly. Good luck whatever you decide to do.

ed

 

[QuintinBonsai]

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sou...Da1iqtr7u9QL0Xl3g&sig2=baBA3Jzge3DfVjbLl95O1A

 

[startjuniper]

Well, its trunk is actually fairly thick,(Well, I guess not think for a bonsai) and it has a nice little curve at the bottom too.(Emphasis on Little) I will try to get a picture on tomorrow, but since I have to go to school, I may not have the chance. And I just got on this website like a couple hours ago, so I am not sure how to fill in my info. I can tell you that I live in Virginia though. (I subscribed yesterday, but my account wasn't validated until today.)

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

Is it a true cedar, or eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana)?

 

[startjuniper]

How can I tell? Is there a way? I live in Virginia, so I am eastern, but I don't know how to upload pictures of it to show you. Could you tell me how?

 

[QuintinBonsai]

In the reply box, click on the picture of of the paperclip attached to the paper. A window will open giving you the option of uploading files from your computer. Or you can send a link using a picture hosting site such as "Photobucket or Imageshack."

Please thoroughly read that link that I've posted above. It's lengthy, but it's very informative. Zach Smith of Bonsai-South has many years of experience in tree digging. He sometimes visits the forums, or you could just shoot him an email on the subject. I would also advise against doing any kind of collecting in the dead of winter. That is something best suited for spring when trees are coming out of dormancy, and actively pushing out new growth.

I would not suggest tree collection as a beginning step into bonsai. It's not said as means to discourage you. It's said to set you on the right path. Join a local club, read as many books as you can, watch videos, search the forums, and keep a mindset of humility. Goodluck.

 

[startjuniper]

Well, I do own a little juniper that I have had since Christmas, and I have read just about every article about collecting bonsai available on Google search, so I know it is a risk, but I would like it. Thanks for trying to help me get on the right path though. I just have to start collecting wild trees sometime, because I live on a farm and have so many options, I have really wanted to ever since I discovered this little world of trees, the art of bonsai.

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

There is a right time and wrong time for nearly everything in bonsai, we must adapt to it, and it doesn't work the other way around. The right time for collecting junipers in VA is March-April, just as they're starting to grow. If it can wait until then, the chances of survival increase from around 0 to somewhat better.

For the most part, Eastern red cedar is not a good species to train into bonsai...boring trunks, a tendency to drop branches, retain juvenile foliage forever, no "memory",etc...it can be decent practice, but after a year or two, you'll decide to move on.

 

[edprocoat]

In Virginia on a farm huh? Seems like Dogwood or Hawthorn would be a natural choice for your area, and pretty flowering Bonsai too.

ed

 

[startjuniper]

Well, surprising as it may seem, I have never seen a wild dogwood in my life! My options on the farm are limited, though we do have cedars growing wild, and there is a type of tree with really pretty blooms at the end of our driveway that always has tiny trees growing around it which get mowed and dug up, so I was thinking of getting one of those this spring. Still no one has answered my question about what kind of tools and soil to use. And yes, I know it wouldn't live if I got it now, I was planning to wait until spring or summer to try. Besides, after the snow here, the temperatures have been crazy changing, ranging from 40 to -2 degrees in one day, so you have frozen solid ground right now. Even if I wanted to do it now it would be physically impossible for a 12-15 year old to dig the ground this time of year.

 

[QuintinBonsai]

Still no one has answered my question about what kind of tools and soil to use.

http://www.phoenixbonsai.com/Notes/Collecting.pdf

 

[Poink88]

Even if I wanted to do it now it would be physically impossible for a 12-15 year old to dig the ground this time of year.

I thought this is the age when every kid felt like Superman!?!? If you cannot do it now, you will never! (just teasing)

Re: tools...depends on the native soil. A pick works great in rocky soil. A trenching shovel is better in finer soil. I use a variety when collecting and use what works best. I use; reciprocating saw, pruning saw, lopper, shovel, pick mattock, trowel, hatchet, crowbar, come-along, etc.

If it is in your yard, you might want to just use a chisel and a hammer this spring. Expose the main roots around the trees. Cut a notch (1" long by 1/4 the thickness of the root deep) on both sides of all the major roots. Apply rooting hormone at the cuts. Locate it so the inner cut is about half the main trunk thickness from the trunk (confusing isn't it?). Cover all cuts with good draining soil and leave it until next spring. Then collect. The cuts you made should grow new roots closer to the trunk by then (be careful not to disturb these much when you collect).

Good luck!

 

[startjuniper]

Thanks everyone! I will use your links and ideas wisely, and maybe I can get it to live.

 

[startjuniper]

Thanks everyone! I will use your links and ideas wisely, and maybe I can get it to live.[Horses are my passion, bonsai is what I do when I cannot be with Ginger, and it is very satisfying.]

 

[edprocoat]

Ok, so whats the deal with "12-15 year old" are you not sure of your age or is this the age range you plan on working with Bonsai ? I only ask as I have seen this age range in at least two of your posts and it intrigued me why you would not just post - a 13 year old kid?

ed

 

[startjuniper]

Well, my parents don't want me to give away any information on a site I started like two days ago. You know how parents are, and I have seen people with bad experiences on sites I have tried before. So I am just being cautious; you never now what kind of people are behind the screen

 

[edprocoat]

Well, my parents don't want me to give away any information on a site I started like two days ago. You know how parents are, and I have seen people with bad experiences on sites I have tried before. So I am just being cautious; you never now what kind of people are behind the screen

Mystery solved ! You got to admit it sounded odd though. Next time just say a kid, lol. It sounds like you have parents that care for your safety and are interested in your activities. Give them a big hug and an attaboy from me.

ed