| The meeting from the Live Q&A Thursday November 28 covered various topics related to tree care, including discussions on weather damage, tree health issues, and pest control methods. Participants shared personal experiences and advice on managing different tree species, addressing problems like chlorosis, vine weevil infestations, and scale insects. The group also touched on travel plans to Japan, genetics in trees, and the importance of proper tree maintenance techniques such as repotting, fertilizing, and pest prevention.
As a member you can take part in the discussion and get advices. Watching the recorded Live Q&A will give you the full insights. Watch it here https://shohin-europe.com/bonsai-video-studio-2/live-qa-november-2024/
Summary
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| Discussing Weather Damage and Trees |
| The group discusses the recent windy and wet weather conditions in their respective areas, including some damage caused to trees and gardens. Geoff shares that an old apple tree in his garden was blown over and likely won’t survive. Ian suggests trying to air layer it in the spring to save part of the tree as a bonsai. We laughed very much on this one, and I warn you. Dad jokes are always around the corner.
The group remarks on the resilience of trees, with examples of fallen trees continuing to grow new foliage for months after being cut down. Ian shares a similar experience of having to remove a pine tree from his garden after it declined over several years.
| Tree Health, Genetics, and Travel Plans |
| In the meeting, the participants discussed various topics including tree health, genetics, and travel plans. Ian shared his experience with a flowering cherry tree that was showing signs of chlorosis, despite his attempts to correct it. Morten explained that sometimes a part of a tree can have different genetic traits than the rest, which can cause changes in the tree’s appearance. |
| Tree Planting Angle and Repotting |
| In the meeting, advice on changing the planting angle of several trees when repotting in the spring. Morten provided guidance, suggesting that the timing and development of the tree should be considered before making any changes. He recommended playing around with the planting angle by taking pictures of the tree from different angles and waiting for the right time to repot. Morten also suggested examining the roots and pruning them if necessary, and changing the angle over several years. He emphasized the importance of planning and being prepared for a longer term. The team also discussed the importance of considering the line of the trunk and the flow of the trunk when deciding on the planting angle.
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| Vine Weevil Grubs and Bonsai Trees |
| Morten advises that if vine weevil grubs are discovered, it is best to repot the tree immediately into fresh inorganic soil, even during the growing season, as the grubs can rapidly destroy the root system. He explains that seeing signs like small mounds of soil on the surface may indicate their presence, but often the damage is not visible until it is too late. Ian shares his experience where vine weevil grubs killed a fern by eating all the roots before he noticed. Morten emphasizes that repotting is preferable to leaving the grubs, as they are very aggressive root eaters that can kill bonsai trees quickly. |
| Tree Maintenance and Insect Infestations |
| Morten discussed the challenges of maintaining healthy trees, emphasizing the importance of constant observation and early intervention to prevent infestations. He explained that trees are more susceptible to attacks in spring and summer when they are producing new growth, and that aphids and other insects can multiply rapidly if not addressed promptly. Morten suggested using a homemade insecticide made from vegetable oil and mild soap to control aphid infestations. He also advised isolating infected trees to prevent the spread of diseases and insects to other plants. The team discussed their experiences with tree infestations, with Ian mentioning that aphids reproduce by giving birth to live young, and Jon expressing concern about the potential harm to trees. Morten concluded by emphasizing the importance of maintaining a strong and healthy tree through proper care and feeding. |
| Juniper Scale Control Methods Discussed |
| Morten explains various methods for controlling juniper scale, including mechanically scraping them off, using insecticidal soap in the early stages, and exposing trees to freezing temperatures to kill some of the pests. Ian suggests using a jeweler’s loupe to better spot the small scale insects. Geoff recommends squashing them. Morten advises dipping trees in a lime-sulfur solution as a winter wash to prevent diseases and some pests. The group discusses the effectiveness of these methods and the persistence required to control scale infestations. |
| Tree Health and Insect Attacks |
| Morten discussed the importance of healthy trees in preventing attacks from insects. He explained that trees can react to an attack by changing their sugar system to make it less appealing to insects, and they can even communicate through roots and fungus to warn other trees. Morten also addressed a question from John about when to report a tree, stating that it can be done at any time of the year, but ideally in spring. He further discussed the aftercare of a tree that has been attacked, advising against a common recommendation of not feeding the tree for 2-3 weeks after repotting. Instead, he recommended feeding the tree immediately after repotting, especially with organic fertilizers, as there is no evidence to suggest that this would harm the tree. Morten emphasized the importance of the roots in a tree’s life and suggested adding granules to the soil when repotting to help the tree recover and cope better with potential attacks. |
| Japanese Pine Cultivation and Fruit Production |
| Morten discussed the cultivation of Japanese black pines and red pines, emphasizing the importance of patience and consistency in their growth. He explained that these trees can be trained to grow more compactly by removing new growth in summer, but this must be done consistently over several seasons. Morten also clarified that these trees can self-pollinate, but they need to be at least 3 to 7 years old and healthy before they can produce fruit. Jon raised a question about his pomegranate tree not producing fruit, and Morten suggested that the tree might not be receiving enough light or warmth, and that it might be too young to produce fruit. The team agreed to try different conditions for Jon’s pomegranate tree next year.
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