taking pine from yard

chefnixer

Hey all,

I am pretty new to bonsai and havent yet takin any trees from the ground. I found a pine(not sure what kind yet) that i think is atleast 16 yrs old. I remember my grandpa planting it when i was young. It is not very big MAYBE 3 ft tall, but i think it would be a great tree. I plan on leaving it in the ground till spring(probably a good idea right?) and then put it into a training pot. As I have not done this before wondering if anyone could tell me how you gage what size pot you should use for the first repot. The reason why I worry is I live in zone 3-4 and dont want it to die over its first winter and would hate to lose it as my grandpa planted it. I am also hoping it grows a little quicker when I move it as I think its just in a bad spot(on a hill and under other trees). Anyone have any good tips for me or have much experience in a cold winter area like myself?

Thanks

Advertisement

tree bender

Since this tree has so much sentimental value to you. I'm not sure it would be wise to make it your first attempt at collecting. Just my .02

Mcspeed

Tree bender has a good point, mine is a question. What kind of pine is it, some just do not make very good bonsai, Eastern White pine being a good example, as the needles are long and don't reduce well, if at all.

__________________
If at first you don't succeed -- skydiving is not for you.


Always remember that you're unique -- just like everyone else

Enjoy this day.
Bill

zen

Also you might try training it in the ground, into some basic semblance of what you will want it look like.
If it's not under too many other large trees you might just try cutting some of the branches off these trees, so that more sunlight can get through. You can even fertilize it where it is.
This will cause things to move along much faster, and with less insult to the health of the tree. Then in late winter/early spring next year or even the next you can lift it. Try digging some other pines that are the same species or very similar in your area, to learn more, before lifting this sentimental piece.
Jeremy

__________________
"Although profoundly "inconsequential," the Zen experience has consequences in the sense that it may be applied in any direction, to any conceivable human activity, and that wherever it is so applied it lends an unmistakable quality to the work."

~ Alan Watts (1915-1973)

http://www.bonsaiswap.com/

chefnixer

thanks. you all have very good points. I am going to take pics of it now and will post later tonight. maybe you guys can help me determine the species and if it is a good idea or not to even try at this point.

thanks again.

Vance Wood

Post a picture of the tree, preferably with a close up of the needles and I am sure someone can identify it. Understanding where you live my money is on a Scots Pine. There are varieties of Scots that grow well into the Arctic Circle.

__________________
The only finished bonsai is a dead one; me 1992 MABA Des Moines Iowa

chefnixer

These are some photos i took of the tree. The pic of the trunk is from a different tree but the same species. There are a bunch of them so I am guessing it is a real common tree in my area. Can any one tell me what it is and if it is a good species for bonsai.

thanks

Attached Images

	3.jpg (65.2 KB, 52 views)
	4.jpg (69.1 KB, 42 views)
	1.jpg (65.5 KB, 23 views)

Boondock

that's not a pine, It's a spruce or a fir

__________________
Washington Native Plant Society
USDA national plant database
Conifers.org

chefnixer

thanks. thats is more than i knew, anyone have a guess at the species?