[IBC] Pennsylvania- Foraging for a Bonsai
 

Mike,

Collecting a tree is not at all that easy. You have
to dig up a tree that has some of those tiny feeder
roots to keep it alive. Sometines those are deep
enough that you think you might dig to China. Then
you have to treat your collected plant carefully for a
few years, developing new feeder roots. You need to
plant it in a pot larger than a bonsai pot for at
least a year. If if survives, then you can think
about your found tree becoming a bonsai.

Kitsune Miko
--- Mike wrote:
Hi All,

I have the opportunity to go out of the city into
the western
Pennsylvania or the pocono's as they call it. I
wanted to look for a
good bonsai tree to fit the nice Bonsai pot I have.
I am going to be
looking for something with a nice, thick trunk, and
not something that
is a stick in the mud :( Anyone have any suggestions
on what makes a
good bonsai tree out here in PA? Any pictures of
what grows around here
on the web? Also any techniques on how to do this?
For example root
pruning and such....

I was told just to grab a shovel, dig the plant up,
put it in a wet
sack, get it home, root prune it and put it in a
pot. A root pruning
guide would be great.

I was told to grab the John Naka's book because it
was like the bonsai's
bible but due to financial difficulties i wont be
able to purchase it
for at least another month. So can anyone give me
some directions on how
to root prune, hopefully with pictures.

Thanks

Mike.


************************************************** ******************************
++++Sponsored, in part, by Ken
Rutledge++++

************************************************** ******************************
-- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ:
http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ --
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail
+++++

************************************************** ******************************
++++Sponsored, in part, by Ken Rutledge++++
************************************************** ******************************
-- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ --
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++

[IBC] Pennsylvania- Foraging for a Bonsai
 

Mike,

Kitsune's advice is good. Please make certain that you aren't breaking
the law first. It is illegal to collect without permission from most
places.

If you have got/can get permission. I would strongly suggest that on
your first attempt you go for a few smaller, sapling types of tree. They
are much easier to dig and will give you a chance to learn how to keep
things alive. This will also help you to find out what is available and
what takes to being bonsaied.

You can still go for plants that have the basic characteristics that
will _eventually_ make them good bonsai. An attractive trunk line and
well placed roots are the main elements to look for. Once you have the
funds available to get hold of John Naka's book(s) you will see that
there is a lot more to it than you thought. Bonsai is never about
immediate results and patience is an integral part of the joy.

Take it easy, learn all that you can and welcome to this absorbing
artistic pastime.

Cheers

Kev Bailey
Vale Of Clwyd, North Wales

-----Original Message-----
From: Internet Bonsai Club ] On Behalf
Of Mike
Sent: 04 March 2004 05:31
To:
Subject: [IBC] Pennsylvania- Foraging for a Bonsai

Hi All,

I have the opportunity to go out of the city into the western
Pennsylvania or the pocono's as they call it. I wanted to look for a
good bonsai tree to fit the nice Bonsai pot I have. I am going to be
looking for something with a nice, thick trunk, and not something that
is a stick in the mud :( Anyone have any suggestions on what makes a
good bonsai tree out here in PA? Any pictures of what grows around here
on the web? Also any techniques on how to do this? For example root
pruning and such....

I was told just to grab a shovel, dig the plant up, put it in a wet
sack, get it home, root prune it and put it in a pot. A root pruning
guide would be great.

I was told to grab the John Naka's book because it was like the bonsai's
bible but due to financial difficulties i wont be able to purchase it
for at least another month. So can anyone give me some directions on how
to root prune, hopefully with pictures.

Thanks

Mike.

************************************************** **********************
********
++++Sponsored, in part, by Ken Rutledge++++
************************************************** **********************
********
-- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/
--
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail
+++++

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************************************************** ******************************
-- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ --
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++

[IBC] Pennsylvania- Foraging for a Bonsai
 

Mike wrote:

Hi All,

I have the opportunity to go out of the city into the western
Pennsylvania or the pocono's as they call it. I wanted to look for a
good bonsai tree to fit the nice Bonsai pot I have. I am going to be
looking for something with a nice, thick trunk, and not something that
is a stick in the mud :(

snip

Thanks

Mike.

Mike:
Welcome to our obsession. As someone who learned the hard way about how to collect
trees in the wild (I killed a lot) I learned that having information about what you
see in the wild is important. Some species of trees respond favorably to being
collected, others don't. Some can be radically root pruned and put in a pot
directly from the wild, many not. It might be better to think of collecting a tree
and allowing it to develop not in a pot but in a low wooden box with drainage
holes, then after a few years put it in a pot. It's better to think of finding a
pot to fit a tree than to look for a tree to slap in a pot.

The reason it's usually better to think about not putting a tree right in a pot is
that there are very, very few trees you will find in the wild that will look good
as bonsai. They need to be worked on. And, you will discover when you work on
trees that you are working on yourself as well. You will learn how to be patient.
As a couple of others have already said in not so many words, this isn't an instant
art. Since we work with living material it takes time, sometimes lots of time.

Craig Cowing
NY
Zone 5b/6a Sunset 37

************************************************** ******************************
++++Sponsored, in part, by Ken Rutledge++++
************************************************** ******************************
-- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ --
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++

[IBC] Pennsylvania- Foraging for a Bonsai
 

Mike wrote:

Hi All,

I have the opportunity to go out of the city into the western
Pennsylvania or the pocono's as they call it. I wanted to look for a
good bonsai tree to fit the nice Bonsai pot I have. I am going to be
looking for something with a nice, thick trunk, and not something that
is a stick in the mud :(

snip

Thanks

Mike.

Mike:
Welcome to our obsession. As someone who learned the hard way about how to collect
trees in the wild (I killed a lot) I learned that having information about what you
see in the wild is important. Some species of trees respond favorably to being
collected, others don't. Some can be radically root pruned and put in a pot
directly from the wild, many not. It might be better to think of collecting a tree
and allowing it to develop not in a pot but in a low wooden box with drainage
holes, then after a few years put it in a pot. It's better to think of finding a
pot to fit a tree than to look for a tree to slap in a pot.

The reason it's usually better to think about not putting a tree right in a pot is
that there are very, very few trees you will find in the wild that will look good
as bonsai. They need to be worked on. And, you will discover when you work on
trees that you are working on yourself as well. You will learn how to be patient.
As a couple of others have already said in not so many words, this isn't an instant
art. Since we work with living material it takes time, sometimes lots of time.

