Seattle Bugs and Fungus

[LCD35]

I just moved from east of Boise Idaho (desert) to Bothell, near Seattle Washington (decidedly not desert). In Idaho I battled aphids and spider mites. I managed to keep them under control with praying mantises and ladybugs. I treated my tropicals and moved them inside to handle the aphids. I did deal with a really nasty spider mite explosion over the winter.

Are there any specific concerns for the Seattle area for anybody who lives here? I imagine fungus might be more of a bigger issue. I have a good mix of deciduous and conifers, so I was looking for something that I could apply to both. I've used a copper spray for my mugo and Japanese Black pines as I got a little bit of needle cast. I also have Japanese maples and Tridents maples though. Thanks!

 

[sorce]

looking for something that I could apply to both.

I would first try better health than that allowed by book descriptions of appropriate bonsai actions.

Sorce

 

[LCD35]

I would first try better health than that allowed by book descriptions of appropriate bonsai actions.

Sorce

Well, the health is just fine right now. Superb actually. I've got the longest candles on my mugo that I've ever had and the amur is dense with foliage. I was more trying to get a good idea of any potential challenges (from anyone who's in my locale) I might have, since it's a fairly drastic environmental change.

 

[sorce]

Well, the health is just fine right now. Superb actually. I've got the longest candles on my mugo that I've ever had and the amur is dense with foliage. I was more trying to get a good idea of any potential challenges (from anyone who's in my locale) I might have, since it's a fairly drastic environmental change.

So drastic you should change your siggy line? Of course, I would completely understand leaving it for the love of "Mountain Home".

I think, or more accurately, have observed, that worrying about fungal issues really boils down to selfishness.

If it comes down to needing to display it in year "x", we should own the responsibility of having a different, similar tree worthy of display, before spraying shit amidst our environment.

I unarguably keep my trees "entirely too wet", but if I am just minorly diligent with not being a complete asshole to my trees, fungus can reside on yard trees directly next to bonsai and they don't contract "Problems".

I believe there is an exact equation that could turn the $ and time spent spraying fungicides, into fertilizer and a bit more mindful care, that could completely eradicate worry of problems of any sort.

Walter has proven this.

Sorce

 

[ShadyStump]

I spent a couple years out on the Olympic peninsula while in the Coast Guard, though that was years before I was doing trees, so I wasn't paying much attention to that.

What I can say for sure is molds and fungi of all sorts are prolific, as are slugs and snails. Lawns are often more moss than grass. Nematodes in your soil will also likely be an issue if you have any organic matter at all in it.

Speaking of, you'll need to figure out a new substrate mix. Well draining, almost no need for moisture retention at all. You'll have to water about two times a year in a dry summer. LoL

Frosts in the winter are common but light, so protection can be minimal. Anything that likes the heat will have a hard time.

 

[LCD35]

So drastic you should change your siggy line? Of course, I would completely understand leaving it for the love of "Mountain Home".

I think, or more accurately, have observed, that worrying about fungal issues really boils down to selfishness.

If it comes down to needing to display it in year "x", we should own the responsibility of having a different, similar tree worthy of display, before spraying shit amidst our environment.

I unarguably keep my trees "entirely too wet", but if I am just minorly diligent with not being a complete asshole to my trees, fungus can reside on yard trees directly next to bonsai and they don't contract "Problems".

I believe there is an exact equation that could turn the $ and time spent spraying fungicides, into fertilizer and a bit more mindful care, that could completely eradicate worry of problems of any sort.

Walter has proven this.

Sorce

Yeah. Just moved Saturday. My signature line wasn't exactly on my mind, but thanks for pointing it out. Drastic? Yeah. We had no rain of notable amounts for 4 months in Mountain Home until the day before I left. It's rained three out of four days since I've been here. Relative humidity 20% vs 75% is gonna probably dictate I change some watering habits. 4000 ft ASL intense UV vs sea level and way less intense UV. So yeah, it's a drastic change environmentally.

I'm curious if cedar apple rust is an issue here in Seattle (as I have Juniper and Crabapple) since it was not for me in Idaho. Or how aphids were extremely problematic in Idaho, but I don't know if they are in Seattle. This is the main question I was posing, for anyone who might be in the greater Seattle area that could share their experience. That's all.

 

[andrewiles]

We do have a very dry July - September. Often no rain for a month or two in that timeframe, with long sunny days and lower humidity.

I can't compare with Idaho but I'll confirm that aphids love my garden.

 

[Deep Sea Diver]

I think your trees will like it here. Most of my maples of all types are just fine and bug free. As far as needle cast, yup we've got the usual coniferous pests, scale, mites etc. and yes, cedar apple rust can be an issue. My aphids don't often stray from the lupine in the front yard, but haven't been an issue on the little trees.

