Sidewalk Yamadori Junipers

[bonsaianak]

I was out on a drive and happened to catch a glimpse of these two junipers. From first glance I am guessing they are juniperus torulosa since there are other hollywood junipers planted nearby. The two trees are planted about 6 feet from each other and are surrounded by dead trunks of previous trees that have been removed. I know it's not the season to be collecting but just thought I'd get some suggestions and thoughts from anyone who has collected before and how I should go about things. The trees are planted along the sidewalk of a main road so I think it's safe to assume that they are on city property (I reside in southern California, older Chula Vista area to be more specific). I've done some research and found that I would need to communicate with the city's Park and Recreation director. What do you think I should even ask? Should I say its for academic study purposes (I am a senior in college) or should I be honest and say that I intend to turn it into bonsai? What do you think would give me a higher chance of getting permit approval? Thanks in advance.

Side question. Do you think they are even worth collecting? Would love to hear your thoughts, thank you.

 

[DonovanC]

I have no knowledge of anything even remotely close to something that even remotely resembles something that sort of looks like a distant cousin of actual helpful information to add to this thread.

I’m just here to see what others say.

I’ve seen many a beauties on city property but never once entertained the thought of somehow actually acquiring them.

 

[Mr GeaRbOx]

I’ve seen many a beauties on city property but never once entertained the thought of somehow actually acquiring them.

I often dream of a late night clandestine digging operation where the public wakes up to nursery stock where mature trees once stood. Just a dream tho....

 

[DonovanC]

I often dream of a late night clandestine digging operation where the public wakes up to nursery stock where mature trees once stood.

Nobody would ever know...

I used to pass this house on my way home that had some old gnarly junipers in the front garden near the curb. They’d clearly been reaching for light for a long time under the shade of the oaks and various shrubs in the garden. One of them would have made a really nice literati - it was thin and mangled with lots of deadwood, but the foliage that it did have looked very healthy. I always wanted to stop and ask for it, but I never did.
One day on my way home they were gone.
Not even replaced... just gone

 

[armetisius]

One thing I have found to be helpful when dealing with "public works" types is making it clear that you would like to obtain the plant for bonsai but are more than willing to replace it with one that will be healthy and beautiful "for the public good". They usually buy that bs.
You get what you want, they get a free "upgrade" in the public's eye--win win

 

[sorce]

One day on my way home they were gone.
Not even replaced... just gone

There have been more good bonsai lost to this phenomenon than anything else. Even newb repotting!

We must ask!

Sorce

 

[DonovanC]

There have been more good bonsai lost to this phenomenon than anything else. Even newb repotting!

We must ask!

Sorce

Lesson learned!

 

[leatherback]

Just ask, and be honest about the purpose.
Of course, you can get a grumpy type. But just as likely you get someone who likes your interest and might help you with other plants in the future.