Where to find deadwood material?

[M.B.]

Hi all, I was wondering if there is a known source for interesting deadwood for doing a tanuki. I have a Japanese yew with a pretty skinny trunk that I don't think I want to wait 20 years to get to a decent size. So I thought maybe if I could find a really nice piece of wood, I could merge the two. I don't have a fabulous twisty juniper that bit the dust and haven't seen any good deadwood around that would work. Is there some place that sells pieces or maybe a suggestion to look for collecting material (northern California)? Thanks,
Mary B.

 

[kytombonsai]

Mary B.

Andy Smith used to sell snags on his web site-Golden Arrow Bonsai. Not sure if he still has it listed though, you can send him an e-mail to check.

Tom

 

[waltr1]

I wonder if drift wood would work (after some soaking to remove salt). The Oregon coast has tons of great drift wood in places, might be some on the California coast.

 

[PaulH]

Hi there,

Just go up to the Tahoe Nat. Forest in the Cisco Grove area and hike around. You'll find plenty. You might need a firewood permit to bring it home legally.

Paul

 

[Smoke]

A large size aquarium store, (there should be plenty in your neck of the woods) sell all sorts of deadwood snags for underwater use, reptile use and bird use. I have seeen some very awesome branches that would make beautiful tanuki. They be pretty pricy though and finding your own may be a better bet.

 

[M.B.]

All excellent suggestions, which I hadn't thought of. I lean towards the Cisco Grove trip. A pleasant picnic in the mountains, hiking around looking at trees and deadwood, maybe dinner in Tahoe plus a little gambling, all sounds pretty darn good. Thanks fellas!
Mary B.

 

[bonsai barry]

A Trip to my backyard, has a variety of fomer bonsai. Maybe someone other enthusist in your has likewise.