Wind...

[ForThemWhatCare]

...in the Spring, Summer, and Fall. Assuming I can keep the trees from blowing off their stands AND I do a good job of keeping with the right amount of water (et al) are strong winds helpful for thickening trunks and strengthening the tree or should I be shielding them with wind break cloth or let the strong winds blow? We get a strong West >> East wind from over the mountains that comes with some moisture but I'm unsure if I need to protect these young trees. In the Winter I know what I have to do.

 

[Wires_Guy_wires]

I wire my trees into my pots, so prolonged wind exposure might damage the roots.

Trunk thickening in bonsai pots is minimal, so I would definetely put up some kind of protection.

 

[ForThemWhatCare]

Okay thanks for that. Might try creating a partial enclosure using this type of material.

 

[Leo in N E Illinois]

If the tree has been wired into the pot, so that wind will not cause the tree to uproot, then wind is no problem. In fact a light breeze is healthy.

Bungee cords or ropes or other ties, that tie the tree and pot to the bench are useful also. Remember, tree can act like a sail, and the whole pot & tree can go sailing off your bench in a gust of wind. Many use a bungee cork to keep the pot on the bench.