collecting material

420foy

What is the most efficient way to collect bonsai material that will leave me with a wider trunk of 4-6 inches? Basically, I am looking to create a bonsai that has a wider stock than just stem cuttings and such. I am thinking air layering, but I have little experience in this matter. I hope you understand what I am trying to ask.

thanks

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Cordon

I've heard of cuttings and airlayers of that diameter working, but they take a long time. Sometimes multiple years.

The best way would be to collect it, either from the wild with permission, or buy it from a nursery center. The other way is to take one of those established cuttings you already have and let it grow in the ground.

unforetunately there is no fast in bonsai. even cllected material needs to become established before any styling should be attempted

onlyrey

Here is a very recent article on air layering (it's from the Tampa Bonsai Society); you might also want to check around bonsaitalk using the search option, you will find links to great articles on air layering:

http://www.hukyubonsai.com/Newslett...0Newsletter.pdf

good luck

Repotter

It depends greatly which tree you want to air layer. Some trees take longer than others.

And respond much quicker than others. So you need to be more specific to which tree you want to work with.

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bonsainotwar

Thanks for that tip! I attempted such a layering a few years back.I had read in a book,once that it could root in a matter of months,I left the layer on a full year,with no results,and gave up!

bonsainotwar

Thanks ! Thisis one of the better newletters I have seen !

420foy

Well, when looking thru many pictures of bonsai trees, I see trees (California Juniper for example) with a trunk bases that are quite large. Even some people's avatar pictures on here show some.

But anyway, can anyone offer up advice/suggestions on how to best collect a plant (we'll say juniper for simplicity) which will give me a nice strong, large trunk?

Joanie

First of all, make sure to get permission if you are actually collecting. Some of the wonderful California junipers that people show, are collected trees that are hundreds of years old. They are REALLY HARD to keep alive after you collect them. Practice on less important trees for starters, like trees in people's yards. And read a LOT. If you can, find someone in your area who has collected before.

The other way is to buy a really large nursery juniper and style it. They aren't cheap, but they are healthy and can live through your styling. If you figure that a collected juniper needs YEARS to recover from collection before you can even start styling, then it might make more sense to you to go out and buy a juniper that is ready to play with.

Joanie

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420foy

Ok, I have an idea but im not sure if it will work. Im wondering, if I have a large juniper tree, to size it down, can I do a little topworking and straight cut the top off to the desired height/style? Im not sure if junipers respond well to that sort of abuse...