Possible Disease / Jupiner Procumbens

BonsaiManNJ

Yes, it is a just a tiny tree... just like a big juniper, it needs to rest during the winter so it can grow during the spring and summer. This is its natural habit. The reason you are mulching it is to A) insulate the roots some B) keep the soil moist. To this type of tree the real threat from winter is not the snow and freeze, but DRYING OUT, that is, the soil is frozen and/or over dry... it can can't supply water to the foliage, the dry winter wind whips through the foliage and it evaporates water, stealing it from your needles. Then your tree dies. If you mulch and give even alittle protection from the wind (stick it near the foundation of your house), you will be fine!

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PatArizona

G'day Seed...

Have you checked out a local bonsai club?

Someone with bonsai experience, from a local club, can likely tell you inside of TWO MINUTES whether or not your tiny tree has any "condition" that needs attention...and how to treat it. Also, a local can give good advice on winter care. Hooking up with a local bonsai club just might turn out to be the FIRST BEST thing for you to do...in your quest to learn bonsai (it took me thirtysomething years to learn that lesson...don't let that happen to you).

Be careful that you don't kill your tree with too much attention.

My thoughts...

Pat...Southern Arizona

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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.

BonsaiSeed

Will there be a way to tell if the tree is dry in winter by looking at the tree branches. This is what makes me most nervous. We will be getting snow here soon...will this suffice in moisture?

BonsaiSeed

I noticed some more drying up of the branches. They are browning and a seem more brittle. I dont know if its because the soil was dry or if its just the cold mixed in? Its not freezing at the moment. Can the needles fall and the tree still survive bare without any foilage? This makes me nervous.

Dav4

I hate to say this, but your tree may already by dead, or unhealthy to the point where it will not survive, regardless of what you do. Conifers generally hold onto their green foliage for weeks to months after they die. Drying, brown foliage/branches is a bad sign. There is nothing you can do about it now. I would leave the tree where you planned to overwinter it, water it if the soil is dry, and let the snow cover it.
A few things come to mind after reading this post that you may think about if you like. Procumbens junipers are zone 4 trees- capable of dealing with temps as low as -30F as long as their roots are protected. This means the tree is planted out in the landscape... or the potted tree is heavily mulched and kept out of winter winds. Snow is one of the best insulators around, and if reliable, will protect your tree as well as anything. Temperate trees require a transition period of several weeks or longer from the growing season to dormancy. Taking a tree from an indoor or greenhouse like environment and placing it in below freezing conditions is not advisable as the tree will likely be damaged. Very important point here...until you are absolutely sure your tree has an infection/infestation/health problem that needs to be treated, leave the tree alone!!! Chemical anti-fungals/pestacides are dangerous! Both to you and your tree, as well as the beneficial insects and microbes that improve the health of your tree. Find someone who knows more then you to help...at the local plant/bonsai nursery, the county agricultural extension office, another bonsai enthusiast. Finally, try not to worry about this tree now, or even over the winter. It won't help, and will only frustrate you. With a bit of luck, your tree may survive. In the meantime, read and study as much as you can so you will be more prepared for your next tree. Good luck,

Dave

BonsaiSeed

Dave, I appreciate the advice. Thank you for taking time to help. I will double check to make sure the soil has enough moisture. I'm not sure how much the mulch is absorbing the water now that its in the ground. I have it still in its pot (its plastic) and I have a basic overlay of mulch cips just on the top. Some of the "mini trees" growing from its roots (I guess you could also call them braches), are touching the ground, as well as the main branch that now bends down to the Earth. I was wondering if there is anyway this could be harmful over winter if I leave it this way. It seems to be ok, but if the soil gets wet I guess it could saturate the branches...mainly after the snow melts I guess, and hopefully it won't freeze into a wet puddle of Earth or anything. Maybe this isn't such a big deal. I hope not.

Cathie

When a mall-sai's foliage gets hard and branches brown from the tips inward (not just one branch on an otherwise obviously healthy tree), that tree is a goner, and most likely due to previous overwatering. Branches touching the ground is the least of your worries at this point (though it wouldn't be a problem).

BonsaiSeed

The bonsai is under 12" snow at the moment. Is this ok? Also, how will I be able to tell if the tree is dead or not next year?

Dav4

Leave the tree under the snow. Again, snow is a great insulator against the frigid winter cold. You will know your tree is alive next spring if the foliage is still green, and it starts to push new growth.


Dave