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[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 +++++ |
#2
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[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 +++++ --- Incoming mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.605 / Virus Database: 385 - Release Date: 01/03/2004 --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.605 / Virus Database: 385 - Release Date: 01/03/2004 ************************************************** ****************************** ++++Sponsored, in part, by Ken Rutledge++++ ************************************************** ****************************** -- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ -- +++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++ |
#3
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[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 +++++ |
#4
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[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 +++++ |
#6
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[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 |
#7
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[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 |
#8
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[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 |
#9
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[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 +++++ |
#10
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[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 +++++ |
#11
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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 +++++ |
#12
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[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 +++++ |
#13
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[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 +++++ |
#14
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[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 +++++ |
#15
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[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 +++++ |
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