Yamadori timing in Illinois; Dawn Redwood and Bald Cypress

[cbrshadow23]

I recently moved from Northern California to the Chicago suburbs and want to collect (with land owner permission) a couple trees. I'd like to know when the best timing is for Dawn Redwood and Bald Cypress.

In California I collected lots of Coast Redwood and Bougainvillea which aren't picky at all about timing. With Dawn Redwood and Bald Cypress I assume I have to be a bit more careful.

Also, what's the best protocol for winter with these trees? Clearly they can survive the deep freeze of winter, but does that change with a potted plant?

Any tips appreciated.

 

[Carol 83]

I recently moved from Northern California to the Chicago suburbs

Good God man, why???

 

[chicago1980]

I recently moved from Northern California to the Chicago suburbs and want to collect (with land owner permission) a couple trees. I'd like to know when the best timing is for Dawn Redwood and Bald Cypress.

In California I collected lots of Coast Redwood and Bougainvillea which aren't picky at all about timing. With Dawn Redwood and Bald Cypress I assume I have to be a bit more careful.

Also, what's the best protocol for winter with these trees? Clearly they can survive the deep freeze of winter, but does that change with a potted plant?

Any tips appreciated.

I would suggest early spring.

 

[cbrshadow23]

Good God man, why???

The same reason anyone moves back to the midwest: family

 

[cbrshadow23]

I would suggest early spring.

Thanks I figured late spring would make sense but do you have a reason for early spring?

 

[BrianBay9]

My recollection of Chicago is that weather moves from winter to summer very quickly, with little spring to hang your hat on. Collect as soon as the ground thaws, but have a plan for protection from freezes (unheated garage?) later in spring.

 

[chicago1980]

Thanks I figured late spring would make sense but do you have a reason for early spring?

Either works, late spring is great too. If you can collect and protect in early spring, this gives your tree more time to transition to a pot life. Late spring is great too.

 

[snowman04]

I'm just a little east of you in similar weather. I have both now and early spring should be good as already mentioned. My trees stay out until mid-late October depending on when the winter gets moving... They come into the garage with light over the winter. Just watch out for those damn squirrels! The little red ones love my Dawn Redwood buds!

 

[Carol 83]

The same reason anyone moves back to the midwest: family

Understood. That's why we stay here as well.

 

[cbrshadow23]

I'm just a little east of you in similar weather. I have both now and early spring should be good as already mentioned. My trees stay out until mid-late October depending on when the winter gets moving... They come into the garage with light over the winter. Just watch out for those damn squirrels! The little red ones love my Dawn Redwood buds!

When you said "now and early spring should be good" are you saying I can collect the tree now and it will be ok? Just making sure, since I do have an opportunity to collect the tree right away.
So the trees should be kept from freezing once they're potted, correct? I have an insulated (but not heated) garage that I think will work for that. Do these 2 species need the cold winter? Excuse my ignorance on these trees since I'm used to dealing only with tropicals. Can I bring them into my basement to be under grow lights all winter, or would they be better off in my much cooler garage?

 

[snowman04]

When you said "now and early spring should be good" are you saying I can collect the tree now and it will be ok? Just making sure, since I do have an opportunity to collect the tree right away.
So the trees should be kept from freezing once they're potted, correct? I have an insulated (but not heated) garage that I think will work for that. Do these 2 species need the cold winter? Excuse my ignorance on these trees since I'm used to dealing only with tropicals. Can I bring them into my basement to be under grow lights all winter, or would they be better off in my much cooler garage?

I found that my garage in the winter works best with these two and for most of my other trees. It doesn't go below 40-45 and I use several grow lights on for 12 hours a day.