Nice find! American hornbeams collect well and respond well to bonsai techniques. I've had good success collecting them just before buds start moving, which in my climate is the end of February. Others have reported increased success when sealing the top cut wounds on American hornbeam (I'll be trying that this year).
I plan on grabbing two of them probably, I'll get a better look at them and pick the best ones. They are gorgeous trees. We have quite a few crepe myrtles here too that have similar features.
I've never collected hornbeams before, they were not common (or even growing) in Massachusetts. I'm excited to collect and raise native trees. And yes, collecting here is permitted!
I just got very lucky! It's on our usual morning walk route. Maybe 500 steps from my door.
I wouldn't worry about that, I carry too
I've been waiting and waiting. Would you say now's a good time to go and get them? I was planning on collecting a maple and one or two hornbeams next weekend.
If you have a garage or other space where you can store them and protect from freezing, then sure! Otherwise, probably better to wait 2-3 weeks or so (make sure there are no freezes in the 10 day forecast).
You can also bring them in on nights where it’s forecasted below freezing. The only concern about the greenhouse is getting too warm during the day. If you have an outdoor utility closet that will also work, they don’t need light until bud break.
