When to repot in Southern Washington/Northern Oregon?

[Gsquared]

I am a recent transplant to the Portland area, and this being my first "real" winter since starting bonsai 20-something years ago. I had lived in San Francisco (where winter often came in July and August) and San Diego (where we never had winter at all), so repotting season started in late Jan. and ran until I was out of akadama.

Since moving to zone 8b, I have been curious about when I can start to repot and do some substantial work on my trees? Right now they are healed in and tented to protect from too much rain and cold. They are in a protected part of the yard facing south. We've had what I would consider a fairly mild winter, with only a few dips below freezing. Recently days have been in the mid 40s to upper 50s and nights are consistently around 37-42. Buds on the maples are not quite swelling, but from the look of landscape trees, they seem to be starting to come out of dormancy. The JBP still have that wintery look, and the junipers look about the same as they always do. Even in SD I would get a little light bronzing on the shimpaku some years, but none this year.

So, when can I start? Last night at club demo, Ryan from Mirai repotted a Colorado blue spruce and a stewartia. But then again, he's a pro and very familiar with this northern terroir. I am new to the climate and am a little cautious...advice?

 

[0soyoung]

Mid-Feb and March, typically. Maybe a little earlier this year.

Being a pro has little to do with it. Having a greenhouse is what means you can repot most anytime during the winter, if you want.

 

[River's Edge]

I am a recent transplant to the Portland area, and this being my first "real" winter since starting bonsai 20-something years ago. I had lived in San Francisco (where winter often came in July and August) and San Diego (where we never had winter at all), so repotting season started in late Jan. and ran until I was out of akadama.

Since moving to zone 8b, I have been curious about when I can start to repot and do some substantial work on my trees? Right now they are healed in and tented to protect from too much rain and cold. They are in a protected part of the yard facing south. We've had what I would consider a fairly mild winter, with only a few dips below freezing. Recently days have been in the mid 40s to upper 50s and nights are consistently around 37-42. Buds on the maples are not quite swelling, but from the look of landscape trees, they seem to be starting to come out of dormancy. The JBP still have that wintery look, and the junipers look about the same as they always do. Even in SD I would get a little light bronzing on the shimpaku some years, but none this year.

So, when can I start? Last night at club demo, Ryan from Mirai repotted a Colorado blue spruce and a stewartia. But then again, he's a pro and very familiar with this northern terroir. I am new to the climate and am a little cautious...advice?

I am in zone 8b as well. repotting for me begins in mid march and is finished by beginning of June usually. If i need to repot earlier i use the greenhouse for aftercare to protect from freezing and insure recovery temperature is provided. We have had a milder winter so may begin a week or two earlier for the strongest trees. The skill with which the repot is done can make a difference but the aftercare provided is the key if done out of season. Your area can vary quite a bit with the elevation and specific site factors. You are fortunate that there is a lot of local expertise in the area, Michael Hagedorn, Matt Reel, Bobby Curtright, and Ryan as you mentioned. Not to mention one of the top Bonsai nurseries in nearby Salem, Telperion Farms.