Will they be ok? :(

So I collected two pines today, decent sized ones. One with a 1.5 inch RADIUS trunk and another with a 3 inch radius trunk. I had no time to pot them up because things came up and I couldn't get home till it was dark already. The roots were exposed for a good 2-3 hours while I had to straighten out something. They are in a tub of water now, i will pot them asap tomorrow. Will they be ok? Or pretty much goners already?

Pines are considered advanced material and they don't like having their roots messed with too much. Depending on how many roots and original soil you have retained it may be ok, but don't get your hopes up. I don't think pines like being soaked either though. I would think that your best bet is to plant in the ground, in a sunny garden, as soon as possible. Use expanded shale or turface mixed in when refilling the hole if it is available. Consider a partially raised bed if your soil has a lot of clay. Give them two years to recover without touching them other then an initial watering and occasional waterings during droughts.

Successfully collecting plants from the wild or even urban environments takes at least 2 of following 3: know how, preperation, and patience. Some can get by with 2, but all 3 is ideal.

Thanks,
David

P.S. Be sure you have permission from the land owners and/or collecting permits.