Mulching in garage

[Kahless]

Last winter I kept a few of my trees in an unheated attached garage. It generally stays at 35-40 degrees. I also kept those trees mulched in a tub with drainage holes at the bottom that kept the temperature of the soil at a pretty constant temp around 30 degrees I believe. This winter I will be keeping a trident maple and plum in the garage. Is the mulching in a tub just an unnecessary waste of time? Or would it help with preventing freezing and thawing?

 

[Dav4]

Last winter I kept a few of my trees in an unheated attached garage. It generally stays at 35-40 degrees. I also kept those trees mulched in a tub with drainage holes at the bottom that kept the temperature of the soil at a pretty constant temp around 30 degrees I believe. This winter I will be keeping a trident maple and plum in the garage. Is the mulching in a tub just an unnecessary waste of time? Or would it help with preventing freezing and thawing?

If you don't want any freeze thaw, then the mulch will help. Honestly, if the temps are fairly stable and don't fall much below freezing, I'm not sure I'd bother.

 

[Bonsai Nut]

Mulching insulates the roots from swings in temp, and provides a little protection in terms of keeping pots and trees in contact with ambient earth warmth. Neither of these are really relevant if you are keeping your trees in an unheated garage.

 

[PeaceLoveBonsai]

Last winter I kept a few of my trees in an unheated attached garage. It generally stays at 35-40 degrees. I also kept those trees mulched in a tub with drainage holes at the bottom that kept the temperature of the soil at a pretty constant temp around 30 degrees I believe. This winter I will be keeping a trident maple and plum in the garage. Is the mulching in a tub just an unnecessary waste of time? Or would it help with preventing freezing and thawing?

I would suggest that’s overkill (bad use of words ). In addition to the advice you’ve already received, I add the eye opening chapter on overwintering in Michael Hagedorn’s “Bonsai Heresy”.


You’ll notice most root kill temperatures are at 15 degrees (f) or less including Acer Palmatum, which I would be similar to the Trident. So the garage at 30 degrees is plenty for overwintering, assuming that temp is staying fairly level.

If you haven’t read his book, I highly recommend it!

 

[HorseloverFat]

I would suggest that’s overkill (bad use of words ). In addition to the advice you’ve already received, I add the eye opening chapter on overwintering in Michael Hagedorn’s “Bonsai Heresy”.

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You’ll notice most root kill temperatures are at 15 degrees (f) or less including Acer Palmatum, which I would be similar to the Trident. So the garage at 30 degrees is plenty for overwintering, assuming that temp is staying fairly level.

If you haven’t read his book, I highly recommend it!

I also recommend it... it will be referenced as “necessary bonsai reading soon”....

Mulching in a garage may ALSO foster more fungal growth than you’d like, more-so approaching “transition” periods.

 

[Kahless]

And any space over 40 degrees would be too warm for overwintering, correct? I need to get that book!

 

[HorseloverFat]

Yes! (To book and inquiry)... air temps start to “get the juices cruisin’” at around 41, I believe.

Aim for 30-40

You’re probably one zone colder than me.. If you cant figure it out you can PM me and we can brainstorm specific “cold dwellers” options.

 

[leatherback]

You’re probably one zone colder than me.

you're a bunch of popsicles really!

 

[HorseloverFat]

 

[leatherback]

 

[Kahless]

So, if I have an old tin shed that is about as cold as the outside, will mulching in a tub protect the roots when outside temps dip to 15 and below?

 

[Dav4]

So, if I have an old tin shed that is about as cold as the outside, will mulching in a tub protect the roots when outside temps dip to 15 and below?

Yes. Hopefully the shed is directly on the ground and not built on posts.

 

[HorseloverFat]

This is what I do, for my zone 5’s and down...

 

[Kanorin]

I’ll mention (anecdotally) that trident maples seem to need a tad more winter protection that acer palmatum. I’d buy two thermometers and mulch the trees in this year. Set one thermometer outside the mulch in the garage and one inside. See if there is a difference on cold days. Then you’ll know next year.