cultivation of native yamadori for profit? I need help getting through college...

Selah_Tree

Since I began to dig up yamadori from my family's property, I've been running out of room for potting them, field growing them, colander growing them, etc. As we are in the process of clearing the thick wood, I have been digging up every interesting potensai in the path of destruction.

The question is, does anybody have any experience or ideas concerning selling some of these yamadori? When I move out of the woods next year, I will probably be moving into some sort of apartment with a very little yard if any at all and I will have to get rid of many of my precious trees.

I am still collecting many trees that would be cut down off of the property and I will have a lot by the time I am ready to sell them (maybe 50-70).

I feel that it would be a waste to 1.) destroy trees with potential and 2.) leave the trees behind in their pots to be neglected. Besides, I need as much change as I can get to help me pay for all of my college expenses.

Can anyone offer advice as to the demand of/advice for any of the following Southeast Texas native species:

(also, feel free to correct me if I mistake the taxonomical names)

Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua)
Hornbeam (Carpinus carolineana)
Pin Oak (Quercus palustris)
Red Swamp Maple (Acer rubrum 'drumondii')
Chinaberry (Erythrina corallodendrum)
Sparkleberry (Vaccinium arboreum)
Cork Elm/Winged Elm (Ulmus neri)
Yaupon ( Ilex vomitoria)
Easter Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana)
Willow Oak (Quercus phallos)
Pine (various specie, unidentified as of yet... possibly shortleaf and loblolly?)

Any help is much appreciated, especially if you in the area yourself.

Thanks
Craig

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tachigi

Hi Craig, How long have these been collected and in containers? I quess what I am getting at is .... have they had a chance to recover and establish since collection?

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Selah_Tree

tachigi...some have, some will have by this time next year, and some will need another year or two. I have a few in different levels of development...

thanks
Craig

Graydon

I think if they are in good condition and healthy, have some advance work done and are reasonable in price you should be able to sell them. I didn't see anything on your list that should be ruled out right off the bat.

The problem you will run in to is how to sell them. I would think local sales would be your best option, however if all of these trees are common to your area and available then your market locally may be saturated. Other methods of sale will add the expense and hassle of shipping. You will also need to be careful as to where you ship because some states require phytosanitary certificates. You will be dancing in legal waters if you ship without this.

There are options available to you for selling. You could post on eBay (sigh - nobody will take them seriously and the prices will be real low) or you could build a simple web site offering them for sale. Both of those ways will have expenses that will cost you either when you sell or start up.

I suppose a third option would be to find someone that has bonsai stuff online and let them sell for a commission or cut of the action. Your net take will be lower but so will the hassle and effort you put forth to sell them.

These will be tough waters to navigate while trying to get and education. I couldn't imagine trying to do this to earn enough to pay tuition and expenses.

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Selah_Tree

Graydon,

Thanks very much for the input. I was thinking about presenting my trees to members of the local club (even though I'm not sure if they are still meeting after hurricane Rita). I may also make a web page, since I am puchasing five more websites this week anyways... I would like to deliver them in person. I am not sure about shipping and I'm not too comfortable with the idea. I think I may ship only as a very last resort...

And no, I don't think I can afford college on just my yamadori collection. I am moving from a community college to a larger college and my current scholarships may not cut it next year...

Thanks again

Craig

irene_b

Another Option you may consider is placing them with either club members or contacting the other Bonsai type nurseries in and around Austin and other big cities and doing a consignment type sale.

I am interested in buying some but with limited funds and plenty to dig myself it would have to be a real good buy.
As a collector myself I know the struggle to see good material wasted.
I would also not be against storing them here for you and just maintaining them till you decide what you want to do with them in the future.
I have plenty of property here outside Castroville!
Let me know what you decide.
Irene

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Selah_Tree

Thanks Irene,


I appreciate the offer to take care of my trees. I may take you up on that if I am unable to place any, or if I just feel like giving them away sometime. I'll keep you updated when the time comes.

Thanks
Craig

irene_b

Your welcome Craig...
Irene

__________________
Student of Life
Student of Nature

"From bonsai we receive peace of mind, health and a life’s pursuit. We can also learn generosity, patience and even philosophy about life. We can also have the good fortune to make friends of all nationalities and races with whom we share a mutual trust and respect. This is all thanks to bonsai." "Saburo Kato"




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http://bonsaivaultforum.freeforums.org/portal.php