What time of the year should major carving work be attempted

[siddhar]

Hi all, Ive searched this forum for an answer to this post, but found nothing really in-depth or conclusive. I want to start some carving works on some of my evergreen trees. Would this better to do over winter or in spring? I have an Olive I want to get stuck into!

And a few deciduous trees I could start on. My theory being that less stress would be put on the trees through winter dormancy? And being carving work, Im not actually trying to achieve any callus over the wounds.

[NBPCA]

Hello,

Carving is best done on wood that has dried. It doesn't matter what tiome of year you carve it, as long as it has had a good year to dry out sufficiently. If you were intending to carve a section of the tree that was still alive, it would be best to remove the bark from that area first, then let it dry. The best time to remove the bark for this purpose is late spring / early summer, as at this time, the tree has slowed its sap flow somewhat, but will still produce a callous around the edges of the wound.

Hope this makes sense.

Cheers,
Leigh.

[will baddeley]

Stripping bark is best done in late Winter/ early Spring. This gives the tree plenty of healing time through the growing season. Personally I love carving green wood, as it is far softer and easier on tools than dry wood. I tend to just rough carve when the wood is full of sap. Let it dry and then add all the detail.

[NBPCA]

Hi Will, I always have trouble with my cutters getting all gunked up if I do it when the wood is still green. Just shows that there is more than one way to skin a bonsai !

[siddhar]

Thanks gents thats great help!