Craig Cowing
NY
Zone 5b/6a Sunset 37

************************************************** ******************************
++++Sponsored, in part, by Ken Rutledge++++
************************************************** ******************************
-- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ --
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++

[IBC] Pennsylvania- Foraging for a Bonsai
 

in article , Craig Cowing at
wrote on 3/4/04 8:09 AM:

Mike wrote:

Hi All,

I have the opportunity to go out of the city into the western
Pennsylvania or the pocono's as they call it. I wanted to look for a
good bonsai tree to fit the nice Bonsai pot I have. I am going to be
looking for something with a nice, thick trunk, and not something that
is a stick in the mud :(

snip
Sorry, but I have to jump in here. I used to live in that area you are going
and I would not advise a root pruning when you get your tree home. You are
already "root pruning" when you dig it out of the ground. If you get a
maple, for example, you can chop the top down to a few inches and it will
start to pop back all over the stump in a few weeks (but not in a bonsai
pot). Put the tree, with as much native soil as you can manage, into a large
pot and let it be for awhile. Keep it in the shade for the first week, or
so, and then gradually move it into the sun. You will kill some trees (other
than maples) by doing the above.
Julie
Sunny Florida

[IBC] Pennsylvania- Foraging for a Bonsai
 

in article , Craig Cowing at
wrote on 3/4/04 8:09 AM:

Mike wrote:

Hi All,

I have the opportunity to go out of the city into the western
Pennsylvania or the pocono's as they call it. I wanted to look for a
good bonsai tree to fit the nice Bonsai pot I have. I am going to be
looking for something with a nice, thick trunk, and not something that
is a stick in the mud :(

snip
Sorry, but I have to jump in here. I used to live in that area you are going
and I would not advise a root pruning when you get your tree home. You are
already "root pruning" when you dig it out of the ground. If you get a
maple, for example, you can chop the top down to a few inches and it will
start to pop back all over the stump in a few weeks (but not in a bonsai
pot). Put the tree, with as much native soil as you can manage, into a large
pot and let it be for awhile. Keep it in the shade for the first week, or
so, and then gradually move it into the sun. You will kill some trees (other
than maples) by doing the above.
Julie
Sunny Florida

[IBC] Pennsylvania- Foraging for a Bonsai
 

in article , Craig Cowing at
wrote on 3/4/04 8:09 AM:

Mike wrote:

Hi All,

I have the opportunity to go out of the city into the western
Pennsylvania or the pocono's as they call it. I wanted to look for a
good bonsai tree to fit the nice Bonsai pot I have. I am going to be
looking for something with a nice, thick trunk, and not something that
is a stick in the mud :(

snip
Sorry, but I have to jump in here. I used to live in that area you are going
and I would not advise a root pruning when you get your tree home. You are
already "root pruning" when you dig it out of the ground. If you get a
maple, for example, you can chop the top down to a few inches and it will
start to pop back all over the stump in a few weeks (but not in a bonsai
pot). Put the tree, with as much native soil as you can manage, into a large
pot and let it be for awhile. Keep it in the shade for the first week, or
so, and then gradually move it into the sun. You will kill some trees (other
than maples) by doing the above.
Julie
Sunny Florida

[IBC] Pennsylvania- Foraging for a Bonsai
 

in article , Craig Cowing at
wrote on 3/4/04 8:09 AM:

Mike wrote:

Hi All,

I have the opportunity to go out of the city into the western
Pennsylvania or the pocono's as they call it. I wanted to look for a
good bonsai tree to fit the nice Bonsai pot I have. I am going to be
looking for something with a nice, thick trunk, and not something that
is a stick in the mud :(

snip
Sorry, but I have to jump in here. I used to live in that area you are going
and I would not advise a root pruning when you get your tree home. You are
already "root pruning" when you dig it out of the ground. If you get a
maple, for example, you can chop the top down to a few inches and it will
start to pop back all over the stump in a few weeks (but not in a bonsai
pot). Put the tree, with as much native soil as you can manage, into a large
pot and let it be for awhile. Keep it in the shade for the first week, or
so, and then gradually move it into the sun. You will kill some trees (other
than maples) by doing the above.
Julie
Sunny Florida

[IBC] Pennsylvania- Foraging for a Bonsai
 

Mike:

I'm from eastern PA (actually the Poconos is in the east not west).
I've been out a few times and as much as a I have heard tales of
wonderful pitch pines and other pine varieties I've yet to find much
myself. I have found some rocky areas where the roots are shallow and
perfect for bonsai but all I typically find are Hemlock, none of which
has been very usable.

For me the size I want are of course the hardest to remove. I intend to
keep trying so we'll see but so far I haven't found much. Most
everything I have encountered has a leaf size or needle size that just
won't work.

Good luck.
wmcorcor

== -----Original Message-----
== From: Internet Bonsai Club ] On
Behalf
== Of Mike
== Sent: Thursday, March 04, 2004 12:31 AM
== To:
== Subject: [IBC] Pennsylvania- Foraging for a Bonsai
==
== Hi All,
==
== I have the opportunity to go out of the city into the western
== Pennsylvania or the pocono's as they call it. I wanted to look for a
== good bonsai tree to fit the nice Bonsai pot I have.

************************************************** ******************************
++++Sponsored, in part, by Ken Rutledge++++
************************************************** ******************************
-- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ --
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++

[IBC] Pennsylvania- Foraging for a Bonsai
 

Hi All,

I have the opportunity to go out of the city into the western
Pennsylvania or the pocono's as they call it. I wanted to look
for a
good bonsai tree to fit the nice Bonsai pot I have. I am going
to be
looking for something with a nice, thick trunk, and not
something that
is a stick in the mud :( Anyone have any suggestions on what
makes a
good bonsai tree out here in PA? Any pictures of what grows
around here
on the web? Also any techniques on how to do this? For example
root
pruning and such....

I was told just to grab a shovel, dig the plant up, put it in a
wet
sack, get it home, root prune it and put it in a pot. A root
pruning
guide would be great.

I was told to grab the John Naka's book because it was like the
bonsai's
bible but due to financial difficulties i wont be able to
purchase it
for at least another month. So can anyone give me some
directions on how
to root prune, hopefully with pictures.


I am assuming that you have the permission of the landowner to
dig up trees; "landowner" includes local, state, and federal land
agencies, too. From them, you will need a permit -- which may or
may not be free. Taking trees from land without permission is
stealing. Going on the land without permission is trespass.
Both can result in a fine -- and even jail if you meet a nasty
landowner and a hanging judge. Some trees (species) may not be
collected at all because of various environmental laws.

Now, with my standard warning out of the way, it sounds like you
are a beginner. I would NOT recommend going out to collect a
tree without going with someone else who has a lot of collecting
experience. Collecting a tree is NOT like digging it up and
putting it in a pot -- especially (repeat, Especially) if you are
looking for "something with a nice, thick trunk, and not
something that is a stick in the mud." Those take careful
planning, and often, must be done over a two-year (sometimes
longer) period. If you have never collected a tree before it is
almost a sure thing that the first tree(s) you collect will not
survive, especially if they are large ones.

Like Craig says, you do NOT just plant them in a bonsai pot. The
roots will have been badly damaged, and you will have a lot of
long, painstaking work to get them back in shape. This means a
large growing box -- or even better, re-planting them in the
ground -- for a year or two before even thinking of a pot. Then,
your first pot will likely be several sizes larger than the
"final" bonsai pot.

You will do much better -- and learn in the process -- by
collecting those "sticks in the mud for a few years until you
know how to keep a collected tree alive.

Be CERTAIN to refill the hole when you are done, and again -- GET
PERMISSION.

