Collecting in summer

[Homer911]

So, I am fairly new to the whole horticultural thing. I have dug up about 5 trees so far. 3 have died on me so far, one is doing fine and the other has just been potted so time will tell.

So my question is......... what should I be do to a collected tree in the summer to give it the best chance of survival?

I know a lot of people who will say dig it up in winter. I understand that this is the optimal time to dig but not always possible, especially if the tree will be removed and dumped if not collected.

So, I know the following applies to all digs, winter or summer:

● Remove as much of the root ball as possible (especially diffused roots)
● Keep the roots moist until repotted.
● Dont Fertilize for about 8 weeks
● Soak in seasol before potting
● Keep out of direct sun for a while
● Try to keep some leaves on as possible


I am about to collect two large apple trees and im looking at some advice. Obviously some species are more resilient than others but is there something else i should be doing? Or is collecting in summer just too risky?


Thanks in advance.....

[shibui]

Because we have always been told to only cut roots in winter most people have not even tried summer collecting however I have found that it is possible. I have collected Callistemons with few losses so far. I have dug Azaleas with no losses so far. What I do not yet know is how many other species is possible because I have not tried yet. Maybe others can add their experiences. I would certainly encourage you to try your apples and let us know the result.

As for your 'rules':
I usually cut roots quite hard initially because I know eventually it will need to fit into a bonsai pot. Better to cut early rather than have to cut hard when the tree has developed branches, etc.
I do not use seasol.
I put newly collected plants in almost full sun in the nursery area - they do get some shade from other nearby plants and the area is quite humid due to damp gravel paths.
My mix includes osmocote so all transplants get fertiliser as soon as the osmocote prills start to release it.
Keeping leaves depends on species - Need some green on most conifers but Callistemon cut down to bare stumps recover quite well.

I think my survival record is pretty good even though I don't follow these 'rules'. there is plenty of latitude with plants.

[Homer911]

Because we have always been told to only cut roots in winter most people have not even tried summer collecting however I have found that it is possible. I have collected Callistemons with few losses so far. I have dug Azaleas with no losses so far. What I do not yet know is how many other species is possible because I have not tried yet. Maybe others can add their experiences. I would certainly encourage you to try your apples and let us know the result.

As for your 'rules':
I usually cut roots quite hard initially because I know eventually it will need to fit into a bonsai pot. Better to cut early rather than have to cut hard when the tree has developed branches, etc.
I do not use seasol.
I put newly collected plants in almost full sun in the nursery area - they do get some shade from other nearby plants and the area is quite humid due to damp gravel paths.
My mix includes osmocote so all transplants get fertiliser as soon as the osmocote prills start to release it.
Keeping leaves depends on species - Need some green on most conifers but Callistemon cut down to bare stumps recover quite well.

I think my survival record is pretty good even though I don't follow these 'rules'. there is plenty of latitude with plants.

Very interesting reply shibui,

I'll definitely keep you updated regarding the apples. I have always thought that we would keep as much of the roots as possible to increase the risk of survival. Obviously your method works just fine.

I'd be very interested to hear other people thoughts on summer collection.

Sent from my SM-G900I using Tapatalk

[kcpoole]

Everyone will have their own preference depending on what personal experience you have but for many trees collection in Summer is not a biggie,
the benefits are that in the summer the trees are usually growing, so recovery shoud be faster.
on the flip side, Conditions are hotter and will stress a tree more ( possibly).

Take both int0o consideration and most trees will be happy.

Lots of water to stop it dehydrating because of lack of roots, more water readily available and more often coupled with Foliage reduction to minimise perspiration if the tree likes being defoliated. ( Some do not)
I like to use Seasol, but Shibui does not.
I keep any collected tree out of hot sun if possible but again Shibui does not

These mild days in Sydney at the moment should be no worries whatever you do so go for it.

Ken

[Homer911]

Cheers for the input Ken. As you mentioned, everyone will have their own preferences and personal experiences.

How about if the tree has a large trunk with no foliage on the lower section. How would this effect the recovery of the tree due to not having any established leaves? Again.... species specific.

[kcpoole]

If a deciduous tree then possibly be OK to cut back to bare stump then dig. Same with callistimon.
Having said that I have dug 2 large calli and they did not survive but possibly dried them out.

[Watto]

I have dug many trees and mostly successful. In regard to apple specifically, I think you will find them quite hardy and could be defoliated at this time of year so I wouldn't worry about it having no foliage.
The other way to look at this is they will be dead if you don't try to save them. You are dong them a favor.

[Starfox]

This is interesting, I have seen elsewhere that spring is normally the best time although in thinking about it that could have to do with the harsh winters experienced by those in other areas.
I have been diligently waiting for spring waiting to dig up a Bougie but to be honest winter is pretty mild here is there any reason a tropical/sub-tropical like a Bougie can't be dug in winter?

[peterb]

Hi starfox , bougy will do fine collected in summer. I do my repotting of bougy in summer . Just keep up the water for a week or 2. Well that's my experience. Others might think differently
Peterb

[longd_au]

One of the risk from digging in summer is the drying of the roots if left exposed for too long.
I find that if you keep the roots wet, you have a higher chance of survival, especially if you are bare rooting.

[kcpoole]

Hi starfox , bougy will do fine collected in summer. I do my repotting of bougy in summer . Just keep up the water for a week or 2. Well that's my experience. Others might think differently
Peterb

Starfox is in Spain so winter there.
are bougy growing where you are at the moment or dormant?
If growing then go for it now, but if dormant, wait until the weather warms up. You do not want it sitting around with poor health after digging for it to get going if it is cold.

Ken

[Starfox]

Thanks Dennis and Ken, both sets of info are useful to me so it is taken on board.

At the moment nothing is dormant around here due to the abnormally high winter temps, the bougies have just flowered inside the bracts.
To be honest I don't even know if under normal conditions there is a real dormancy here, if so it wouldn't be for long anyway. Might be best to hold off a month or two just in case the weather turns.