Winter approach - Pinus Resinosa

[GreatLakesBrad]

Two collected Pinus resinosa (april 2019) have done very well this year. Roots growing out of the bottom vigorously, both in bonsai soil but have placed a layer of moss on one of the two. Also see “back budding” where I was forced to trunk chop the shorter of the two (2-3 new buds spots on the main trunk!).

I have noticed some yellowing of the older pre-collection needles (along the branches versus a bud growth spot) in the last month as they are not receiving as much sun (5-6 direct a day instead of 7-8). Newer bud sites not impacted. Slightly concerned.

My question: the original plan was to place them into the raised beds within their container/mulch and insulate —> springtime next year, take a look at those roots and plant directly into the ground the thicken up for a few seasons + some initial styling.
These are my first collected conifers, and while they may only be 1.5-2 inches, I love them and I’m freaked out about their first winter. Now I’m wondering if I should store them somewhere else or even slip pot right into the ground? We are starting freezing nights likely in a few weeks.

For many of my container/potted deciduous, I’m planning to place in my non heated garage (6a Michigan) on shelving and with some blankets around the pots. There are only two small windows in the garage with limited indirect light.

This will not be my last winter-related solicitation for opinions. thanks in advance.

 

[SC1989]

How these guys doing? I have a red pine sapling from seed( the only surviving member from a seed batch my first year caring for potted things). Does fine in my unheated , uninsulated garage

 

[GreatLakesBrad]

Fun to look back at this - my what I’ve learned and still need to learn.
I leave these totally exposed outside all winter and no issues. One of the two was just planted as a landscape tree as I didn’t see a future for it as a bonsai, and the other was styled last summer and is due for a repot (if I have time!) within the next week or two. I’ll try to follow up with pictures.

 

[SC1989]

I love my natives. I try to only keep the hardiest trees these days, minus all the ficus.. However, I am persistent and managed to keep some japanese maples alive ( unlike the early days . I've sold most of the palmatum, I fear overprotective actions beyond natural slowly weakens trees.