My Collected Spruce and Fir

[monza]

Here are some of the trees I collected this summer along with some location shots. Very late spring and summer, as in most the North West. It's still possible to collect now in the high alpine. These are from the Golden BC area in the high alpine 2743m (9000ft.) I frequently snowmobile this area, it had about +10m (32ft) of snow pack this winter. The mountains and scenery in this area are spectacular. This place is pure Yamadori porn!
This first shot is a scenery shot to get some perspective, all the trees in the foreground are gnarly stunted growth trees. The second shot is for scale with my pack, ALL the trees except for the obvious taller ones in the background have been beaten down hard by snow pack and massive avalanches. Third shot is another angle to try and show what a crushed mess of trees it is, again trees in the foreground are only a few feet high. Not really the best scenery shots as I'm really trying to show the trees.

 

[monza]

Subalpine Fir:
A few shots of this as it is my favorite. Not always a huge success as a bonsai but I’ll give it a shot. This is just before boxing it up. Building it’s massive box. Then boxed up and a few images to capture all that is going on in this tree.

 

[monza]

The close ups. (having some uploading issues)

 

[monza]

White Spruce:
the 90 turn may end up going away but who knows I kinda like it.

 

[monza]

Engelmann Spruce:

 

[monza]

Another White Spruce:
This is kinda cool, notice root that 'was' over rock... I should have kept the rock. Oops, but it was pretty boring.

 

[monza]

Another Subalpine Fir:
This tree looks a bit better then the photos (i think) Needs some serious trimming and better photos.

That's it for this batch. Looking forward to your comments, good or bad.
Collected a few months ago and seem to be doing very well.

 

[stacy allen muse]

very nice material !!! I think I would have to agree with you on the first tree being my favorite as well... Makes me wish I lived up north... that is until it gets cold...

 

[grog]

Not much to say yet except good luck! You've got some very nice looking trees, I love the first fir. I seem to remember one of Grouper 52's progressions he posted here having some horticultural issues regarding sub-alpine fir, may be worth looking it up.

 

[amkhalid]

Some nice finds there Monza, especially the first Alpine fir.

I have some experience with the species and found them to be very susceptible to fungal infection, and every year it would suffer from needle cast until one year it couldn't take it anymore. This was before I had access to systemic fungicides though

Something to keep in mind. You might want to give it some preventative treatment, especially in the spring.

Best of luck!

... oh... and check your pm

 

[Bill S]

I agree on the first fir, almost a dig and pot bonsai.

I could just loose myself out there.

AMK if you get a ride, you'll have to dig one for me too.

 

[monza]

stacy allen, grog
-thanks for the kind words on the trees. Grog I have read Groupers 52's posts on firs, thanks for the tip.

amkhalid
I wonder if the fungal infection is the same as the 'terminal bud blight' that Grouper 52 has talked about. I've read that less water of the foliage might help. It's also so dry here compared to where you live maybe It'll be less prone to fugal infections, I don't know? Andy Smith from Golden Arrow Bonsai has also had some challenges with the subalpine fir. I've been reading all that I can on the bug blight and other issue with firs. (I'll reply to your PM soon)

Bill S
Almost a dig and pot bonsai for sure, lol. It was funny when I started digging I was I don't know about this tree, questioning my choice as the hours of digging went on I was realizing, this thing is looking pretty good.

Dig dig pop up look for bears.... dig dig pop up look for bears....and I'm 100% serious. Lots of bears.

 

[monza]

You guys (and gals) might like to see. Not the collecting day above but a few trips before. I was hiking and walked over a little ridge and about 30 yds. away "BEAR THREE CUBS I'LL NEVER MAKE IT BACK TO THE TRUCK>>MILES AWAY PANIC" The Mother casually looks over, kept feeding the three cubs. I took my knife out (it's big), my bear spray and placed them in front of me on the ground. Took my pack off, got out the camera and took some pics. She finished nursing, got up casually walked away.

 

[Colorado Slim]

first off, the trees are amazing, like most everyone else I like the first the best, like said, it's almost a dig and pot bonsai, but I'm sure you'll find something to do with it.

secondly, awesome pic of the mother bear nursing, kudos on that shot. Our bear around here in Colorado are NOWHERE near as big as what you guys get up there, so a second kudos on not soiling yourself

 

[ghues]

Nice find and good luck. Perhaps further up slope you might find even older specimens.
Keep us updated on their progress.
G

 

[monza]

first off, the trees are amazing, like most everyone else I like the first the best, like said, it's almost a dig and pot bonsai, but I'm sure you'll find something to do with it.

secondly, awesome pic of the mother bear nursing, kudos on that shot. Our bear around here in Colorado are NOWHERE near as big as what you guys get up there, so a second kudos on not soiling yourself

If it was a grizzly I would have soiled myself.

 

[monza]

Nice find and good luck. Perhaps further up slope you might find even older specimens.
Keep us updated on their progress.
G

Your so right, in this area I've tried to punch up to the top three times, the new trees, ground growth and old growth are so harsh and thick I can't get through it, too brutal. I've tried other routes up the rock, not possible with out climbing gear. My last attempt I think I saw a route that's doable but it's coming at it from miles away. I'll do it one day. I can see the trees living on the edge up there! I'm also trying to explore as many different areas as possible, so little time so many mountains.
Thanks ghues, confirms I need to get up there. Hope your collecting was good this year?

 

[PaulH]

Beautiful trees. I've often admired alpine firs but unfortunately they (and hemlocks)just don't like hot, dry California so I've stayed away.
Very cool bear pics! Encounters with nature are one more reason to love tree collecting. Last year on a high desert juniper collecting trip I waled around my truck and came face to face with a mustang stallion. They can be very aggressive and protective of their mares so I quickly put the truck back between us.
Paul

 

[mcpesq817]

Those are great bear pictures Dave. I like your trees too

 

[ghues]

Your so right, in this area I've tried to punch up to the top three times, the new trees, ground growth and old growth are so harsh and thick I can't get through it, too brutal. I've tried other routes up the rock, not possible with out climbing gear. My last attempt I think I saw a route that's doable but it's coming at it from miles away. I'll do it one day. I can see the trees living on the edge up there! I'm also trying to explore as many different areas as possible, so little time so many mountains.
Thanks ghues, confirms I need to get up there. Hope your collecting was good this year?

Hi Dave,
The collection season here in the higher elevations (our favorite haunts) hasn't started yet as there is still a lot of snow! G