Need advice - American Beech

[Gabler]

sorry if I’m highjacking a thread and should have started a new one instead—new to the forum and bonsai!

I’ve got two American beech’s that I have been prepping in ground for about three years pics of those two are attached. I’m planning on collecting and potting them this March (first two pics).

However I was out in the woods today and came across something I thought was a gem and was essentially falling out of the hillside so I decided to collect it despite the time of year and lack of preparedness to do so (last 4 pics).

I’ve got a lot of experience collecting tress and transplanting for permaculture purposes (including American beech), but this is my first bonsai pull. I trimmed a single large root but left the other. Lots of fine root mass for a beech! I potted using various soils and substrates I had on hand and did my best to mimic bonsai mix (which I didn’t have on hand). Flipped the growth direction for a planned cascade style.

So, how dumb am I to do this with a beech, at the wrong time of year, and without the right supplies on hand? The specimens looks awesome to me and I think has the potential to be something special many years from now, but I am basing that on gut and no experience. What’s the group’s thoughts? If you agree it’s a good find, what can/should I do to salvage my impatient collection?

Generally you would start a new thread, but your question is related to the original topic, and I would imagine that OP would appreciate the additional beech knowledge you seek in response to your question.

The real issue is that we don't know where you're located. You should add your general location to your profile. Based on the pictures, I'm guessing you're not in the southern hemisphere, and based on the fact that you're asking about American beech, I'd assume you're somewhere in North America, but there's a big difference, for example, between Massachusetts and Georgia.

In warmer climates, I'm told that fall collection can improve collection success for European beech, and I can think of no reason American beech would not respond similarly. However, beech roots are not particularly resilient against freezing temperatures, and new, tender roots will be even more susceptible to cold damage than older, lignified roots. Soil in pots is prone to freeze solid, whereas soil in the ground tends to remain thawed year round, except right at the surface.

 

[603bonsai]

Generally you would start a new thread, but your question is related to the original topic, and I would imagine that OP would appreciate the additional beech knowledge you seek in response to your question.

The real issue is that we don't know where you're located. You should add your general location to your profile. Based on the pictures, I'm guessing you're not in the southern hemisphere, and based on the fact that you're asking about American beech, I'd assume you're somewhere in North America, but there's a big difference, for example, between Massachusetts and Georgia.

In warmer climates, I'm told that fall collection can improve collection success for European beech, and I can think of no reason American beech would not respond similarly. However, beech roots are not particularly resilient against freezing temperatures, and new, tender roots will be even more susceptible to cold damage than older, lignified roots. Soil in pots is prone to freeze solid, whereas soil in the ground tends to remain thawed year round, except right at the surface.

Thanks, Gabler. I’m in New Hampshire. Normally the ground would be frozen solid this time of year buts it’s been a mild winter so far, which is why I was able to collect it at all. I’ve wrapped the pot and plant in felt, put it in a protected area and piled on some hay. Hopefully it won’t freeze.

Any experience potting a tree before repotting for bonsai? Should I give it a year in its current pot or do you think I could repot it in the spring?

 

[Gabler]

Thanks, Gabler. I’m in New Hampshire. Normally the ground would be frozen solid this time of year buts it’s been a mild winter so far, which is why I was able to collect it at all. I’ve wrapped the pot and plant in felt, put it in a protected area and piled on some hay. Hopefully it won’t freeze.

Any experience potting a tree before repotting for bonsai? Should I give it a year in its current pot or do you think I could repot it in the spring?

Give it at least two years, maybe three if not healthy and vigorous by then.

 

[603bonsai]

Give it at least two years, maybe three if not healthy and vigorous by then.

Thanks. I’m assuming no chop or styling during that time? Just focus on keeping it alive and healthy.

 

[Gabler]

Thanks. I’m assuming no chop or styling during that time? Just focus on keeping it alive and healthy.

Yeah. Don't touch it in the next two years except to water and fertilize. Be very careful if you have to move it in and out of winter protection in the fall and spring, since bags are easily deformed, and you could accidentally break any new roots that are growing.

 

[603bonsai]

Yeah. Don't touch it in the next two years except to water and fertilize. Be very careful if you have to move it in and out of winter protection in the fall and spring, since bags are easily deformed, and you could accidentally break any new roots that are growing.

I hadn’t thought of the bag container being a risk. Great spot and good advice.

Saw some of you 5 year native contest beech’s. Some cool material. Hope they are progressing well for you!

 

[Gabler]

I hadn’t thought of the bag container being a risk. Great spot and good advice.

Saw some of you 5 year native contest beech’s. Some cool material. Hope they are progressing well for you!

Beech trees are slow to develop. I now know they weren't the best choice for the five-year contest, due to the time constraints. That said, the beech trees I collected that spring are mostly healthy. Three died: two for lack of roots, and one because I did too much too soon after collection. Seven are in good health.

 

[603bonsai]

Beech trees are slow to develop. I now know they weren't the best choice for the five-year contest, due to the time constraints. That said, the beech trees I collected that spring are mostly healthy. Three died: two for lack of roots, and one because I did too much too soon after collection. Seven are in good health.

I will do my best to fight the urge to try and force them to go faster than they want to. Thanks!