Moving some dawn redwoods

[Nybonsai12]

I have some dawn redwoods I planted a few years ago when they were very small. My initial thought was buy them, let them grow and use in a forest someday. I had to place them in a less than favorable location at the time and that is where they have stayed. They are now large enough that they can't stay where they are.

So my question is when they go dormant is it safe to dig up and move? or would it be better off to wait until the spring. My thought is they would be fine to move now.

Also, in terms of development, I'm not sure I want to do a forest with them anymore. Since they are mostly just straight twigs, would it be a good idea to chop and wire up a new leader in the spring? or just move and continue to let grow for a while more before doing anything.

As always, thoughts and comments are appreciated.

 

[Jester217300]

I would move them in spring right before new growth. I think you will avoid undue stress on the trees that way.

I wouldn't trunk chop them, they still look pretty small and pliable. Just wire movement into the base of the trunk in anticipation of a future trunk chop. No need to stunt the growth of the tree and development of your trunk if you don't have to. I would wire when you move them so you can see the nebari and plan accordingly.

 

[Nybonsai12]

Thanks for the reply.
I think the pics may be deceiving because I believe the trees are thick enough at the base that I don't think I will be able to bend them. I'll double check and get a pic up when I get home.

 

[coh]

I would also wait until spring.

How large are these (trunk base diameter, not height)? They do look small but there's really no good scale reference in the photo.

As for the shape...I've seen a number of nice group/forest plantings using dawn redwood, and in many of them the trunks are mostly straight. Bill V has one in his "Classical Bonsai Art" book. Redwoods do tend to grow with very straight trunks so it is a very natural look. The key in a group planting would be to have a variety of trunk sizes and space them appropriately.

You could wire them for movement if you prefer (if they're still pliable), or chop if the lower trunks have reached a suitable size...that's entirely up to you.

Chris

 

[october]

Since they are deciduous, they are treated as such. The best time to do work on these is before the buds swell/open in late winter or early Spring. I would let the tree rest now which is what it needs during this time.

Rob

 

[Dav4]

Fwiw, I wouldn't have hesitated to move these a month ago, but late November is pushing things in the Northeast. Rule of thumb is you can transplant up to 6 weeks before the ground starts to freeze in order to let the roots recover and establish themselves. Since you'll be waiting until spring, don't forget to work the roots.

 

[Nybonsai12]

Shot of the 2 of the thicker trunks in the bunch. Looking at it now, I will probably chop, dig up, sort out the roots and put right back where they are since they will stay small. In the spring of course.

 

[lordy]

Shot of the 2 of the thicker trunks in the bunch. Looking at it now, I will probably chop, dig up, sort out the roots and put right back where they are since they will stay small. In the spring of course.

I like the twin trunk as a 'mother/daughter' informal upright by itself, not a forest. You could certainly use it in a forest, but as with my ficus forest, they can get too tall to 'work'. Not sure about chopping one, as I have never had this type before.

 

[Nybonsai12]

I've just lost interest in my initial idea of doing a forest with them. I had a good group of them, but they all were pretty much the same size and a few were damanged by contractors when my home was being renovated. So now there would be even less trees to work with and i wanted a larger number of trees.

The mother daughter is a good thought for that twin trunk. As for the rest, we shall see...

 

[Dav4]

These trunk up quickly if planted in full sun and no shortage of water. I'd consider developing them as individual trees...make sure your "daughter" trunk doesn't get shaded out.

 

[GrimLore]

I've just lost interest in my initial idea of doing a forest with them. I had a good group of them, but they all were pretty much the same size and a few were damanged by contractors when my home was being renovated. So now there would be even less trees to work with and i wanted a larger number of trees.

The mother daughter is a good thought for that twin trunk. As for the rest, we shall see...

I think Lordy has a good "eyedea". You also have the opportunity to keep a few, maybe pot a three tree and sell the rest off... Just an additional thought or two Similar happened to us with 24 Bald Cypress but Hurricane Sandy was not kind. I am pretty certain after giving away six we have four left potted for moving and they will just be a three tree and a single.

Grimmy