Trunk chop and rebudding?

[remist17]

I dug up two trees I had in our woods. Both were in good heath when removed. I dug them up and chop the trunk to about 24" long. Both have been in grow boxes for over 1 month now. Neither have any buds starting. Are these dead?

One is a dog wood. Has one branch with leaves and still are green
One is a wild cherry I think. It has the cherry bark. No branches and no leaves.

 

[Redwood Ryan]

Scratch the bark. If it's green underneath it's still alive. If it's not, well then, I'm sorry.

 

[Poink88]

Just wait and see. Some trees take longer than others to re-sprout. I would try to keep the pots as warm as possible. The green leaves are good sign.

Here in TX, the prime tile to collect passed months ago but maybe not for PA?

 

[rockm]

Takes longer than a month to get things going, as you collected them very late (possibly too late) in the season.

You've removed the roots and the plants' ability to feed the roots. They're now drawing on reserves to grow new sets of leaves and roots.

Collection is done before trees set leaves and just as their buds are beginning to "move" --before they open. May is far past that, especially with the wierd warm spring.

In any case, all you can do now is wait. Wild cherry is a strong plant. Dogwood notsomuch... Could be another month before you see any growth. Don't be tempted to start messing with the trunks, dirt, etc. Don't move them around...

Once they leaf out, they will be far behind in their ability to store reserves for the winter--you will have to find a frost free place to store them for the winter...

 

[daygan]

If you dug them up after they had already grown out this year's leaves (i.e. after their winter buds had already opened), then you may have done more damage to their root system than they are able to cope with at this stage in growth. Normally, I think, the best time to collect is before the new growing season's leaf-out, right around the time that winter buds start to swell or maybe just as leaves are beginning to unfurl, because that's when root growth is most vigorous and can quickly repair damage done so that the tree is able to sustain itself. What kind of soil do you have them in? Are you watering when the soil needs watering? Have you read any literature about best practices for collecting trees?

edit: Sorry for repeating some information that rockm had already posted - we must have been posting at just about the same time and he just beat me to it

 

[remist17]

I know it was late to move trees. We are in the process of clearing some land for a barn. These tress were either going to get covered with concrete or me try and move them.

I have them in a Turface/pine bark/ and a little potting soil. I water when they need it but as this season is going the rain does it for me.
I did not really cut to many small roots. The larger ones were cut to fit in the pan. I have them both under the bech in a shady area. Should I put them in the sun.... I did not think this was a good idea.

 

[rockm]

Don't put them in direct all-day sun. A little morning sun can actually warm the pot and the soil and push things along. Don't allow more than two hours or so, though.

 

[daygan]

I know it was late to move trees. We are in the process of clearing some land for a barn. These tress were either going to get covered with concrete or me try and move them.

Ah, got it. Well, other than that, then, I'm useless . Listen to rockm. He knows what he's talking about.

 

[remist17]

Well I have good news. The cherry is sprouting new leaves. the Dog wood has small buds forming. Both look (nock on wood) like they will make it !!!!!!
Ill post some photos.

 

[rockm]

The thing about collecting is you won't really know if they've "made it" until next spring. They've got a very short window to start storing reserves for the winter. Their leaves won't be fully functional for at least a month, as they harden off. That gives them about two months give or take to store reserves to make it through next spring.

The true test will be whether they thrive next spring.

That said -- congratulations on making a significant initial hurdle.