Bonsai Sabotaged By Family

Conina5000

I live outside of Philadelphia and I've been trying to take proper care of my first bonsai. I've kept it in a spot with morning sun, wintered it in a garage, etc. I brought my bonsai out of dormancy a few months ago. About a month ago I noticed some browning of the top branches. I know that this it typically a sign of death and I expressed this concern to my family. I soon learned that several of them had been afraid my tree would dry out and were watering it on the sly. I have asked them to stop and since then have had some hope for life in the tree. There seem to be new buds on the lower branches and green underneath the bark. I'm curious about what to look for so I know that my tree is (hopefully) coming back. Is there something I should be doing with the roots, or is it too late in the season? Should I simply let it alone and wait and see? I figure if it's already dead, there's nothing wrong with hanging on to it to see what happens....

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gregb

It would help to know what species of tree you're talking about. I suspect it is a juniper and that if the foliage is brown, it's a goner Also, don't be too quick to blame the family, as there are all sorts of possibilities and variables about wintering trees. Especially last winter as I know you had some wild temperature swings and some late cold spells. Did you water the tree at all during its stay in the garage? Even during dormancy when the temperature warms up it may be necessary a time or two to water it through the winter.

If your tree does wind up being dead, take heart! Everyone kills a tree or two starting out and there will be a time when you will thank your family for watering your trees for you while you're away, etc. Teach them how you care for your tree and you will spread the bug to the rest of your family

Conina5000

Yes, it is a Juniper. I did water it periodically during the winter. We had some particularly cold days where I was concerned about water being frozen around the roots. Could that have had anything to do with it? I figure my tree can't get any worse at this point.