Yamadori Lodgepole Pine

Pinus Contorta. Collected last week at Mammoth Mountain!

Brian,

how long does it take for these collected specimens to show signs of growing healthily ?
Khaimraj

I have been collecting this species for about 6 years and have had about 90% survival. If all goes well it should begin showing some new growth in the spring. Some of the ones I collected previously are back budding nicely and ready for styling and potting into bonsai containers... Hopefully some pictures to come of that process!

Good luck with your new pine! Beautiful tree!

May I ask what type is this pot? Is it a clay one or some kind of perforated (like a colander) which I have seen used by some collectors for their yamadoris?

It is actually just a plastic pot painted to look like clay. I drilled numerous holes in the bottom for drainage.

Brian

really good trees Brian and with 90% survival rate for six years, thats very good and rewarding for such beautiful yamadoris.

regards,
jun

hi Brian,


do you have some photos from the extraction process itself that you can share with us ?
can you kindly share tips from your experience on collecting from the wild ? tips on subjects such as :
-> what is the preferred season ? is it different for each tree specie ? what other specie do you collect ?
- > what are you checking before you start to dig to ensure that the tree will survive ?
- > how do you pack the tree ? using moss ? other ?
- > what is the after care actions ? what type of soil ? do you fertilize ?
- > do you cut off some of the branches/leaves to compensate for the lost roots mass ?
- > and any other tip that may help all of us to raise the success rate and kill less trees

10x

In anwser to your questions...
-I collect this species and other trees that grow high in the mountains in fall, before the snows start because soon they will be under a lot of snow until next summer. I also collect a few species of native Junipers and mostly Olive trees in my local area from old orchards. The olives can be collected almost any time of year.
-Before digging I try to get a general impression of the health of the tree.. a weak, sparse plant has less chance of survival. Also I use a root hook to carefully dig around the base. I can usually get a good idea if the plant is collectable this way.
-I pack the tree in sphagnum moss or wet newspapers soaked in Superthrive. Then I tightly wrap the whole root system in plastic wrap and duct tape. I also use an anti-transpirant spray like Cloud Cover or Anti-stress to reduce moisture loss from the foliage.
-The plant is then put into a large growing container with pure pumice. I leave the field soil remaining on the roots for the first 2-3 years and just surround that with the pumice. I have had better luck with leaving on as much field soil as possible to re-establish the tree. However, it must be removed later when you repot and replaced with good bonsai soil eventually.
-I do not cut off branches or foliage on these conifers. The foliage provides energy for the tree and I have seen no benefit from removing it at this point.
-Other tips. Take your time with the collecting process and get the necesary permission to collect. Protect the transplanted trees with some shade cloth in the following summer (I live in a very hot climate). Mist the leaves frequently.

Hope that helps!

Brian