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Rock-

We have had similar issues here in Portland. All of my trees have been repotted - from 2 months ago to the most recent batch being last week. My maples are either leafed out or are in the process, and I have lots of new candle growth. So, any weather issues catch my attention as well.

That said, I learned over the past year or so that the best thing I can do for myself and my trees is to put them on the ground when it hits these temperature drops and leave them alone. I have about 80 trees that spent the entire winter outdoors, unprotected (save one night of 70mph winds) and on the ground - they all spent over two weeks frozen solid. I have not lost a single tree from this treatment either.

Now, I am not comparing our winter to yours, and long term cold in many areas should get a greater level of care than what I do - that is not what I am saying. It was 30 degrees here the past two mornings, and 28 degrees this morning. Out where JasonG (& Oregon Bonsai) is, they have patio furniture that holds an inch of water and every morning for two weeks they have had it frozen solid until about 10am when the sun hits the area. He, Oregon Bonsai, and I do nothing. Too many trees, too much time, and nowhere really to move them to.

So, I guess what I am really saying is that trees are a little more hardy than given credit for, and in many cases the simple act of moving them from the benches to the ground is quicker, easier, less painful and sufficient. If you are in a townhouse community, on the ground next to the house or fence is more than sufficient for a 27 degree night.

That's my two cents, for whatever it is worth...

3-Apr-2007	#6
rlist bonsaiTALK Adept Join Date: Dec-2005 Country: USA USDA Zone: Zone 8a AHS Heat Zone: ? Posts: 227	Rock- We have had similar issues here in Portland. All of my trees have been repotted - from 2 months ago to the most recent batch being last week. My maples are either leafed out or are in the process, and I have lots of new candle growth. So, any weather issues catch my attention as well. That said, I learned over the past year or so that the best thing I can do for myself and my trees is to put them on the ground when it hits these temperature drops and leave them alone. I have about 80 trees that spent the entire winter outdoors, unprotected (save one night of 70mph winds) and on the ground - they all spent over two weeks frozen solid. I have not lost a single tree from this treatment either. Now, I am not comparing our winter to yours, and long term cold in many areas should get a greater level of care than what I do - that is not what I am saying. It was 30 degrees here the past two mornings, and 28 degrees this morning. Out where JasonG (& Oregon Bonsai) is, they have patio furniture that holds an inch of water and every morning for two weeks they have had it frozen solid until about 10am when the sun hits the area. He, Oregon Bonsai, and I do nothing. Too many trees, too much time, and nowhere really to move them to. So, I guess what I am really saying is that trees are a little more hardy than given credit for, and in many cases the simple act of moving them from the benches to the ground is quicker, easier, less painful and sufficient. If you are in a townhouse community, on the ground next to the house or fence is more than sufficient for a 27 degree night. That's my two cents, for whatever it is worth... __________________ NW Oregon, Zone 8a Check out my new blog here... Both gold and muck come out of the same shaft...