Dav4

Thanks, Matt. You took a lot more time with your explanation then I did, but I agree with everything you said. I will add that my experience in collecting trees (both evergreens and deciduous) is in the the northeast USA in zone 6. Fall collected trees will have to withstand a long, cold winter before their metabolism allows them to repair themselves, and I would expect these trees to be far more susceptible to root rot or freeze damage. This is, perhaps, not an issue for the poster, who lives in a relatively mild climate. I have personally never collected a pine in the fall or winter so I can't comment anymore from personal experience. I will say that I have heard from individuals that make their living collecting trees for bonsai in the Northwest USA that their success rate for spring collection is approximately double that for fall collection.

Dave

Ml_work

Well, it is nice to get so many response. It has seemed so slow on here I thought everyone was gone, vacation or just left.

Shrimpy.......I was not aware of "wrench" to collect a tree. I think I understand the procedure and how it works. What I don't understand is how I get to the tap root each time. This is not collecting it the mountains on rocks. We are in red dirt, dry and hard. I did the dig around the bottom about the size of a 3 gallon pot and about a shovel deep. This got the small roots and the tap root was at the bottom of this. It was not big enough to make different cuts and if it was I would have to remove the dirt to get to it. Then put the dirt back until the next cut. Maybe we are taking about different locations and tree size. But I appreciate your input, I am sure it will be helpful some day. I had read and seen pictures were people use sack cloth for keeping the roots moist. What is the difference in that and plastic? The cloth lets the roots breath / get air?

Mojosan,

Quote:
In all of your research did you ever read anywhere that collecting pines during the growing season is the exact WORST time to do so?

No I did not, but I am learning now. I felt I had a good plan with the root stimulate mix and bags. I have read that you are not to do anything (wire/cut/shape) to a new planted tree. Don't get me wrong, I do not want to go around killing trees at random just to pleasure myself. But at the same time, these trees are on a small amount of land in my family. The timber was cut a few years ago and re planted in pines, what I am collecting is from off spring of the planted trees. So if a few do not make it through this learning process, I figure that is just part of it.

Dave and Matt,
Thank you both for the information also.

With the helpful info from all, I will be better prepared for my next outing. It seems there are some difference in the opinions on the timing. But I think all do agree that "this" is not the "right" time to harvest pines. so I goofed but enjoyed the adventure. I got 2 more planted in pots today, both have what I feel is good potential for future. the layout of the limbs is good, some nice lower ones to work with after the top is chopped later on. But I know the chance is slim of them making it. But it was a Good Day when I got them.

Thank you all for your Help!
ML

Kansai

ML--I love this thread.

Contrary to what everyone has said, the best time to collect a tree is when you have the opportunity.

Of course that's a flippant statement, but it does have an element of truth.

Usually when we talk about collecting trees we're talking about trees that are BIG. Collecting for instance a 70-year-old rocky-mountain juniper with a four-inch trunk is a lot different than collecting a lob lolly pine seedling. There's all sorts of practical and ethical reasons not to collect the juniper unless the conditions are perfect, and the collector is accomplished.

But that lob lolly pine seedling? What the heck. Go for it.

The main reason not to transplant a tree during the summer is because summer is a very stressful on trees in general, and on new transplants in particular. That's where human intervention comes in. As mentioned earlier, if you baby the transplant appropriately, it should have a reasonable chance of survival.

In my area, the only real reason not to transplant a tree during the winter is that the ground is usually frozen solid 18" deep. I may try to follow the same collecting/re-potting/root-pruning rules that everyone else adheres to, but necessity and opportunity can't be denied. And things not always but generally work out fine, because these trees are not always but generally a lot tougher than people seem to think.

Is your area in the deep drought that grips much of the South? From the way you talk about the dryness of your soil that's a "yes." If you were to wait until next spring to collect, those seedlings just might be kindling twigs. That's where opportunity comes in. You may, in fact, be doing those puppies a big favor by digging them up now while they're still alive.

DR

__________________
Bonsai is easy! All you have to do is stare at a little tree until drops of blood form on your forehead.--paraphrased from Gene Fowler

Ml_work

Quote:
Collecting for instance a 70-year-old rocky-mountain juniper with a four-inch trunk is a lot different than collecting a lob lolly pine seedling

Kansai,
You are Right on Target! These are "lob lolly" pines (that S in S Texas is for sure South!) Most of them are past the seedling stage, but done are very mature. Even in my short time of collection bonsai I would never consider harvest a 70 year tree with out much research and Help, just out of respect of Nature.
I have planted 2 in the ground and the other (I think 8) in pots. The 2 in the ground are on the back of my lot, not as easy to water. My plan is to Baby them all and see what happens. As of today all looked good, not wilting or losing color. I will try to get some pics this weekend.
Yes we need rain....although it has rained more this year than it did all summer last year. But has not in about the past 2 weeks. My two 55 gal water drums are getting very low!

Thanks for the info
Have A Great Day!
ML