Time to Collect Coast Live Oak?

yenling

I found an area which will be covered in houses before next year, and an awsome Live Oak which has alot of potential IMO. I have been told the best time to collect oaks on the central coast is December through February.
Just wondering what my chances are looking like? I'll be taking some pics, i'm super excited about this one.

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Nerfgunn

If they are going to get ripped out of the ground anyway I'd say go for it! I found some live oak of my own just rescently. I was tempted to take them now but chose to cut them back all the way and wait until next winter. Here are 2 of the trees.

yenling

Best of luck with those trees Nerf! Can anyone else help me out, i'm wondering if waiting a few months may better my chances of success. The trouble is I don't really know when the houses will be put in. Any help appriciated. Thank you!

Bonsai Barry

When you cut back the roots did you do any root preparation as well? I will usually trench an oak at about its dripline (the circumference of of the canopy) a year before removing it so that it can develop a compact root base.

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Bonsai Barry

"Our talent lies in our choices."

yenling

Jeff
You may be asking Nerf this question, but the trouble for me is that this oak will likely be destroyed before the end of the year. I would love to trench it a year before, but If I do collect this tree, I have to do it soon. Thank you for the reply.

Jgs bonsai

Yenling:

I suggest the sooner you collect the better. If the oaks have already produced the new growth the chances of survival are less but it is still worth while collecting. Look for the trees that have not budded out yet. I have many collected oaks in my yard and some have budded out and some have not.

When you collect the oaks get as many roots as possible but keep the roots shallow enough to fit into a bonsai pot later. Never let the roots dry out as you work with the tree. Use a spray bottle or wet rags to keep the roots wet during all stages of the collection.

As you collect the tree cut it back to the basic structure you will want in the bonsai. Remember to cut shorter that the final outline you would like to have to have room for the future growth to fill in your final outline. These trees will bud out everywhere including on the trunk so most of your future branches may come from the new growth.

Once you have collected the oak remove as much of the field soil as possible and pot into a rich bonsai potting mix. It is very important to remove all of the leaves from the freshly collected live oak. This will keep the tree from drying out while the roots recover from the transplant shock and begin growing and supporting the tree again. Keep the tree well watered and out of the full sun so the branches don't get sunburned. If your tree collection is successful you will have new buds coming out all over the tree in 4 to 6 weeks.

Here are some photos of trees I collected this way.

Gareth

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yenling

Wow, thank you so much for the great reply. You may have just saved a trees life. I'll post pics, fingers crossed

lbrooks323

Gosh, ya'll keep us posted. I love live oaks but here in the South there are none. You are so fortunate to have them to collect where you are. I ordered one (a little bigger than a whip) because I wanted one so badly and have planted it in a large pot to grow for a while. I couldn't find one anywhere else, so I'll have to have patience and wait for it to mature a bit. Good luck!

Laura

Nerfgunn

I didn't but I will next time I go up there.... Its a long hike! Thanks for the info. I didnt know about 'trenching'.