Over the past several springs, I’ve been trying to collect hornbeam, beech, crab apple, black cherry, and hawthorn. At the time of collection, I’ll chop the trunks down to about 3 feet (so that they fit in the car). The trees usually break bud in early summer and leaf out. After having leafed out, however, many of the trees die in mid summer. Also, the trunks on my crabs and hawthorns tend to crack and split down the middle.
I’ve considered doing the initial chop the winter before collection in order to minimize cutting on the tree at the time of collection. Does this seem like a good idea to anyone? Should I do a longer or more extensive pre-prep before I dig?
Thanks,
Casey
I collect hornbeam, beech and hawthorn among other species, with 80-90% success rates, using the following technique:
1. I collect all of the above species in January and February. I do not wait until buds are swelling, though this may not be harmful to survival rates.
2. Each tree is cut to about 12-30" in height, depending on basal thickness (2-8", respectively, for the heights noted). The trunks should not be left overly long.
3. Roots are cut back severely, to roughly 8" from the trunk base (final cuts are made at home, using either a trunk splitter or saw). (All the new roots will sprout from the cut ends, so hack away.)
4. The collected tree, with whatever soil remains (often none) is buried in a tub filled with a bonsai mix that includes sand for water retention. It's then watered thoroughly to keep it moist during the ride home.
5. Within three hours (my typical collecting range), the trees are given their final prep before potting in grow pots (or tubs, for larger specimens). All native soil is washed from the roots, rooting hormone dusted on the cut ends, and all cuts over 1/2" are sealed with cut paste (do NOT fail to seal the cuts, the tree will dry out from the cut ends and mortality rates will rise).
6. Trees usually bud out in spring, not summer. Late budding does not necessarily spell death, but it often signals weakness that is difficult to overcome.
7. I use a cordless reciprocating saw, equipped with either a 6" or 12" pruning blade, to collect everything. If your soil is not rocky, you're crazy to use a shovel or hand saw. If your soil is rocky, you're on your own.
8. Never try to collect black cherry. They just don't work out.
I specialize in deciduous species, been at it for 25 years, so I'm speaking from experience.
I hope this helps.
Zach