One also hopes that you have a few years of bonsai experience --
simple keeping-them-alive-in-bonsai-pots-for-several-years
experience -- under your belt. If not, it is 100% certain that
you will not be able to keep your collected trees alive over the
next winter when they will be at their most vulnerable.

Jim Lewis - - Tallahassee, FL - The voice of
doom. And experience.

************************************************** ******************************
++++Sponsored, in part, by Ken Rutledge++++
************************************************** ******************************
-- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ --
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++

[IBC] Pennsylvania- Foraging for a Bonsai
 

Mike,

Please listen to all the advice you've seen in response to your question.
However, as a newbie, I had the opportunity to collect as many trees as I
wanted to last year about this time from an area that was going to be clear
cut. If you go into the archives and find some of the posts in response to
my questions, they should help you. For example, have a good idea of the
species you want prior to going out - of course you might luck onto
something totally different once you are out there, but have something in
mind. One of those posts in the archive listed a whole bunch of trees that
generally do well when collected (I am in NE Ohio, so the species should be
similar to what you will fine). A couple of the posts also list some books
that could assist you - many of which are available in the library!!! Check
out a couple, because species of trees (for most of us) are difficult to
recognize without their leaves. Finally, one piece of advice gleaned from
experience and which no one else gave you....take into consideration how far
and over what type of terrain you will have to carry your prize(s). The
biggest one I collected last spring was, of course, the longest from the
car. It took my son and I a couple of hours to carry it back to the car and
we were both ready to drop when we finally made it. Dirt is heavy! So are
thick trunks. Be prepared.

Good luck - hope you find something nice and, after following everyone's
advice, are able to successfully keep it alive.

Jeff Isom
Cleveland, OH / Sunset Zone 39

************************************************** ******************************
++++Sponsored, in part, by Ken Rutledge++++
************************************************** ******************************
-- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ --
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++

[IBC] Pennsylvania- Foraging for a Bonsai
 

Mike:

I'm from eastern PA (actually the Poconos is in the east not west).
I've been out a few times and as much as a I have heard tales of
wonderful pitch pines and other pine varieties I've yet to find much
myself. I have found some rocky areas where the roots are shallow and
perfect for bonsai but all I typically find are Hemlock, none of which
has been very usable.

For me the size I want are of course the hardest to remove. I intend to
keep trying so we'll see but so far I haven't found much. Most
everything I have encountered has a leaf size or needle size that just
won't work.

Good luck.
wmcorcor

== -----Original Message-----
== From: Internet Bonsai Club ] On
Behalf
== Of Mike
== Sent: Thursday, March 04, 2004 12:31 AM
== To:
== Subject: [IBC] Pennsylvania- Foraging for a Bonsai
==
== Hi All,
==
== I have the opportunity to go out of the city into the western
== Pennsylvania or the pocono's as they call it. I wanted to look for a
== good bonsai tree to fit the nice Bonsai pot I have.

************************************************** ******************************
++++Sponsored, in part, by Ken Rutledge++++
************************************************** ******************************
-- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ --
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++

[IBC] Pennsylvania- Foraging for a Bonsai
 

Mike:

I'm from eastern PA (actually the Poconos is in the east not west).
I've been out a few times and as much as a I have heard tales of
wonderful pitch pines and other pine varieties I've yet to find much
myself. I have found some rocky areas where the roots are shallow and
perfect for bonsai but all I typically find are Hemlock, none of which
has been very usable.

For me the size I want are of course the hardest to remove. I intend to
keep trying so we'll see but so far I haven't found much. Most
everything I have encountered has a leaf size or needle size that just
won't work.

Good luck.
wmcorcor

== -----Original Message-----
== From: Internet Bonsai Club ] On
Behalf
== Of Mike
== Sent: Thursday, March 04, 2004 12:31 AM
== To:
== Subject: [IBC] Pennsylvania- Foraging for a Bonsai
==
== Hi All,
==
== I have the opportunity to go out of the city into the western
== Pennsylvania or the pocono's as they call it. I wanted to look for a
== good bonsai tree to fit the nice Bonsai pot I have.

************************************************** ******************************
++++Sponsored, in part, by Ken Rutledge++++
************************************************** ******************************
-- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ --
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++

[IBC] Pennsylvania- Foraging for a Bonsai
 

Hi All,

I have the opportunity to go out of the city into the western
Pennsylvania or the pocono's as they call it. I wanted to look
for a
good bonsai tree to fit the nice Bonsai pot I have. I am going
to be
looking for something with a nice, thick trunk, and not
something that
is a stick in the mud :( Anyone have any suggestions on what
makes a
good bonsai tree out here in PA? Any pictures of what grows
around here
on the web? Also any techniques on how to do this? For example
root
pruning and such....

I was told just to grab a shovel, dig the plant up, put it in a
wet
sack, get it home, root prune it and put it in a pot. A root
pruning
guide would be great.

I was told to grab the John Naka's book because it was like the
bonsai's
bible but due to financial difficulties i wont be able to
purchase it
for at least another month. So can anyone give me some
directions on how
to root prune, hopefully with pictures.


I am assuming that you have the permission of the landowner to
dig up trees; "landowner" includes local, state, and federal land
agencies, too. From them, you will need a permit -- which may or
may not be free. Taking trees from land without permission is
stealing. Going on the land without permission is trespass.
Both can result in a fine -- and even jail if you meet a nasty
landowner and a hanging judge. Some trees (species) may not be
collected at all because of various environmental laws.

Now, with my standard warning out of the way, it sounds like you
are a beginner. I would NOT recommend going out to collect a
tree without going with someone else who has a lot of collecting
experience. Collecting a tree is NOT like digging it up and
putting it in a pot -- especially (repeat, Especially) if you are
looking for "something with a nice, thick trunk, and not
something that is a stick in the mud." Those take careful
planning, and often, must be done over a two-year (sometimes
longer) period. If you have never collected a tree before it is
almost a sure thing that the first tree(s) you collect will not
survive, especially if they are large ones.

Like Craig says, you do NOT just plant them in a bonsai pot. The
roots will have been badly damaged, and you will have a lot of
long, painstaking work to get them back in shape. This means a
large growing box -- or even better, re-planting them in the
ground -- for a year or two before even thinking of a pot. Then,
your first pot will likely be several sizes larger than the
"final" bonsai pot.

You will do much better -- and learn in the process -- by
collecting those "sticks in the mud for a few years until you
know how to keep a collected tree alive.

Be CERTAIN to refill the hole when you are done, and again -- GET
PERMISSION.

One also hopes that you have a few years of bonsai experience --
simple keeping-them-alive-in-bonsai-pots-for-several-years
experience -- under your belt. If not, it is 100% certain that
you will not be able to keep your collected trees alive over the
next winter when they will be at their most vulnerable.

Jim Lewis - - Tallahassee, FL - The voice of
doom. And experience.

