Pitch Pines for bonsai

Hey all-

I am looking to start collecting some pitch pines from around my parents property. I think they are a underutilized species and I like to give them a try. I have seen a few examples on the Internet but was wondering if anyone on this forum had some in their collection, or had any tips they would like to share. I have read Nick Lenz's book so I have his take.

There has been a fair amount of buzz about the potential to get good bonsai from pitch pines. In Jonas Dupuich's blog he posted a fabulous one being grown by Dan Robinson. http://bonsaitonight.com/.

I have no direct experience with one, I would follow Nick's advice, he also lives in your climate, so comments on when to do what from Nick would be much more accurate than from people in other climate zones. Larry Jackle's book on Ponderosa pines might also be helpful, I would guess the pitch pine should be treated like a 2 needle pine that has only one growth flush a season because you live in a short summer climate and they are native to your short summers. Don't try the japanese black pine late spring early summer de-candling technique until you have a vigorous healthy tree that is expendable. Fall de-candling is safer for short growing season pines. I use that for my ponderosa pines.

Unfortunately for me they are not native to the central states. But we do have its cousin, the jack pine. I haven't found a good one where I can legally take it yet, but I am keeping an eye out.

It is late July, you should dig before Aug 15 or wait until next year. You need at least 2 months before the ground freezes to let the new roots get established. More time is better, early spring is ideal, but dig when you can if availability of the property is an issue.

the tree image from Jonas' blog. (note, I did not copy his image, this is just a link to Jonas' image, he still has control of this image)

Thanks for your response. I will heed Nicks advice and re-read that section. I plan on collecting one next spring to give them a shot. Still looking to hear what people have done with pitch pines out there.

FYI I follow Jonas's blog religiously.