tree size

[craigw60]

When I first started growing bonsai all my trees had to be big that was when I was in my 20s. Now I am staring 50 in the face and while I am still really fit and healthy the big trees are starting to be a pain. So much wiring so much pinching, using a trolley to take them to the potting bench. I have developed a liking for trees around 30-40cm Ideal size, I can work on them sitting down. I can pinch the tips in a few minutes chuck them in the car with ease. My advice to the growers just starting out is grow the big trees because they are beautiful, but also grow a range of smaller trees that you will be able to care for well into old age.

[EdwardH]

I know what you mean. I am in the same boat. The heavy trunked trees are certainly impressive however they are very heavy and difficult to work with as one starts to get on in years. Then again it is a good opportunity to have a mate or two come over, have a barbie and have them earn their keep by helping to repot

[Leigh Taafe]

Hi Craig,

I am at a stage where I find I have less time to work on my larger trees (you are right - they do take alot of time), in addition to this, I cannot use them for my hire business, they dont sell very fast.....therefore, they are only really here to "look" at ! Maybe they inspire enthusiasts that pop around for a visit! For me, and where I am heading with my business, I wont be adding any very large, hard to handle trees to my collection. I think I will focus on trees that are easy to pick up, it will make it easier to hire them.

So, if anyone is in the market for large bonsai, over $3000, let me know - I have a few to get rid of ! Would consider swapping for smaller, easy to lift trees of good display quality.

Cheers,
Leigh.

[Shannon]

I'm going to have some problems later on its bad enough now.

[Leigh Taafe]

Thats a monster Shannon !!!

[Glenda]

Hi people,

I'll have to tell my son that. He is into big bonsais (although all of his are still small and not bonsais yet - just in the growing stages). I have all his trees in my custody, as he is at uni 400 kms away - only 4 years to go (has already done 3, he is at Med School). Very hard to tell young men in their 20's that life gets harder once you are past 50!
\
Glenda

[anttal63]

hey craig, does that mean you're ready to move some trees on??? If so private message me.

[Matthew]

i have a mixture of about 50-50 with only ten or so about 60cm or over , at least forty trees are classed as shohin so i fell in love with them quite early in my bonsai life, however i still look in awe at a well structured bonsai of 80cm or so so ladies with bonsai just remember size dosent matter and sometimes smaller is better

[Grant Bowie]

I know a place that has a great retirement plan for large bonsai and it has lots of eager helpers to aid with their maintenance. Size is not a problem as we have trolleys and forklifts as well.

Former owners are encourage to visit!

Please PM me if you would like to talk.

Grant

[Jamie]

I'm going to have some problems later on its bad enough now.

that thing is more than a monster, its a bohemeth! even though the big trees are impressive and inspiring i have found now i cannot have big ones due to my ack, and i am only 24!
there is something about shohin trees and just a bit bigger and some of the smaller ones though, the skill involved, the high detail work needed to pull of a tree of the size under 25 cm or under 40cm for chuhin (i thinik )

i am very attached to my smaller trees!
i still love to look at the bigger ones though!


jamie

[Pup]

Over 70 over the hill and, well I cant even manage the hill but 9.50 metre tree's are really a pain. Grant you know the score

I have several I am trying to move on, the biggest problem is they are in the west. The smaller the tree the harder it is to maintain though, regards water and re potting, both require more frequency. Neglect one or the other and your work can go in one day.

I speak from bitter experience, just recently I lost to Shito sized tree's one an Hokkeido elm in training for 12 years,and one Casuarina
4 years in training. Not a pleasant experience just one day not watered midday. With the Temp at 39 and very strong Easterly winds off the scarp.
They are beautiful though, worth the effort and as has been said easier to handle. Yes you can do natives as well. They look aged quicker too.

Cheers, Pup

[dayne]

well at 28 and fit im more than willing to take all of your large trees off your hands but in 25 years i might change my mind but thats a world away.

[craigw60]

To all you young growers out there keep going with the big ones they are so much fun but remember that a tree doesn't really start getting good until it has been in a pot for 15-20 years so if you train a few small ones as well you will have them for a very long time. As for me well I am not over the hill yet I reckon I have got the big ones for another 10 15 years. The point I was making is to look into the future because it comes on so fast.

[anttal63]

there's much merit in what you say craig!!! keep enjoying your trees!

[Grant Bowie]

Over 70 over the hill and, well I cant even manage the hill but 9.50 metre tree's are really a pain. Grant you know the score

I have several I am trying to move on, the biggest problem is they are in the west. The smaller the tree the harder it is to maintain though, regards water and re potting, both require more frequency. Neglect one or the other and your work can go in one day.

I speak from bitter experience, just recently I lost to Shito sized tree's one an Hokkeido elm in training for 12 years,and one Casuarina
4 years in training. Not a pleasant experience just one day not watered midday. With the Temp at 39 and very strong Easterly winds off the scarp.
They are beautiful though, worth the effort and as has been said easier to handle. Yes you can do natives as well. They look aged quicker too.

Cheers, Pup

Hi Pup,

You sure are having some tough weather over there this year! And your backyard is so well set for bonsai with shade sails and an area specially for your minis. Small ones can dry out very quickly with your sort of weather.

We have been getting around 29 to 31 degrees for days on end now and that is quite manageable.
Grant