Saving 3 Horstmann Blue Atlas Cedar - can they be turned into bonsai?

[BPlantsnbonsai]

Late 2023 I had some landscaping done including 3 Horstmann Blue Atlas Cedar planted in one corner of the yard. Something has come up and the trees can't stay. I have looked into transplanting them and I was told it will likely cost much more than the value of the trees, and would only be 50/50 chance of survival. I also don't have a good place to transplant them to, so it isn't a great option.

I am curious if there is any way to bonsai them? They are about 6ft tall, 6-8 in trunk at base. I know conceptually that some trees can be cut back to the bottom few branches, but will these cedars tolerate that? Is it the wrong time of year? If they aren't likely to survive being dug up for transplanting, what are the chances they would survive being dug up and put into a pot?

Since they have to go anyway, I would like to try to bonsai them. I would appreciate any thoughts or suggestions to make the effort as successful as possible. I have kept tropical bonsai species for decades, and now that I have a house and yard I've started some maple bonsai as well. This will be my first time with cedar/conifer bonsai. I am located in northern Utah and temps are just getting into the 50s consistently for what its worth.

 

[James W.]

Certainly worth a try. A lot of work to dig a tree that size. Ask what the landscape crew would charge to just spade them up and drop them on the ground? Make sure you have boxes built before you start and a LOT of your preferred mix.
Those are big trees, are you prepared to handle trees that size if you succeed? Large trees are very awkward as well as heavy. I have a couple approaching and over 100lb and can tell you that you will need help or equipment to keep from damaging them when doing anything with them.
Opinions vary on the ideal timing for repotting Atlas cedars, from during full dormancy to after new needles have fully extended. I have had good success (twice) with doing a 1st potting from nursery stock after new needles are fully extended.
For what it's worth, I would do it and learn something regardless of the results.