You Guys Ever Regret Not Buying a Tree?

[Canada Bonsai]

Anybody else have similar stories?

There's a flip that happens, and I think most people can expect it if they spend enough 'serious' time in bonsai or any hobby (e.g. I experienced the same in reefkeeping 15 years ago):

During my first few years I often thought I was missing out on opportunities that I would never see again. By the time I reached 5-6 years in bonsai I had accumulated enough contacts, relationships and a general familiarity with the world of bonsai that there now seems to be infinite amount of material available, and I'm picking and choosing what is most appropriate for my interests and garden (Of course some things remain rare, but in general the volume of options to choose from has grown exponentially)

I went through the same experience with pots: for the first few years every pot I saw was a new experience that I thought I would never see again, whereas now I know that if I take a moment to search and/or wait a couple months in most cases I can find something similar enough for my purposes (Of course some pots remain rare/unique)

 

[Lorax7]

I have always pulled the trigger on a tree that evokes such a strong response no matter the circumstances. There are very special trees which are irreplaceable. Not many but a rare few. If you have the bug like I do, you just have to sometimes. It is in our nature isn't it? Maybe it wasnt the one because you didnt buy it. Sounds like you have it bad like me. Good luck.

I’ve got it bad got it bad got it bad. I’m hot for bonsai…

 

[leatherback]

I have always pulled the trigger on a tree that evokes such a strong response no matter the circumstances. There are very special trees which are irreplaceable. Not many but a rare few. If you have the bug like I do, you just have to sometimes. It is in our nature isn't it? Maybe it wasnt the one because you didnt buy it. Sounds like you have it bad like me. Good luck.

Getting me curious what sort of trees you manage to find. Would love to see some!

 

[Leo in N E Illinois]

About 12 years ago, my back began giving me serious trouble. Moving around trees has become something I have to plan out, and do in stages. Ever since then, the thought of lifting "one more tree" just kills any desire to acquire more. I have picked up one or two shohin since then, but now a days almost nothing temps me to buy another tree. Well, almost nothing. I'm much more likely to buy another pot than a tree.

 

[penumbra]

I frequently regret passing on a tree, but I get over it quickly. Its pretty much Life.

 

[Wulfskaar]

Spending money terrifies me, so I feel much worse when I do buy something.

 

[penumbra]

Spending money terrifies me, so I feel much worse when I do buy something.

Did my wife put you up to this?

 

[JudyB]

only one that I can remember, but it was a good one!

 

[River's Edge]

Not the ones that got away, more like the ones I took the trouble to reel in. I second guess some purchases. This may be because for better material I go collecting rather than shopping! But then I prefer to develop and refine my own trees from earlier stages rather than purchase more refined trees that others have worked on for decades.
My biggest regret is when I fail to note a less obvious problem until after the purchase. Like the elm tree that had considerable fungal issues under the bark at the base of the tree that extended throughout compromising the overall health. Difficult to advance the design as it lost one branch after another slowly over time.
I now check more carefully when examining a potential purchase. Some issues are less noticeable than others, like small holes for borers and slight discolouration or formation of the bark in particular. Cannot imagine purchasing a tree based on a picture or even a series of pictures.

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

Somewhere I have a photo of a Korean Hornbeam, import, for sale at Brussels for $1495 around 2004. I wish I would have bought it, and it’s the only one that really jumps out as one that got away. It had a perfect fat scarless trunk, killer ramification, and was about 32” tall.

 

[chicago1980]

Yes, at least 2 in particular

 

[Benjofen]

I came across a hawthorn I fell in LOVE with. Honestly I've never fallen in love with a tree for sale as much as I have with this one. I was hesitant on pulling the trigger for a couple reasons. Firstly, I personally do not own a hawthorn and so wasn't sure how they'd do in Texas heat, but I know other people down in this zone grow them well. And secondly, I'm still newer and this was easily 4x's more expensive than anything else I had bought up to this point.

Anyway, I decided to hold off and told myself if I could sell a guitar item locally I'll use that money for the tree. Well the hawthorn sold today.
I'm sure to a lot of y'all it might look like an okay tree, but I think between the movement and the lichen I was in love with it.

Anybody else have similar stories?

There was a gorgeous Shimpaku I could have had on an auction site just last week. Waited too long and the bids shot way beyond the "buy it now" option and I'm kicking myself. Oh well.

 

[Haroldjr]

Getting me curious what sort of trees you manage to find. Would love to see some!