************************************************** ******************************
++++Sponsored, in part, by Ken Rutledge++++
************************************************** ******************************
-- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ --
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++

[IBC] Pennsylvania- Foraging for a Bonsai
 

Hi All,

I have the opportunity to go out of the city into the western
Pennsylvania or the pocono's as they call it. I wanted to look
for a
good bonsai tree to fit the nice Bonsai pot I have. I am going
to be
looking for something with a nice, thick trunk, and not
something that
is a stick in the mud :( Anyone have any suggestions on what
makes a
good bonsai tree out here in PA? Any pictures of what grows
around here
on the web? Also any techniques on how to do this? For example
root
pruning and such....

I was told just to grab a shovel, dig the plant up, put it in a
wet
sack, get it home, root prune it and put it in a pot. A root
pruning
guide would be great.

I was told to grab the John Naka's book because it was like the
bonsai's
bible but due to financial difficulties i wont be able to
purchase it
for at least another month. So can anyone give me some
directions on how
to root prune, hopefully with pictures.


I am assuming that you have the permission of the landowner to
dig up trees; "landowner" includes local, state, and federal land
agencies, too. From them, you will need a permit -- which may or
may not be free. Taking trees from land without permission is
stealing. Going on the land without permission is trespass.
Both can result in a fine -- and even jail if you meet a nasty
landowner and a hanging judge. Some trees (species) may not be
collected at all because of various environmental laws.

Now, with my standard warning out of the way, it sounds like you
are a beginner. I would NOT recommend going out to collect a
tree without going with someone else who has a lot of collecting
experience. Collecting a tree is NOT like digging it up and
putting it in a pot -- especially (repeat, Especially) if you are
looking for "something with a nice, thick trunk, and not
something that is a stick in the mud." Those take careful
planning, and often, must be done over a two-year (sometimes
longer) period. If you have never collected a tree before it is
almost a sure thing that the first tree(s) you collect will not
survive, especially if they are large ones.

Like Craig says, you do NOT just plant them in a bonsai pot. The
roots will have been badly damaged, and you will have a lot of
long, painstaking work to get them back in shape. This means a
large growing box -- or even better, re-planting them in the
ground -- for a year or two before even thinking of a pot. Then,
your first pot will likely be several sizes larger than the
"final" bonsai pot.

You will do much better -- and learn in the process -- by
collecting those "sticks in the mud for a few years until you
know how to keep a collected tree alive.

Be CERTAIN to refill the hole when you are done, and again -- GET
PERMISSION.

One also hopes that you have a few years of bonsai experience --
simple keeping-them-alive-in-bonsai-pots-for-several-years
experience -- under your belt. If not, it is 100% certain that
you will not be able to keep your collected trees alive over the
next winter when they will be at their most vulnerable.

Jim Lewis - - Tallahassee, FL - The voice of
doom. And experience.

************************************************** ******************************
++++Sponsored, in part, by Ken Rutledge++++
************************************************** ******************************
-- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ --
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++

[IBC] Pennsylvania- Foraging for a Bonsai
 

Mike:

I'm from eastern PA (actually the Poconos is in the east not west).
I've been out a few times and as much as a I have heard tales of
wonderful pitch pines and other pine varieties I've yet to find much
myself. I have found some rocky areas where the roots are shallow and
perfect for bonsai but all I typically find are Hemlock, none of which
has been very usable.

For me the size I want are of course the hardest to remove. I intend to
keep trying so we'll see but so far I haven't found much. Most
everything I have encountered has a leaf size or needle size that just
won't work.

Good luck.
wmcorcor

== -----Original Message-----
== From: Internet Bonsai Club ] On
Behalf
== Of Mike
== Sent: Thursday, March 04, 2004 12:31 AM
== To:
== Subject: [IBC] Pennsylvania- Foraging for a Bonsai
==
== Hi All,
==
== I have the opportunity to go out of the city into the western
== Pennsylvania or the pocono's as they call it. I wanted to look for a
== good bonsai tree to fit the nice Bonsai pot I have.

************************************************** ******************************
++++Sponsored, in part, by Ken Rutledge++++
************************************************** ******************************
-- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ --
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++

[IBC] Pennsylvania- Foraging for a Bonsai
 

Mike:

I'm from eastern PA (actually the Poconos is in the east not west).
I've been out a few times and as much as a I have heard tales of
wonderful pitch pines and other pine varieties I've yet to find much
myself. I have found some rocky areas where the roots are shallow and
perfect for bonsai but all I typically find are Hemlock, none of which
has been very usable.

For me the size I want are of course the hardest to remove. I intend to
keep trying so we'll see but so far I haven't found much. Most
everything I have encountered has a leaf size or needle size that just
won't work.

Good luck.
wmcorcor

== -----Original Message-----
== From: Internet Bonsai Club ] On
Behalf
== Of Mike
== Sent: Thursday, March 04, 2004 12:31 AM
== To:
== Subject: [IBC] Pennsylvania- Foraging for a Bonsai
==
== Hi All,
==
== I have the opportunity to go out of the city into the western
== Pennsylvania or the pocono's as they call it. I wanted to look for a
== good bonsai tree to fit the nice Bonsai pot I have.

************************************************** ******************************
++++Sponsored, in part, by Ken Rutledge++++
************************************************** ******************************
-- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ --
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++

[IBC] Pennsylvania- Foraging for a Bonsai
 

Hi All,

I have the opportunity to go out of the city into the western
Pennsylvania or the pocono's as they call it. I wanted to look
for a
good bonsai tree to fit the nice Bonsai pot I have. I am going
to be
looking for something with a nice, thick trunk, and not
something that
is a stick in the mud :( Anyone have any suggestions on what
makes a
good bonsai tree out here in PA? Any pictures of what grows
around here
on the web? Also any techniques on how to do this? For example
root
pruning and such....

I was told just to grab a shovel, dig the plant up, put it in a
wet
sack, get it home, root prune it and put it in a pot. A root
pruning
guide would be great.

I was told to grab the John Naka's book because it was like the
bonsai's
bible but due to financial difficulties i wont be able to
purchase it
for at least another month. So can anyone give me some
directions on how
to root prune, hopefully with pictures.


I am assuming that you have the permission of the landowner to
dig up trees; "landowner" includes local, state, and federal land
agencies, too. From them, you will need a permit -- which may or
may not be free. Taking trees from land without permission is
stealing. Going on the land without permission is trespass.
Both can result in a fine -- and even jail if you meet a nasty
landowner and a hanging judge. Some trees (species) may not be
collected at all because of various environmental laws.

Now, with my standard warning out of the way, it sounds like you
are a beginner. I would NOT recommend going out to collect a
tree without going with someone else who has a lot of collecting
experience. Collecting a tree is NOT like digging it up and
putting it in a pot -- especially (repeat, Especially) if you are
looking for "something with a nice, thick trunk, and not
something that is a stick in the mud." Those take careful
planning, and often, must be done over a two-year (sometimes
longer) period. If you have never collected a tree before it is
almost a sure thing that the first tree(s) you collect will not
survive, especially if they are large ones.

