hmmm... could I just go into the forest and dig up a small tree to start a bonsai?

FenixDown

I live near a heavily wooded area. Are there any kind of limiting factors (like roots being too deep or something similar) keeping me from going out there and digging up a small tree to train into a bonsai? If I did this, wouldn't I have head start since the trunk would already be thick, the plant is acclimated to my area, and all that jazz?

Just a thought...

edit: If I could do this, what would I need to look for?

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Mcspeed

Fenix do a search for collecting, there are a BUNCH of threads and articles on it, from getting permission to dig, to when, and how to dig, also some of the why you dig instead of growing form small.

Short answer is yes, but it depends on a bunch of things too, ie species, season, suitability for bonsai, etc.

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BonsaiSteve1

It is called Yamadori - collecting trees from the wild. Used to be (probably still is) this was the last step in an apprentice's learning, to go out himself with some tools, shovels, burlap to wrap the roots, etc. and find and collect the perfect specimen (you don't have to repel from a cliff like in Karate Kid!).

I have never done this nor do I know the specific procedure of digging it up etc. I'm planning and looking forward to doing it this as soon as the ground thaws, if that is even the right time (maybe have to wait until summer??).

Please correct me if I've said anything incorrect!

RedPine

Hi,


Do a little checking for bonsai clubs in your area, they should be collecting this time of year. On your own I would look for elm trees in your area, there's alot of cedar elms comming out of Texas. Trunks as thick as a forearm that have been mowed a couple of times or chewed down by cattle would be good to start with.

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PatArizona

Be sure you are armed with the appropriate permission and permit...otherwise, you may have a posse chasing you...with warrents and shotguns...

Just a word to the wise...

Pat

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THE ONLY WAY: Always remember, and don't ever forget, that whatever you read here is not cast in concrete... the intent of any advice is to help. In no way should you feel that I’m saying that my way is the only way…heaven forbid! I've seen far too much of the "my way or the highway" attitude in bonsai as well as in other areas of life.

PatArizona

Also...make yourself aware of the protected native species...

Pat

__________________
BONSAI isn't about surviving in a storm, rather, how to dance in the rain.
THE ONLY WAY: Always remember, and don't ever forget, that whatever you read here is not cast in concrete... the intent of any advice is to help. In no way should you feel that I’m saying that my way is the only way…heaven forbid! I've seen far too much of the "my way or the highway" attitude in bonsai as well as in other areas of life.

FenixDown

oh okay, cool. I just wasn't sure if it was a practice that was frowned upon or not. How would I go about finding the protected species and all that stuff PatArizona said?

Hawthorn

Contact your city/state's department of natural resources office and tell them what you want to do, most likely they will be able to direct you to the information you need.. Google would probably work too. Generally though, if you intend to collect from private propery all you'll need is permission from the land owner, but it's always a good idea to check with your local government before you dig anything regardless of what/where it is.

Taakeulv19

You can always do the popular pluck and run. That has been a popular hobby for some bonsaists in the area and also a great collecting story too.
I know two guys that ran into a wild florida panther on one of their bald cypress collecting endeavors. 30 minutes of acting like the bonsai they wanted to collect so they wouldn't turn up as fertilizer.

You can find out easily whic trees are protected, and even more so help out by taking pest trees, vines, and bushes. I'd say talk to someone in the US Forest Service, they can tell you were to find pest trees and what they look like. A local college might have an agricultural branch that might even be able to help!