What strategies do you use when you go away?

[Stormwater]

Leaving for a week today. Bought an automatic timer, and a dramm sprinkler. Having my dad come through once or twice just to make sure everything is okay.
Using this timer: https://www.amazon.com/DEWENWILS-Programmable-Controlled-Automatic-Irrigation/dp/B088GQYJHC
Really like the options it gives you, you can set up multiple watering times, and program each of the two hose outlets independently.

We’ll see how it goes!
View attachment 443126

dont forget to update....

 

[Stormwater]

Leaving for three weeks this year, assuming none catches covid prior to leaving. I'm, frankly, terrified of the watering issue. I have a pet/plant sitter coming daily, I'm bringing my favorite trees to a friends house who is an obsessive gardener....last trip i lost nine trees, including my first bonsai. Sometimes I think i should give the hobby up, simply because of traveling. Maybe I should get sick so I can stay home with the trees

 

[chuckwc1]

dont forget to update....

Just got back, and no losses! Seems to have worked well, I would say the only downside was less growth due to me moving them to a shady spot (intentionally, so they wouldn’t dry out as quickly)

 

[Carol 83]

We're leaving Saturday morning.

 

[Linn01]

These two combined

 

[Bonsai Nut]

I went to Europe for two weeks in May. I used a combination of drip irrigation and broadcast sprinklers:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B082F7BT2C?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002IQ96Y/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/Melnor-65038-AMZ-HydroLogic-Digital-Stainless/dp/B07NF1F4NL?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1&psc=1

I lost a single small tree - a pine - from what I believe was over-watering.

 

[Cajunrider]

Wish me luck. I'm going to be gone for almost 2 weeks. I got everything on 2 sprinkler timers watering twice a day. One timer was on a soaker hose for the front flower bed, my bougie, and Nippon daisies. One timer in the back is split to a sprinkler and drip irrigation. I tested them several times this past week. Crossing my fingers hoping the trees stay alive.

 

[bonsailevel:master]

Bonsai need a lot of attention and a moments neglect can undo years of care. The fast draining soils we use particularly seem to have very little wiggle room when it comes to the risk of drying out during summer months.

It's the norm for me to go away, especially in the summer, for a week or weekend and during this time of year when trees benefit from multiple watering a day I particularly worry.

What strategies do you guys

Bonsai need a lot of attention and a moments neglect can undo years of care. The fast draining soils we use particularly seem to have very little wiggle room when it comes to the risk of drying out during summer months.

It's the norm for me to go away, especially in the summer, for a week or weekend and during this time of year when trees benefit from multiple watering a day I particularly worry.

What strategies do you guys employ to minimize the risk. Do you move trees to shaded areas or even inside? Are there other moisture retaining strategies you use? Automation?

Battery powered automatic timer attached to spigot and a homemade sprinkler system. Have used it twice with no fail but it definitely makes a guy nervous.

 

[Carol 83]

My son volunteered to water, so I have to let him. His dad asked him to mow the grass last night and he almost immediately put the mower in a ditch and blew a fuse, lawn did not get mowed. I guess we'll see in a week, if our flight doesn't get cancelled. I'm not going to worry about it, I really need a vacation.

 

[Cajunrider]

Bonsai happiness is being away and see the trees being watered on the security camera.