Like Craig says, you do NOT just plant them in a bonsai pot. The
roots will have been badly damaged, and you will have a lot of
long, painstaking work to get them back in shape. This means a
large growing box -- or even better, re-planting them in the
ground -- for a year or two before even thinking of a pot. Then,
your first pot will likely be several sizes larger than the
"final" bonsai pot.

You will do much better -- and learn in the process -- by
collecting those "sticks in the mud for a few years until you
know how to keep a collected tree alive.

Be CERTAIN to refill the hole when you are done, and again -- GET
PERMISSION.

One also hopes that you have a few years of bonsai experience --
simple keeping-them-alive-in-bonsai-pots-for-several-years
experience -- under your belt. If not, it is 100% certain that
you will not be able to keep your collected trees alive over the
next winter when they will be at their most vulnerable.

Jim Lewis - - Tallahassee, FL - The voice of
doom. And experience.

************************************************** ******************************
++++Sponsored, in part, by Ken Rutledge++++
************************************************** ******************************
-- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ --
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++

[IBC] Pennsylvania- Foraging for a Bonsai
 

Mike,

Please listen to all the advice you've seen in response to your question.
However, as a newbie, I had the opportunity to collect as many trees as I
wanted to last year about this time from an area that was going to be clear
cut. If you go into the archives and find some of the posts in response to
my questions, they should help you. For example, have a good idea of the
species you want prior to going out - of course you might luck onto
something totally different once you are out there, but have something in
mind. One of those posts in the archive listed a whole bunch of trees that
generally do well when collected (I am in NE Ohio, so the species should be
similar to what you will fine). A couple of the posts also list some books
that could assist you - many of which are available in the library!!! Check
out a couple, because species of trees (for most of us) are difficult to
recognize without their leaves. Finally, one piece of advice gleaned from
experience and which no one else gave you....take into consideration how far
and over what type of terrain you will have to carry your prize(s). The
biggest one I collected last spring was, of course, the longest from the
car. It took my son and I a couple of hours to carry it back to the car and
we were both ready to drop when we finally made it. Dirt is heavy! So are
thick trunks. Be prepared.

Good luck - hope you find something nice and, after following everyone's
advice, are able to successfully keep it alive.

Jeff Isom
Cleveland, OH / Sunset Zone 39

************************************************** ******************************
++++Sponsored, in part, by Ken Rutledge++++
************************************************** ******************************
-- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ --
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++

[IBC] Pennsylvania- Foraging for a Bonsai
 

Hi All,

I have the opportunity to go out of the city into the western
Pennsylvania or the pocono's as they call it. I wanted to look
for a
good bonsai tree to fit the nice Bonsai pot I have. I am going
to be
looking for something with a nice, thick trunk, and not
something that
is a stick in the mud :( Anyone have any suggestions on what
makes a
good bonsai tree out here in PA? Any pictures of what grows
around here
on the web? Also any techniques on how to do this? For example
root
pruning and such....

I was told just to grab a shovel, dig the plant up, put it in a
wet
sack, get it home, root prune it and put it in a pot. A root
pruning
guide would be great.

I was told to grab the John Naka's book because it was like the
bonsai's
bible but due to financial difficulties i wont be able to
purchase it
for at least another month. So can anyone give me some
directions on how
to root prune, hopefully with pictures.


I am assuming that you have the permission of the landowner to
dig up trees; "landowner" includes local, state, and federal land
agencies, too. From them, you will need a permit -- which may or
may not be free. Taking trees from land without permission is
stealing. Going on the land without permission is trespass.
Both can result in a fine -- and even jail if you meet a nasty
landowner and a hanging judge. Some trees (species) may not be
collected at all because of various environmental laws.

Now, with my standard warning out of the way, it sounds like you
are a beginner. I would NOT recommend going out to collect a
tree without going with someone else who has a lot of collecting
experience. Collecting a tree is NOT like digging it up and
putting it in a pot -- especially (repeat, Especially) if you are
looking for "something with a nice, thick trunk, and not
something that is a stick in the mud." Those take careful
planning, and often, must be done over a two-year (sometimes
longer) period. If you have never collected a tree before it is
almost a sure thing that the first tree(s) you collect will not
survive, especially if they are large ones.

Like Craig says, you do NOT just plant them in a bonsai pot. The
roots will have been badly damaged, and you will have a lot of
long, painstaking work to get them back in shape. This means a
large growing box -- or even better, re-planting them in the
ground -- for a year or two before even thinking of a pot. Then,
your first pot will likely be several sizes larger than the
"final" bonsai pot.

You will do much better -- and learn in the process -- by
collecting those "sticks in the mud for a few years until you
know how to keep a collected tree alive.

Be CERTAIN to refill the hole when you are done, and again -- GET
PERMISSION.

One also hopes that you have a few years of bonsai experience --
simple keeping-them-alive-in-bonsai-pots-for-several-years
experience -- under your belt. If not, it is 100% certain that
you will not be able to keep your collected trees alive over the
next winter when they will be at their most vulnerable.

Jim Lewis - - Tallahassee, FL - The voice of
doom. And experience.

************************************************** ******************************
++++Sponsored, in part, by Ken Rutledge++++
************************************************** ******************************
-- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ --
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++

[IBC] Pennsylvania- Foraging for a Bonsai
 

Mike,

Please listen to all the advice you've seen in response to your question.
However, as a newbie, I had the opportunity to collect as many trees as I
wanted to last year about this time from an area that was going to be clear
cut. If you go into the archives and find some of the posts in response to
my questions, they should help you. For example, have a good idea of the
species you want prior to going out - of course you might luck onto
something totally different once you are out there, but have something in
mind. One of those posts in the archive listed a whole bunch of trees that
generally do well when collected (I am in NE Ohio, so the species should be
similar to what you will fine). A couple of the posts also list some books
that could assist you - many of which are available in the library!!! Check
out a couple, because species of trees (for most of us) are difficult to
recognize without their leaves. Finally, one piece of advice gleaned from
experience and which no one else gave you....take into consideration how far
and over what type of terrain you will have to carry your prize(s). The
biggest one I collected last spring was, of course, the longest from the
car. It took my son and I a couple of hours to carry it back to the car and
we were both ready to drop when we finally made it. Dirt is heavy! So are
thick trunks. Be prepared.

Good luck - hope you find something nice and, after following everyone's
advice, are able to successfully keep it alive.

Jeff Isom
Cleveland, OH / Sunset Zone 39

************************************************** ******************************
++++Sponsored, in part, by Ken Rutledge++++
************************************************** ******************************
-- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ --
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++

[IBC] Pennsylvania- Foraging for a Bonsai
 

Another good tool is a square ended shovel where the
cutting edge has been sharpened, and a hammering
device for driving the shovel into the ground, cutting
some of the smaller roots.

Kitsune Miko

--- Allen wrote:
Bring with you a good shovel, loppers, saw, maybe a
hatchet.
Another good lesson he taught us is this:
The most important part of bonsai is learning how to
keep a tree
healthy in a container! If you can't do this, all
the styling
techniques are useless !
Best of luck !

