Collecting yamadori Pinus sylvestris & Juniperus communis.

Hello! I'm currently mapping down a few pines and junipers that I'd like to harvest once I'm ready to house them. From what I've read one should collect the pines during spring when their buds start to swell?

As for the juniper I've read that they're almost impossible to harvest successfully. Any good tips on how to make it thrive in it's new home if collected during the spring?

I've been trying to find information on making wooden grow boxes and I was looking at a design with screened sides to allow for good root growth, drainage and the whole thing. Then my question is - when/if collecting pines and/or junipers, is it best to put them directly into a growth box or would they benefit from a year or two in the ground to let the finer feeder roots grow out again? Or will this be a waste of time seeing as I'd have to cut the roots again when potting it, then again having to wait for the tree to strengthen?

If I find a pine that I'm happy with and 100% sure that I can collect without it dying, would it be preferable to cut off unwanted branches, nip the buds and needles at the same time, or should one wait until the tree gains strength again? I assume this really depends on the age and condition of the tree, but some general guidelines would be much appreciated.

Any tips or links to useful information will be rewarded with a very grateful thank you!

Hi Mikebonsai

I have 4 norwegian Pinus sylvestris...they were collected from mountainsides, growing in Cliffs.
None of them had much roots to do with, so I just placed them in small bonsaipots, they have been happy ever after.

It is difrent with the 3 swedish pines I have...they were collected on boggy ground, full of water...if you search Pinus sylvestris Sweden, can you read all about them...they are doing well after a half year...I have ben told I can not be sure they survive after all...but after having been pottet for a half year, are they still full of streingth, and look like they will just grow.

Kind regards Yvonne

Okay, I see. The ones I have in mind grows in very sandy soil, based in a gravel/sand excavating site that's been there for decades. The surface is mostly covered with sphagnum moss where the trees are, otherwise it's mostly sandy gravel. Some of the trees have small roots, some have larger ones. I'll build my boxes and see how it goes.

Ah, yes. That sounds familiar as there's a lot of boggy, water-filled ground here in which a lot of pines grow, so I'm hesitant to collect them.

Do you have any pointers on maintenance on the Norwegian pines in your collection?

Best regards
Mike

Hi Mike

I use Pine soil from http://www.nordic-bonsai.dk/...they make their own mixture.
When you collect on boggy ground with spagnummoss...remember not to remove the soil from the roots, take as much rootball as you can...God luck

Kind regards Yvonne

Thank you! I sent them and e-mail and asked if they ship to Norway.

Yes, I will definitely watch out for that.

Thanks for the tips, Yvonne.

Best regards
Mike