The 2026 Yamadori/Collecting Thread

[Joe Dupre']

I'm starting early this year. Glossy Privet from the infamous roadsides. It was on the back edge of the ditch bank, so the roots were much higher in the back. Didn't fit in a standard mortar tub so it went into the ground for a year or two. Really nice character, with some low branches to work with. I'll have to see what sprouts out of the main trunk to decide in which direction I'll go.

 

[Cap'n Paul]

New guy needs a little help...

It is my understanding that yamadori collection should happen in spring. But regardless, sometimes it isn't possible to wait. I collected a rather large white spruce and need to collect a couple more white oaks. Do I keep a large root ball until spring or go ahead and bare-root and repot now? I put the spruce in a large pot on top of a well drained substrate, my intent being to wait till late winter or early spring. I have a few days before I have to do anything with the oaks so I'm hoping to get some sage advice before I get the tools out. I see other posts that give me the impression that I could or might even should repot now. What are the considerations? Is the size of the collected tree a factor?

 

[Gabler]

If you're collecting out of season, keep the root ball as large as possible. Give the trees a year or three to fully recover, and then start reducing the root ball farther.

To the extent that any field soil falls loose, let it go, but don't scour the root ball of all field soil yet. Just fill in around the root ball with pumice or perlite, which should help wick excess moisture away from the field soil so it drains better.

Lastly, if you're in the northern hemisphere, protect the trees from freezing, but keep them cool (under 40°F) until spring. You should put your location in your profile, so you can receive more accurate advice.