Me? I have one special tree - special to me that cost a lot the rest are just trees I am working on. I am no master. Far from it but I do enjoy it very much. I do know a person who is very talented. You have to compare apples to apples. I want to keep one tree as inspiration I guess. And here is mine. I had to use ebay pic because pot broke and I dont have new pot yet. It is a black pine and I simply adore it and that is all that matters.

 

[Haroldjr]

Not the ones that got away, more like the ones I took the trouble to reel in. I second guess some purchases. This may be because for better material I go collecting rather than shopping! But then I prefer to develop and refine my own trees from earlier stages rather than purchase more refined trees that others have worked on for decades.
My biggest regret is when I fail to note a less obvious problem until after the purchase. Like the elm tree that had considerable fungal issues under the bark at the base of the tree that extended throughout compromising the overall health. Difficult to advance the design as it lost one branch after another slowly over time.
I now check more carefully when examining a potential purchase. Some issues are less noticeable than others, like small holes for borers and slight discolouration or formation of the bark in particular. Cannot imagine purchasing a tree based on a picture or even a series of pictures.

When that is all you have ... collecting and traveling far are out of the question with my health issues. Yes I loose a few here and there but I enjoy it.

 

[leatherback]

Me? I have one special tree - special to me that cost a lot the rest are just trees I am working on. I am no master. Far from it but I do enjoy it very much. I do know a person who is very talented. You have to compare apples to apples. I want to keep one tree as inspiration I guess. And here is mine. I had to use ebay pic because pot broke and I dont have new pot yet. It is a black pine and I simply adore it and that is all that matters.

Thx.
As you say, comparing apples with apples. You say that is the most expensive tree. I am guessing in the 2-300E range, and a nice tree. However, there are people looking at good yamadori trees, think in the direction of hundreds to thousand+ dollars worth for atree. So .. there saying you just buy a tree when you are triggered by it..: It depends a lot on what you are looking at . I was contemplating whether you have a yard full of 1000USD+ trees I know some people do have them

As an example: I was at a traders to get a demo tree (Which I bought) and he had a great Larch yamadori there. But at a price-tag of 800Eur (900USD) that is not an impulse buy for me, no matter how nice the tree is, or what emotion it triggers .

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

Somewhere I have a photo of a Korean Hornbeam, import, for sale at Brussels for $1495 around 2004. I wish I would have bought it, and it’s the only one that really jumps out as one that got away. It had a perfect fat scarless trunk, killer ramification, and was about 32” tall.

Found it. The one that got away…2006.

 

[Haroldjr]

Thx.
As you say, comparing apples with apples. You say that is the most expensive tree. I am guessing in the 2-300E range, and a nice tree. However, there are people looking at good yamadori trees, think in the direction of hundreds to thousand+ dollars worth for atree. So .. there saying you just buy a tree when you are triggered by it..: It depends a lot on what you are looking at . I was contemplating whether you have a yard full of 1000USD+ trees I know some people do have them

As an example: I was at a traders to get a demo tree (Which I bought) and he had a great Larch yamadori there. But at a price-tag of 800Eur (900USD) that is not an impulse buy for me, no matter how nice the tree is, or what emotion it triggers .

Gee why all the hostility????? Never said I was rich said I wanted 1 tree I (me) like really well. Nor did I claim to have an expensive collection. I have a small collection that I (me) like. I posted it. At least I have the guts to. Get your facts straight then go pick a fight with someone who is impressed by your snobbery. I'm not. Sorry. I am telling you how I (me) buy. I could care less how you buy. I just lost an expensive white pine and replaced it with this one. By the way your value was way off. I paid 1250 for it. I keep telling you I am not rich. Are you happy now that you have my life story?

 

[penumbra]

Gee why all the hostility????? Never said I was rich said I wanted 1 tree I (me) like really well. Nor did I claim to have an expensive collection. I have a small collection that I (me) like. I posted it. At least I have the guts to. Get your facts straight then go pick a fight with someone who is impressed by your snobbery. I'm not. Sorry. I am telling you how I (me) buy. I could care less how you buy. I just lost an expensive white pine and replaced it with this one. By the way your value was way off. I paid 1250 for it. I keep telling you I am not rich. Are you happy now that you have my life story?

I probably shouldn't even be here but honestly, I never had any sense of hostility in this thread at all ...............
until this final posting.
There are those of us who are an acquired taste, but having read and re-read the post you reacted to, I honestly did not notice any hostility at all.
I don't think any hostility was intended friend.

 

[River's Edge]

When that is all you have ... collecting and traveling far are out of the question with my health issues. Yes I loose a few here and there but I enjoy it.

Most important! As my dad used to tell me. Keep the shiny side up son.

 

[penumbra]

Love those dadisms,
more now that he is gone.