Question about growing trees in the ground

[small trees]

I know that to get a good trunk, you need to plant a tree in the ground and allow it to grow for a few years. However, I have one thing that I need cleared up. Would you allow the tree to grow straight up unimpeded, or are you supposed to trim the tree while it's in the ground? I am assuming that the growing of branches is done once the tree is chopped and placed in a pot. Am I correct?

 

[garywood]

Georgia, in a very,Very broad sense you are correct. Every specie has its own growing characteristic and that pretty much dictates how "that" tree should be grown. You didn't say what you are growing so any detailed information would be difficult. You shouldn't grow a pine like a maple for instance and even differing pines are not always grown the same. So, put your planting shoes on and plant an extra one or two of each so that you can experiment, play and learn. Have fun with it.

 

[small trees]

I meant it to be general because I have been collecting a plethora of seedlings of various species lately. I do understand that it varies from species to species, but that answer makes sense. I was also told that the height of the trunk should be chopped to the height at which I want the first branch, and then allowed to grow to form a new apex. Correct?

 

[rockm]

Not really...but can it depend. The chop should generally be done at the point where you want to regrow the new apex, not the first branch.

 

[gergwebber]

Also, look for info on growing out a sacrifice branch. Basically, you need to let an apical branch grow out to increase the whole vigor of the tree. You can clip and grow the lowest branches and even wire them while growing a great big stove pipe out of the top of the tree. This site will have much vigorous debate on this. Like whether this creates a less desirable bark. But have fun and EXPERIMENT!

bonsai4me is good: http://www.bonsai4me.com/AdvTech/ATfieldgrowing.htm

Also, in the World of Bonsai video series (http://bonsaifarm.tv/) Lindsay Farr has many great videos for beginners, with a few interviews of Japanese field growing nurserymen about "Sacrifice Branches" specifically!

 

[small trees]

Also, look for info on growing out a sacrifice branch. Basically, you need to let an apical branch grow out to increase the whole vigor of the tree. You can clip and grow the lowest branches and even wire them while growing a great big stove pipe out of the top of the tree. This site will have much vigorous debate on this. Like whether this creates a less desirable bark. But have fun and EXPERIMENT!

bonsai4me is good: http://www.bonsai4me.com/AdvTech/ATfieldgrowing.htm

Also, in the World of Bonsai video series (http://bonsaifarm.tv/) Lindsay Farr has many great videos for beginners, with a few interviews of Japanese field growing nurserymen about "Sacrifice Branches" specifically!

Thanks! I'll check out both links and hopefully learn some stuff!

 

[esons]

Dos it mater when trees are planted in the ground? would next month be alright in central California?

 

[sorce]

Not really...but can it depend. The chop should generally be done at the point where you want to regrow the new apex, not the first branch.

I think he/she is referring to growing "the next taper segment", where there would be a branch, first, second, all the way to the apex.

plethora

Just wanted you to hear that Georgia B! What a better word to quote?

Heres my take, you're not supposed cut ANYTHING off for a while, so you got time to figure out the whole plethora!

You gotta keep opposite growing trees, like maples, from creating bulges. Bud removal, small trimming.

More so on a boxwood, or azalea, where you'll get clusters of branches that cause bulges.

Elm you can grow less attentively, and chop it wherever. Others too. Good for beginners and crusty veterans alike!

Maples will die back to leaf nodes. And only sprout from there. See @Smoke 's blog for awesome maple info!

Pines, you got to ask someone else!

Most important thing is Arranging your roots before you leave it, and being conscience of how they are doing and when they need trimming, or a pull up to see. (more species dependant)

Welcome to Crazy!

Sorce

 

[hoosiercheetah]

More so on a boxwood, or azalea, where you'll get clusters of branches that cause bulges.

Welcome to Crazy!

Sorce

So, I think what you mean is that once the trunk has reached the desired thickness, and the first big chop is made, the new crip of suckers has to be carefully thinned in number in order to prevent bulging at the chop line. Does that sound right?

For the record, I *feel* crazy. I think I'm in the right place. ;-)

 

[sorce]

So, I think what you mean is that once the trunk has reached the desired thickness, and the first big chop is made, the new crip of suckers has to be carefully thinned in number in order to prevent bulging at the chop line. Does that sound right?

For the record, I *feel* crazy. I think I'm in the right place. ;-)

More or less. With all the variations that come with species, climate, very tree, how much you sing to it, etc.

Im still learning to leave them, until it matters, in case one breaks, dies, bugs, etc.

If you're crazy, you'll be already looking at every tree differently, like your on mushrooms, excited afresh at the everyday trees you have never seen before.

This is the phase in which you note the growth patterns of everything, and apply proper techniques, to your tree.
Observation is key.
At least to me!

Sorry if that came off weird, like I was teaching you how to ride a bike, taught my daughter today! Lol

Then timing is key, then never going on vacation, then colanders, then copper, then better material, then pots, all the while pot, then stands, then even better material, then better all of the above, except the pot that been kuSh, you ever look at a bonsai tree mAN? YOU EVER LOOKED AT A BONSAI tree.........

?

Sorce

 

[hoosiercheetah]

This is the phase in which you note the growth patterns of everything, and apply proper techniques, to your tree.
Observation is key.

That's exactly where I am. I've been looking at a ton of bonsai pics online, reading everything I can find, to try to start getting a feel for the elements of the different styles. And I'm paying more attention to the trees around me, especially the old and interesting ones - although I've always done that, which I think is one of the things that got me here.

I want to put in a row of azaleas in front of my house next spring, as a grow-out garden for future bonsai. The most important part is taken care of - WAF for this project is very high. ;-)

 

[sorce]

WAF

Wife approved funding?

Sorce

 

[hoosiercheetah]

WAF

Wife approved funding?

Sorce

Precisely. She loves azaleas. :-D