************************************************** ******************************
++++Sponsored, in part, by Ken Rutledge++++
************************************************** ******************************
-- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ --
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++

[IBC] Pennsylvania- Foraging for a Bonsai
 

Mike:

I'm from eastern PA (actually the Poconos is in the east not west).
I've been out a few times and as much as a I have heard tales of
wonderful pitch pines and other pine varieties I've yet to find much
myself. I have found some rocky areas where the roots are shallow and
perfect for bonsai but all I typically find are Hemlock, none of which
has been very usable.

For me the size I want are of course the hardest to remove. I intend to
keep trying so we'll see but so far I haven't found much. Most
everything I have encountered has a leaf size or needle size that just
won't work.

Good luck.
wmcorcor

== -----Original Message-----
== From: Internet Bonsai Club ] On
Behalf
== Of Mike
== Sent: Thursday, March 04, 2004 12:31 AM
== To:
== Subject: [IBC] Pennsylvania- Foraging for a Bonsai
==
== Hi All,
==
== I have the opportunity to go out of the city into the western
== Pennsylvania or the pocono's as they call it. I wanted to look for a
== good bonsai tree to fit the nice Bonsai pot I have.

************************************************** ******************************
++++Sponsored, in part, by Ken Rutledge++++
************************************************** ******************************
-- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ --
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++

[IBC] Pennsylvania- Foraging for a Bonsai
 

Mike:

I'm from eastern PA (actually the Poconos is in the east not west).
I've been out a few times and as much as a I have heard tales of
wonderful pitch pines and other pine varieties I've yet to find much
myself. I have found some rocky areas where the roots are shallow and
perfect for bonsai but all I typically find are Hemlock, none of which
has been very usable.

For me the size I want are of course the hardest to remove. I intend to
keep trying so we'll see but so far I haven't found much. Most
everything I have encountered has a leaf size or needle size that just
won't work.

Good luck.
wmcorcor

== -----Original Message-----
== From: Internet Bonsai Club ] On
Behalf
== Of Mike
== Sent: Thursday, March 04, 2004 12:31 AM
== To:
== Subject: [IBC] Pennsylvania- Foraging for a Bonsai
==
== Hi All,
==
== I have the opportunity to go out of the city into the western
== Pennsylvania or the pocono's as they call it. I wanted to look for a
== good bonsai tree to fit the nice Bonsai pot I have.

************************************************** ******************************
++++Sponsored, in part, by Ken Rutledge++++
************************************************** ******************************
-- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ --
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++

[IBC] Pennsylvania- Foraging for a Bonsai
 

Hi All,

I have the opportunity to go out of the city into the western
Pennsylvania or the pocono's as they call it. I wanted to look
for a
good bonsai tree to fit the nice Bonsai pot I have. I am going
to be
looking for something with a nice, thick trunk, and not
something that
is a stick in the mud :( Anyone have any suggestions on what
makes a
good bonsai tree out here in PA? Any pictures of what grows
around here
on the web? Also any techniques on how to do this? For example
root
pruning and such....

I was told just to grab a shovel, dig the plant up, put it in a
wet
sack, get it home, root prune it and put it in a pot. A root
pruning
guide would be great.

I was told to grab the John Naka's book because it was like the
bonsai's
bible but due to financial difficulties i wont be able to
purchase it
for at least another month. So can anyone give me some
directions on how
to root prune, hopefully with pictures.


I am assuming that you have the permission of the landowner to
dig up trees; "landowner" includes local, state, and federal land
agencies, too. From them, you will need a permit -- which may or
may not be free. Taking trees from land without permission is
stealing. Going on the land without permission is trespass.
Both can result in a fine -- and even jail if you meet a nasty
landowner and a hanging judge. Some trees (species) may not be
collected at all because of various environmental laws.

Now, with my standard warning out of the way, it sounds like you
are a beginner. I would NOT recommend going out to collect a
tree without going with someone else who has a lot of collecting
experience. Collecting a tree is NOT like digging it up and
putting it in a pot -- especially (repeat, Especially) if you are
looking for "something with a nice, thick trunk, and not
something that is a stick in the mud." Those take careful
planning, and often, must be done over a two-year (sometimes
longer) period. If you have never collected a tree before it is
almost a sure thing that the first tree(s) you collect will not
survive, especially if they are large ones.

Like Craig says, you do NOT just plant them in a bonsai pot. The
roots will have been badly damaged, and you will have a lot of
long, painstaking work to get them back in shape. This means a
large growing box -- or even better, re-planting them in the
ground -- for a year or two before even thinking of a pot. Then,
your first pot will likely be several sizes larger than the
"final" bonsai pot.

You will do much better -- and learn in the process -- by
collecting those "sticks in the mud for a few years until you
know how to keep a collected tree alive.

Be CERTAIN to refill the hole when you are done, and again -- GET
PERMISSION.

One also hopes that you have a few years of bonsai experience --
simple keeping-them-alive-in-bonsai-pots-for-several-years
experience -- under your belt. If not, it is 100% certain that
you will not be able to keep your collected trees alive over the
next winter when they will be at their most vulnerable.

Jim Lewis - - Tallahassee, FL - The voice of
doom. And experience.

************************************************** ******************************
++++Sponsored, in part, by Ken Rutledge++++
************************************************** ******************************
-- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ --
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++

[IBC] Pennsylvania- Foraging for a Bonsai
 

Hi All,

I have the opportunity to go out of the city into the western
Pennsylvania or the pocono's as they call it. I wanted to look
for a
good bonsai tree to fit the nice Bonsai pot I have. I am going
to be
looking for something with a nice, thick trunk, and not
something that
is a stick in the mud :( Anyone have any suggestions on what
makes a
good bonsai tree out here in PA? Any pictures of what grows
around here
on the web? Also any techniques on how to do this? For example
root
pruning and such....

I was told just to grab a shovel, dig the plant up, put it in a
wet
sack, get it home, root prune it and put it in a pot. A root
pruning
guide would be great.

I was told to grab the John Naka's book because it was like the
bonsai's
bible but due to financial difficulties i wont be able to
purchase it
for at least another month. So can anyone give me some
directions on how
to root prune, hopefully with pictures.


I am assuming that you have the permission of the landowner to
dig up trees; "landowner" includes local, state, and federal land
agencies, too. From them, you will need a permit -- which may or
may not be free. Taking trees from land without permission is
stealing. Going on the land without permission is trespass.
Both can result in a fine -- and even jail if you meet a nasty
landowner and a hanging judge. Some trees (species) may not be
collected at all because of various environmental laws.

Now, with my standard warning out of the way, it sounds like you
are a beginner. I would NOT recommend going out to collect a
tree without going with someone else who has a lot of collecting
experience. Collecting a tree is NOT like digging it up and
putting it in a pot -- especially (repeat, Especially) if you are
looking for "something with a nice, thick trunk, and not
something that is a stick in the mud." Those take careful
planning, and often, must be done over a two-year (sometimes
longer) period. If you have never collected a tree before it is
almost a sure thing that the first tree(s) you collect will not
survive, especially if they are large ones.

