bonsaiTALK Community - View Single Post - Emergency Help Pine Out Of Ground!

Dear Minnesota,
I think Jose gave you some good advice about trimming off many branches to compensate for the root losses. Beyond that, I would suggest you also cut off the ends of the long roots.....cut to fit into your box.....and then as soon as possible plant it.....preferably in bonsai mix, (A mix with good drainage) or, if that's not available, put in pure sand. Then water it in well.....'til the water is draining out of the bottom of the box.....then don't water it often....perhaps about once in two weeks.
Being in Minnesota, I'd suggest you store it in an unheated garage, or other structure to keep it out of the wind and in a place where it won't freeze; by freezine, I mean don't let the moisture in the box freeze. The branches of the tree are not very vulnerable at this point...it is the roots you want to protect.
Then, in the spring, when the frosts are light, and only at night and short term, (the sun during the day warms things up above 35 degrees, at least) put the tree out in a sunny place, and water it weekly.
Probably by april or may you'll notice some buds opening and new needles coming in. Then you'll know that you helped the tree survive the trauma it experienced.
I see some very nice trunk on the tree. I'd say it has very good potential.
If you have access to a local Bonsai Club, I'd suggest you join it, and you'll have the opportunity to learn a great deal about bonsai.
When you trim the branches, try to cut them so as to leave some needles on each branch. If you cut back behind the needles, chances you'll have sever die-back.
If the tree is 5" now, cut it down to about 3". If the branches are 3" long, cut them back to about 18"....but keeping some needles.
You have a good project there...but don't become impatient with it; it will take a few years before it looks like a nice bonsai. Good luck.
Some people say putting Vitamin b 1 at time of transplant is important.
. If that makes you feel better, that you're making a good effort to save the tree, do it.
My sensei says it really doesn't matter, but you're feelings are important too, so do what you think is right.

Good luck.
Robert.......in Sta.Cruz

29-Nov-2002	#4
Robert bonsaiTALK Adept *MODERATOR GROUP* Join Date: Mar-2002 Location: Sta.Cruz, CA Country: usa USDA Zone: 9 AHS Heat Zone: ? Posts: 214	Dear Minnesota, I think Jose gave you some good advice about trimming off many branches to compensate for the root losses. Beyond that, I would suggest you also cut off the ends of the long roots.....cut to fit into your box.....and then as soon as possible plant it.....preferably in bonsai mix, (A mix with good drainage) or, if that's not available, put in pure sand. Then water it in well.....'til the water is draining out of the bottom of the box.....then don't water it often....perhaps about once in two weeks. Being in Minnesota, I'd suggest you store it in an unheated garage, or other structure to keep it out of the wind and in a place where it won't freeze; by freezine, I mean don't let the moisture in the box freeze. The branches of the tree are not very vulnerable at this point...it is the roots you want to protect. Then, in the spring, when the frosts are light, and only at night and short term, (the sun during the day warms things up above 35 degrees, at least) put the tree out in a sunny place, and water it weekly. Probably by april or may you'll notice some buds opening and new needles coming in. Then you'll know that you helped the tree survive the trauma it experienced. I see some very nice trunk on the tree. I'd say it has very good potential. If you have access to a local Bonsai Club, I'd suggest you join it, and you'll have the opportunity to learn a great deal about bonsai. When you trim the branches, try to cut them so as to leave some needles on each branch. If you cut back behind the needles, chances you'll have sever die-back. If the tree is 5" now, cut it down to about 3". If the branches are 3" long, cut them back to about 18"....but keeping some needles. You have a good project there...but don't become impatient with it; it will take a few years before it looks like a nice bonsai. Good luck. Some people say putting Vitamin b 1 at time of transplant is important. . If that makes you feel better, that you're making a good effort to save the tree, do it. My sensei says it really doesn't matter, but you're feelings are important too, so do what you think is right. Good luck. Robert.......in Sta.Cruz __________________ Robert.........in Sta.Cruz