When to collect...

[Nomad]

Since my question on Balsam Firs was a dud, I was wondering if anyone had any tips on when to collect any of its immediate relatives, the Abies (Firs)?

If not, how about any of the other Abietoideae? Such as cedars or hemlocks? I believe that hemlocks are collectable anywhere between early spring and early summer, but any at all advice would be appreciated, because I do not want to take chances, as most of my bonsai I've collected have been young and resilient, and more able to bounce back from improper collecting, so my collecting experience and knowledge is limited. I am looking to collect at least one Balsam next season, of approximately 25 years of age, and as I said, I do not want to take chances and lose it.

So any advice on collecting firs, cedars or hemlocks would help (as these three are the more closely related than to pines, spruces and junipers).

 

[october]

I do not know specifics. However, general information states that late winter/early spring is the best time to collect.

 

[GrimLore]

I would highly advise collected those species when they are dormant in the area collected. Also I would pre-prepare the trees by cutting a circle, square, or rectangle around them with a sharp spade as deep as you can(shape depending on what you are putting them in). They will have a lot of roots spreading and it will make the removal in the "cold" a bit easier for you.

Grimmy

 

[Nomad]

I would highly advise collected those species when they are dormant in the area collected. Also I would pre-prepare the trees by cutting a circle, square, or rectangle around them with a sharp spade as deep as you can(shape depending on what you are putting them in). They will have a lot of roots spreading and it will make the removal in the "cold" a bit easier for you.

Grimmy

Highly appreciated. Thank you.