Like Craig says, you do NOT just plant them in a bonsai pot. The
roots will have been badly damaged, and you will have a lot of
long, painstaking work to get them back in shape. This means a
large growing box -- or even better, re-planting them in the
ground -- for a year or two before even thinking of a pot. Then,
your first pot will likely be several sizes larger than the
"final" bonsai pot.

You will do much better -- and learn in the process -- by
collecting those "sticks in the mud for a few years until you
know how to keep a collected tree alive.

Be CERTAIN to refill the hole when you are done, and again -- GET
PERMISSION.

One also hopes that you have a few years of bonsai experience --
simple keeping-them-alive-in-bonsai-pots-for-several-years
experience -- under your belt. If not, it is 100% certain that
you will not be able to keep your collected trees alive over the
next winter when they will be at their most vulnerable.

Jim Lewis - - Tallahassee, FL - The voice of
doom. And experience.

************************************************** ******************************
++++Sponsored, in part, by Ken Rutledge++++
************************************************** ******************************
-- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ --
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++

[IBC] Pennsylvania- Foraging for a Bonsai
 

Mike,

Please listen to all the advice you've seen in response to your question.
However, as a newbie, I had the opportunity to collect as many trees as I
wanted to last year about this time from an area that was going to be clear
cut. If you go into the archives and find some of the posts in response to
my questions, they should help you. For example, have a good idea of the
species you want prior to going out - of course you might luck onto
something totally different once you are out there, but have something in
mind. One of those posts in the archive listed a whole bunch of trees that
generally do well when collected (I am in NE Ohio, so the species should be
similar to what you will fine). A couple of the posts also list some books
that could assist you - many of which are available in the library!!! Check
out a couple, because species of trees (for most of us) are difficult to
recognize without their leaves. Finally, one piece of advice gleaned from
experience and which no one else gave you....take into consideration how far
and over what type of terrain you will have to carry your prize(s). The
biggest one I collected last spring was, of course, the longest from the
car. It took my son and I a couple of hours to carry it back to the car and
we were both ready to drop when we finally made it. Dirt is heavy! So are
thick trunks. Be prepared.

Good luck - hope you find something nice and, after following everyone's
advice, are able to successfully keep it alive.

Jeff Isom
Cleveland, OH / Sunset Zone 39

************************************************** ******************************
++++Sponsored, in part, by Ken Rutledge++++
************************************************** ******************************
-- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ --
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++

[IBC] Pennsylvania- Foraging for a Bonsai
 

Mike,

Please listen to all the advice you've seen in response to your question.
However, as a newbie, I had the opportunity to collect as many trees as I
wanted to last year about this time from an area that was going to be clear
cut. If you go into the archives and find some of the posts in response to
my questions, they should help you. For example, have a good idea of the
species you want prior to going out - of course you might luck onto
something totally different once you are out there, but have something in
mind. One of those posts in the archive listed a whole bunch of trees that
generally do well when collected (I am in NE Ohio, so the species should be
similar to what you will fine). A couple of the posts also list some books
that could assist you - many of which are available in the library!!! Check
out a couple, because species of trees (for most of us) are difficult to
recognize without their leaves. Finally, one piece of advice gleaned from
experience and which no one else gave you....take into consideration how far
and over what type of terrain you will have to carry your prize(s). The
biggest one I collected last spring was, of course, the longest from the
car. It took my son and I a couple of hours to carry it back to the car and
we were both ready to drop when we finally made it. Dirt is heavy! So are
thick trunks. Be prepared.

Good luck - hope you find something nice and, after following everyone's
advice, are able to successfully keep it alive.

Jeff Isom
Cleveland, OH / Sunset Zone 39

************************************************** ******************************
++++Sponsored, in part, by Ken Rutledge++++
************************************************** ******************************
-- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ --
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++

[IBC] Pennsylvania- Foraging for a Bonsai
 

Another good tool is a square ended shovel where the
cutting edge has been sharpened, and a hammering
device for driving the shovel into the ground, cutting
some of the smaller roots.

Kitsune Miko

--- Allen wrote:
Bring with you a good shovel, loppers, saw, maybe a
hatchet.
Another good lesson he taught us is this:
The most important part of bonsai is learning how to
keep a tree
healthy in a container! If you can't do this, all
the styling
techniques are useless !
Best of luck !

************************************************** ******************************
++++Sponsored, in part, by Ken Rutledge++++
************************************************** ******************************
-- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ --
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++

[IBC] Pennsylvania- Foraging for a Bonsai
 

Another good tool is a square ended shovel where the
cutting edge has been sharpened, and a hammering
device for driving the shovel into the ground, cutting
some of the smaller roots.

Kitsune Miko

--- Allen wrote:
Bring with you a good shovel, loppers, saw, maybe a
hatchet.
Another good lesson he taught us is this:
The most important part of bonsai is learning how to
keep a tree
healthy in a container! If you can't do this, all
the styling
techniques are useless !
Best of luck !

************************************************** ******************************
++++Sponsored, in part, by Ken Rutledge++++
************************************************** ******************************
-- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ --
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++

[IBC] Pennsylvania- Foraging for a Bonsai
 

Mike,

Please listen to all the advice you've seen in response to your question.
However, as a newbie, I had the opportunity to collect as many trees as I
wanted to last year about this time from an area that was going to be clear
cut. If you go into the archives and find some of the posts in response to
my questions, they should help you. For example, have a good idea of the
species you want prior to going out - of course you might luck onto
something totally different once you are out there, but have something in
mind. One of those posts in the archive listed a whole bunch of trees that
generally do well when collected (I am in NE Ohio, so the species should be
similar to what you will fine). A couple of the posts also list some books
that could assist you - many of which are available in the library!!! Check
out a couple, because species of trees (for most of us) are difficult to
recognize without their leaves. Finally, one piece of advice gleaned from
experience and which no one else gave you....take into consideration how far
and over what type of terrain you will have to carry your prize(s). The
biggest one I collected last spring was, of course, the longest from the
car. It took my son and I a couple of hours to carry it back to the car and
we were both ready to drop when we finally made it. Dirt is heavy! So are
thick trunks. Be prepared.

Good luck - hope you find something nice and, after following everyone's
advice, are able to successfully keep it alive.

Jeff Isom
Cleveland, OH / Sunset Zone 39

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[IBC] Pennsylvania- Foraging for a Bonsai
 

Mike,

Please listen to all the advice you've seen in response to your question.
However, as a newbie, I had the opportunity to collect as many trees as I
wanted to last year about this time from an area that was going to be clear
cut. If you go into the archives and find some of the posts in response to
my questions, they should help you. For example, have a good idea of the
species you want prior to going out - of course you might luck onto
something totally different once you are out there, but have something in
mind. One of those posts in the archive listed a whole bunch of trees that
generally do well when collected (I am in NE Ohio, so the species should be
similar to what you will fine). A couple of the posts also list some books
that could assist you - many of which are available in the library!!! Check
out a couple, because species of trees (for most of us) are difficult to
recognize without their leaves. Finally, one piece of advice gleaned from
experience and which no one else gave you....take into consideration how far
and over what type of terrain you will have to carry your prize(s). The
biggest one I collected last spring was, of course, the longest from the
car. It took my son and I a couple of hours to carry it back to the car and
we were both ready to drop when we finally made it. Dirt is heavy! So are
thick trunks. Be prepared.

