Collecting Trees Tips and Info

JBMorrey

Does anyone know of a website or Book with tips or what to look for when it comes to collecting trees from the wild? Thanks!

James

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Vonsgardens

Andy Smith has a video availbale through his website or Stone lantern.

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rockm

Nick Lenz' book "Bonsai From the Wild." It's out or print, but you might be able to locate one through American Bonsai Society, or through used book stores. It is a pretty definitive text on collecting for bonsai, includes specific chapters on species in the North Eastern U.S., but also has chapters on some western U.S. species. In any case, the techniques and advice are applicable to just about any collection.

If you're in Texas, there are many native species that lend themselves to bonsai. Cedar elm (ulmus crassifolia) is the best species for bonsai and In my opinion, is better than the traditional Chinese elm for bonsai, as it is tougher and has more character. It is extremely easy and foregiving as first time collection material. It is dug in early spring and big (trunks 6" in diameter or even larger) can be dug without having to get many roots. Bald cypress is also a terrific species that's easy to dig in bigger sizes. Hackberry is another, as is Live oak, Texas persimmon and Ashe juniper are also used as bonsai down that way. Persimmon and Ashe juniper are a bit more difficult to get out of the ground though. I have collected cedar elm and Bald cypress from my parent's place in Tyler. I have a large collected live oak dug that was collected in Salado by Vito Megna. I keep all of them here in Va. and have had no problems overwintering them in this climate at all.

The local bonsai clubs in Dallas, Houston and Austin have active collection trips. You might look into membership in those.