If you are moving to Seattle, its a tad warmer then on the Northeast side where I'm located and it depends on how far north in Seattle you live. That's because the Olympic mountains have a marked influence on the weather, the further north you live, the closer you are to being in the Convergence zone . We are right smack on the southern edge of the convergence zone, so we get periodic dumping of rain and snow that just a couple miles south doesn't often get.

Cheers
DSD sends

 

[LCD35]

I spent a couple years out on the Olympic peninsula while in the Coast Guard, though that was years before I was doing trees, so I wasn't paying much attention to that.

What I can say for sure is molds and fungi of all sorts are prolific, as are slugs and snails. Lawns are often more moss than grass. Nematodes in your soil will also likely be an issue if you have any organic matter at all in it.

Speaking of, you'll need to figure out a new substrate mix. Well draining, almost no need for moisture retention at all. You'll have to water about two times a year in a dry summer. LoL

Frosts in the winter are common but light, so protection can be minimal. Anything that likes the heat will have a hard time.

I didn't consider nematodes or slugs/snails. Thanks. I was stationed at McChord AFB from 06-13, but this was also well before I was doing anything with plants. I remember the moss; grows on trees, roofs, sometimes cars.

My portulacaria afra thrived on the heat of idaho. I think they will slow down quite a bit here, comparatively.

I only have a couple with some amount (25% or less) of composted pine bark, for water retention in the desert. However, those few will be due for repotting next season and perhaps some of it has broken down. I'll definitely keep an eye on it! Thank you!

 

[LCD35]

I think your trees will like it here. Most of my maples of all types are just fine and bug free. As far as needle cast, yup we've got the usual coniferous pests, scale, mites etc. and yes, cedar apple rust can be an issue. My aphids don't often stray from the lupine in the front yard, but haven't been an issue on the little trees.

If you are moving to Seattle, its a tad warmer then on the Northeast side where I'm located and it depends on how far north in Seattle you live. That's because the Olympic mountains have a marked influence on the weather, the further north you live, the closer you are to being in the Convergence zone . We are right smack on the southern edge of the convergence zone, so we get periodic dumping of rain and snow that just a couple miles south doesn't often get.

Cheers
DSD sends

Technically, I'm in Bothell, but I remember how different Tacoma weather could be from everyone else. I did bring a few maple projects with me. Another club member was moving to Florida, but had planted trident and Japanese Maple 6 years ago. $20 a piece to come and dig. I down sized my collection for an apartment balcony but I knew this weather would be perfect for them, and couldn't pass on the opportunity. Dug them the weeks ago just as buds were breaking; didn't get to pick the timing, but it wasn't far off from perfect.

Thanks!

 

[Deep Sea Diver]

Well alrighty then! There are at least 3-5 other bonsai folks close to you depending on where in Bothell you are.

btw: We have a pretty darn good club, Puget Sound Bonsai Association, that would be good to check out.

best
DSD sends

 

[LCD35]

We do have a very dry July - September. Often no rain for a month or two in that timeframe, with long sunny days and lower humidity.

I can't compare with Idaho but I'll confirm that aphids love my garden.

Good to know about aphids. Thank you.

 

[Paradox]

There is nothing wrong with wanting to be prepared.

I don't care how much you feed your trees or how healthy they are. If you live in an area where fungus is prevalent, you're gona battle it, no ifs ands or buts.
Pretty much most if not all of the east coast has to spray preventatively for fungus. There is a guy used to be very active here who had wonderful trees, all very healthy and well taken care of.
He lives/lived in Massachusetts or Rhode Island (I forget which now). He gave up bonsai because of the constant battles with fungus.

I cant saw what they do in Washington since I dont live there. But from what andre says, it looks like that part of the country might not have a problem with fungus because of low humidity.
If that is the case, you're lucky. Good luck with your new location

 

[sorce]

It's rained three out of four days since I've been here. Relative humidity 20% vs 75% is gonna probably dictate I change some watering habits

Sounds like you get a vacation!

Please know I wasn't calling you "selfish".

I intended for you to say, "well I'm not selfish", and find the freedom from relinquishing this worry of fungus.

There is no real worry besides displaying a "perfect" looking tree all the time.

I have an Idahoian crabapple that has sat directly under a yard apple with , leaf curl, rust, aphids, You name it, never had a problem with the Crab.

I remove the orangey spotted leaves from my Buckthorn all the time through spring. Only had a erc blow up once.

It's still a large fact that folks cut their trees too much.
So much so, I believe our idea of "healthy" is off.

Sorce