Winter Preparation

Ten Timely Tips

For this post I am keeping it short. Really quick and easy reading for a very import part of the year.

1) Your bonsai has most likely stooped growing by now. If you are going to water, be careful how much. The morning dew, mist and rain will suffice. 

2) Remove all fallen leaves from soil surface and surrounding area. This helps with bugs and anything else that wants to eat and live in the protection they offer. Give your trees there last low nitrogen, or nitrogen-free feed, to help harden last years growth.

3) This time of year it is not recommend to do any wiring. If you still have wire on, keep an eye on it. Pines sometimes have a growth spurt and that could cause the wire to dig in.

4) Pine and junipers could still be pruned in the Autumn. It is recommend that you leave the deciduous trees alone, for this could start the tree to put out new growth. New growth this time of year could harm the vigor of the tree and the chances of the new growth surviving is slim.

5) To prevent root rot, cause by soggy soil, prop up your pot a little to assist in drainage. Now with that said, if you only have one hole in your pot, like many of mine, I would just leave them flat.

6) Generally deciduous tress will be able to handle temp from -10c/14f to 35c/96/f. During periods of temperatures below -10°C, evergreens could be stored in a dark place, there will be no harm to your tree.

7) Winter winds and temperatures below -5 Celsius will freeze dry almost any bonsai. This is our biggest enemy. If some of you trees need protection from the frost or snow starting thinking of an area where you can put them. Tropical's that need warmth and humidity should come inside, unless you have a killer setup in your green house. Sometimes putting your tree under a bench or in a green house will help protect against the frost, wind and snow. It all depends on how hardy your tree is. You will have to do some research on each one of your trees.

8) Do not try to keep your tree warm by putting it into direct sunlight. Deciduous trees have no requirements for light once their leaves have dropped. If evergreens are exposed to direct sunlight during subzero temperatures it could actually do harm to the tree, this is called photo-inhibition. It can be repaired during the following growing season . So if just try to give minimal light during below freezing temperatures. If the soil in your ports is frozen there is no need to water.

9) Cover your roots and or pots to the top with mulch, soil or anything that will help protect from the elements. If you are going to use something that will not let water pass, you will need to check on the soil to make sure it does not dry out.

10) Last but not least, this is a great time to bring in a tree or two for display before they loose there leaves and color.