Bald Cypress Bonsai "Hollow-13" - Year 3.5 - Defoliation

I collected this tree in 2013.  This is the fourth video in the series.  I have received requests to show the tree when it is flush with growth.  Since I defoliate my bald cypress trees in August, I decided to make a video of it.

The damned thing is going to give me problem after problem, I fear.  I found another die-back patch beneath the bark.  *sigh*  That year when Mother Nature kept beating down one side of the tree is going to dominate the design of this tree.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YaWhpnk5hsI

Links to previous videos for this tree can be found in the video's description box.

Nice video. Anyone have thoughts on defoliating bald cypress in colder climates and the timing? I am outside Spokane, WA where we will get our first frost in early to mid October.

I have a bald cypress in development that I cut back by about 2/3 around 10 - 15 August since it was out of control. Since then it has put out about 10 cm of new growth since then. However, this was a very hot summer for us with many days over 90F (32C) which may have lead to the extreme growth. For the record, I keep the pot partially submerged in water once it leafs out until about 20 Sept. and also keep it in a cold frame for the winter.

Marty, thanks for watching.

Zone 5/6 is way out of my league for any advice. I hope someone can help you with this.

Why do you keep the tree submerged in water for so long?

Bill - It seems to grow more strongly when in the water than when in a regular pot with my fairly free draining soil mix.

Marty Weiser wrote:Bill - It seems to grow more strongly when in the water than when in a regular pot with my fairly free draining soil mix.

I never argue with success.

Great video, and great series of videos. Thank you for posting.

This tree has a good future ahead. Nice.

Up north here, zone 5, between Chicago & Milwaukee, bald cypress is still pretty vigorous, especially in years when our spring weather warms up quickly. Some years when we have a cool spring and cooler than average summer, bald cypress does not grow enough to risk defoliation. But in a warm year, they grow well enough that if the tree was healthy, one could defoliate once. I always did defoliation sometime in early July. I would never attempt the technique after August 15, there simply isn't enough time after Aug 15 for new growth to mature and harden off before winter. They are fully winter hardy in the ground in zone 5.

Your warnings in the video to take local climate into account before applying any technique is much appreciated and something that often is not stressed enough by other growers.

Thanks for the info.