Mountain Ash Care

horace

Hello all,

I'm new to this site. I've tried to join the ABS site, but the Yahoo server's a bit mixed up sometimes and I don't have the pacience needed to deal with it.

I have just begun my journey into the art of Bonsia, although I've been an admirer for some time with horrific attempts ending in the death of several trees...

I was recently given what I believe is a mountain ash and in an attempt to avoid a recurring pattern in my bonsia care of the past, I could use some guidance on it's care.

At present, it has lost nearly all of it's former leaves, however has sprouted a robust growth of new ones. I alternate watering based on books that I've purchased, however I've returned to watering lightly every morning.

I leave it outside for most of the day in direct sunlight until the sun is blocked by the corner of the building. It's brought in every night and kept at a temperature of around 73 degrees until it's placed outside in the morning again. The morning temperature varies becuase this is after all southern California, but on the average between 50 and 60 degrees.

Any help would be appreciated. I truly would like to see this plant live so that I can feel confident in taking on more in the future. This is a very enjoyable past time that doesn't dominate all of my time but has enriching rewards for the time spent.

Thanks in adavance and best regards to all,

Sincerely,

Wayne

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patmac

Wayne,
First, welcome to Bonsaitalk, second take a minute to enter your zone information so others might be able to give you more specific information.

Here's a link to some information on this species. Mountain Ash or Rowan

I would recommend watering the tree only when it needs it. Check the soil with your finger if necessary. After a while you will become more aware of how much the tree consumes.
This tree is naturally frost-resistant so I would think moving the tree inside and back out would be more stressful then simply leaving outside.

I love this species of tree but have yet been able to acquire the right one.
Good luck, keep us posted on your progress.

Green with envy,
Patrick

Joanie

Wayne, watering lightly isn't going to be helpful for the tree. You need to water until the water runs out of the holes, wait a minute, and water again. That flushes the soil's salts, as well as bringing life-giving oxygen to the roots which is pulled in as the water flows down. Also, the root ball could dry out and the water would just run around it and out, if you don't use enough water each time. Roots use up the water around them.

It sounds like the tree could stay out. Babying them can be the worst for them. Read the species guide, and remember that Temecula isn't as cold as the area that these trees came from. Mulch around the pot so that the roots are protected. Here is a compilation of overwintering discussions, it may reassure you and give you ideas about how to protect the tree.

If you can, attend a club. You're between LA and SD, and of course being a bit partial I do recommend the San Diego Club. We're an active, large club that meets the second Sunday of each month in the beautiful Balboa Park, which makes it so much more than a club meeting. You can ask questions there and get good local answers. Or join a club near you, if that is inconvenient. Whatever you do, seek out people that are familiar with your conditions and can help you. Plus, club members make great friends for nursery trips and things!!

Good luck, and welcome to the forum!

Joanie

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Joanie

And if you come to San Diego Club or San Pu Kai in Vista, introduce yourself! Several of us are on the forum....I'm the one with long red hair that isn't Phil's wife!

Joanie

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Fletch

Wayne;

I would definitely not bother moving it in and out. I have a mountain ash that has wintered just fine for the last 12 yrs up here in da great white north (Calgary, Alberta - Zone 3a, winter temps can get as low -40F and have on occasion) with it's pot mulched in the same as my other local hardy trees. I'm not sure how well they would do in your climate as they probably won't get much if any winter dormancy but if others are able to grow them in your area then I guess it doesn't make that much difference.

From my experience mountain ash don't appreciate being overly wet but they also don't do well being allowed to dry out so using well drained soil and watering regularly as Joanie mentioned is best. They seem to like slightly acidic soil so be careful of watering with hard water and fertilize with miracle-gro or similar once a year (in the spring).

The one thing that I have had trouble with my Mountan Ash is that new shoots quickly turn upwards and grow quite long if left unchecked so they should be cut back to aprox 2 inches long after they have grown out to about 4 or 5 inches. They will also require fairly extensive wiring to direct growth as clip and grow just doesn't work with them.

I hope this helps. Mountain ash would not have been my choice for a first tree but if you pay attention to it during the growing season you should be able to develop a presentable tree in a relatively short time span (3 to 5 yrs).

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Advice worth every penny you paid for it.

Regards
Fletch

robert1955

Welcome Wayne,

Not too familar with mountain Ash but welcome to the forum. I live just up over the hill from you in Fallbrook. We have a club(as Joanie pointed out) in Vista. We should get together some time.

Happy bonsaiing

Peace
Bob

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The older you get, the older old is.

PatArizona

G'day Wayne...

I totally agree winth Joanie's advice...

Joining a local club is probably the best thing you can do...

And, as best you can, water your tree(s) only when water is needed...not every day, unless needed, and not after it has totally dried out.

I would like to expand on what Joanie suggested for watering. The following has evolved through several years of watering in Northern California...and the last 9 years in Southern Arizona.

My Watering Process

The following information assumes that your soil mix is free draining.

Water each individual bonsai only when it needs watering…and every time you water it, give it a thorough drenching!

To determine when a bonsai needs watering, check the water content of the soil at 1½-2” below the surface. I place a small “chopstick” (a bamboo skewer works well) in the soil to get an indication of watering needs. Daily, for each individual bonsai, I pull the “chopstick” out of the soil and check the moisture. If the bonsai needs watering, I do not replace the “chopstick” until after watering...no “chopstick” means water now!

With experience you may be able to tell when a plant needs water by lifting the pot…goodbye “chopstick”!

How do I determine whether or not the soil needs watering? If the "chopstick" comes out with damp soil hanging on to it, it is not yet time to water. However, if there is no damp soil...or...the "chopstick" appears to be dry, then, it is time to water.

If you are not certain of the state of damp/dry, wipe off the dirty end of the "chopstick" and draw it lightly across your cheek. That will give you a feel for how much moisture is in the soil.

If, in your judgment, the soil will dry out before you are able to check it again... now is the time to water. The accuracy in your judgment will come in time...with experience.

Now, on to the actual watering...the Three Step Watering Process.

(1) Always water from the top; get the top of the soil thoroughly wet without watering until water runs out of the drain holes. Wait 5-10 minutes, then;
(2) water until water runs freely from the drain holes. Wait 5-10 minutes, then;
(3) water until the water runs freely from the drain holes.

Hope this helps...

Pat

THE ONLY WAY: Always remember, and don't ever forget, that whatever you read here is not cast in concrete... the intent of this advice is to help. In no way should you feel that I’m saying that my way is the only way…heaven forbid!

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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.

horace

pootsie

Let me also welcome you, Wayne, and let me tell you that for a LOOOONG time, I fought the idea of being called pootsie
... which is why everyone calls me pootsie

But Horace is a pretty cool name, IMHO.

pootsie

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p.s. My cat is a bonsaiTALK Master.
Columbus Bonsai Society