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Hi Zen,

I think another question you will have to ask yourself is "are these trees worth collecting?" Just because its a fat old stump that's been chomped down by a beaver, doesn't mean its going to make a great bonsai. Make sure you take time to look for quality material, that has a great base, taper, nebari etc, etc. Collecting just for the sake of collecting will lead to disappointment, will be more effort than its worth as you'll end up with a fat old stump in a pot.

You are also going to need to positively identify the individual trees you are hoping to collect, and ascertain which ones are easily collected, and which will need more tentative measures IE. a trench dug around, root pruned in the soil, back filled with sand or gravel and left for another year before being collected. Those trees will still be there this time next year, so don't be tempted to lift them now, if the chance of survival is greatly improved by doing the above technique or something similar.

You will also need to provide adequate aftercare for the trees, so depending on the size of tree and collected root mass, you may need a purpose built box/container to allow recovery, which may be a year or more until the tree regains full vigour.

You should definitely take the time to read through the link to the articles Wes posted. They are written by Walter Pall and are pretty much a definitive guide to collecting, with lots of food for thought.

All the best,

Aaron

23-Jan-2006	#9
Aaron_K bonsaiTALK Master Chief Join Date: Mar-2004 Country: England USDA Zone: 8 AHS Heat Zone: 2-3 Posts: 1,477	Hi Zen, I think another question you will have to ask yourself is "are these trees worth collecting?" Just because its a fat old stump that's been chomped down by a beaver, doesn't mean its going to make a great bonsai. Make sure you take time to look for quality material, that has a great base, taper, nebari etc, etc. Collecting just for the sake of collecting will lead to disappointment, will be more effort than its worth as you'll end up with a fat old stump in a pot. You are also going to need to positively identify the individual trees you are hoping to collect, and ascertain which ones are easily collected, and which will need more tentative measures IE. a trench dug around, root pruned in the soil, back filled with sand or gravel and left for another year before being collected. Those trees will still be there this time next year, so don't be tempted to lift them now, if the chance of survival is greatly improved by doing the above technique or something similar. You will also need to provide adequate aftercare for the trees, so depending on the size of tree and collected root mass, you may need a purpose built box/container to allow recovery, which may be a year or more until the tree regains full vigour. You should definitely take the time to read through the link to the articles Wes posted. They are written by Walter Pall and are pretty much a definitive guide to collecting, with lots of food for thought. All the best, Aaron __________________ Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. - Muriel Strode Vulpes pilum mutat, non mores! "A fox may change its skin but never its character"