Good luck - hope you find something nice and, after following everyone's
advice, are able to successfully keep it alive.

Jeff Isom
Cleveland, OH / Sunset Zone 39

************************************************** ******************************
++++Sponsored, in part, by Ken Rutledge++++
************************************************** ******************************
-- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ --
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++

[IBC] Pennsylvania- Foraging for a Bonsai
 

Since you live in Pennsylvania, you could also *quickly* join the Susquehanna Bonsai society and then participate in their group collecting trip at the end of this month (the 21st?). Then you could learn to collect a tree from people who know how to do it
, from a site with a diverse collection of collectible trees.

I belong to that club, and they helped me dig up a big ol' carpinus stump, which is doing extremely well, 2 years later.

Nina

************************************************** ******************************
++++Sponsored, in part, by Ken Rutledge++++
************************************************** ******************************
-- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ --
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++

[IBC] Pennsylvania- Foraging for a Bonsai
 

Since you live in Pennsylvania, you could also *quickly* join the Susquehanna Bonsai society and then participate in their group collecting trip at the end of this month (the 21st?). Then you could learn to collect a tree from people who know how to do it
, from a site with a diverse collection of collectible trees.

I belong to that club, and they helped me dig up a big ol' carpinus stump, which is doing extremely well, 2 years later.

Nina

************************************************** ******************************
++++Sponsored, in part, by Ken Rutledge++++
************************************************** ******************************
-- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ --
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++

[IBC] Pennsylvania- Foraging for a Bonsai
 

Another good tool is a square ended shovel where the
cutting edge has been sharpened, and a hammering
device for driving the shovel into the ground, cutting
some of the smaller roots.

Kitsune Miko

--- Allen wrote:
Bring with you a good shovel, loppers, saw, maybe a
hatchet.
Another good lesson he taught us is this:
The most important part of bonsai is learning how to
keep a tree
healthy in a container! If you can't do this, all
the styling
techniques are useless !
Best of luck !

************************************************** ******************************
++++Sponsored, in part, by Ken Rutledge++++
************************************************** ******************************
-- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ --
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++

[IBC] Pennsylvania- Foraging for a Bonsai
 

Another good tool is a square ended shovel where the
cutting edge has been sharpened, and a hammering
device for driving the shovel into the ground, cutting
some of the smaller roots.

Kitsune Miko

--- Allen wrote:
Bring with you a good shovel, loppers, saw, maybe a
hatchet.
Another good lesson he taught us is this:
The most important part of bonsai is learning how to
keep a tree
healthy in a container! If you can't do this, all
the styling
techniques are useless !
Best of luck !

************************************************** ******************************
++++Sponsored, in part, by Ken Rutledge++++
************************************************** ******************************
-- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ --
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++

[IBC] Pennsylvania- Foraging for a Bonsai
 

Since you live in Pennsylvania, you could also *quickly* join the Susquehanna Bonsai society and then participate in their group collecting trip at the end of this month (the 21st?). Then you could learn to collect a tree from people who know how to do it
, from a site with a diverse collection of collectible trees.

I belong to that club, and they helped me dig up a big ol' carpinus stump, which is doing extremely well, 2 years later.

Nina

************************************************** ******************************
++++Sponsored, in part, by Ken Rutledge++++
************************************************** ******************************
-- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ --
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++

[IBC] Pennsylvania- Foraging for a Bonsai
 

Since you live in Pennsylvania, you could also *quickly* join the Susquehanna Bonsai society and then participate in their group collecting trip at the end of this month (the 21st?). Then you could learn to collect a tree from people who know how to do it
, from a site with a diverse collection of collectible trees.

I belong to that club, and they helped me dig up a big ol' carpinus stump, which is doing extremely well, 2 years later.

Nina

************************************************** ******************************
++++Sponsored, in part, by Ken Rutledge++++
************************************************** ******************************
-- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ --
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++

[IBC] Pennsylvania- Foraging for a Bonsai
 

----- Original Message -----
From: "Mike"
To:
Sent: Thursday, March 04, 2004 12:30 AM
Subject: [IBC] Pennsylvania- Foraging for a Bonsai


Who ever has been advising you about bonsai is way off the beam. You just
don't go out and dig a tree from the wilds, stick it in a pot, and think
it's a bonsai. The transition from collected material to bonsai is a long
and complicated procedure. The most important consideration is the roots.
Trees in nature tend to have roots running far out from the trunk. When you
dig them out, you destroy a large share of the roots. It may take several
years in a training box for the tree to establish a tight bundle of roots
close in to the trunk. The second consideration is branching. Most wild
trees have crossed branches, dead wood, excessive high branches which shade
out the lower ones, and other growth which detracts from the over-all shape
of the tree. All of these need to be corrrected during the training
process. All this is said not to disuade you from starting with a collected
tree, but just to let you know what you're in for when you do.
Marty

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++++Sponsored, in part, by Ken Rutledge++++
************************************************** ******************************
-- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ --
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++

[IBC] Pennsylvania- Foraging for a Bonsai
 

"Isom, Jeff (EM, PTL)" wrote:

Mike,

Please listen to all the advice you've seen in response to your question.


snip

Finally, one piece of advice gleaned from
experience and which no one else gave you....take into consideration how far
and over what type of terrain you will have to carry your prize(s). The
biggest one I collected last spring was, of course, the longest from the
car. It took my son and I a couple of hours to carry it back to the car and
we were both ready to drop when we finally made it. Dirt is heavy! So are
thick trunks. Be prepared.

Good luck - hope you find something nice and, after following everyone's
advice, are able to successfully keep it alive.

Jeff Isom
Cleveland, OH / Sunset Zone 39

Excellent advice about big trees. Taking into account the size may halp you make
the decision as to whether it's worth the effort.

If you're going to dig a big tree (which I wouldn't advise right now) dig it and
turn around and put it in the ground and wait a couple of years until you'll know
what to do with it. If you work on it now right after digging it you may make
mistakes that will be impossible to correct. Collect some smaller trees and work
with them first.

Remember that a bonsai does not become one all by itself. From the "bonsai kits"
that are so prevalent people often get the impression that the seed is planted in a
bonsai pot and it grows up to be a miniature tree with about as much effort on the
part of the owner as that required for a Chia Pet. A bonsai is trained, and
whether the tree comes from the wild, from a garden center or grown from seed the
same is true. It doesn't happen by itself.

The above may seem irrelevant to Mike's query, but I feel it is relevant. A bonsai
does not usually get dug up in nature and dropped into a pot.

Craig Cowing
NY
Zone 5b/6a Sunset 37

************************************************** ******************************
++++Sponsored, in part, by Ken Rutledge++++
************************************************** ******************************
-- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ --
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++