FAQ

Now that my tree has arrived, what do I do?

First, carefully unwrap your tree and check for any shipping damage. Immediately report any damage to your shipper. Next find the enclosed care sheet and read it. Next select a spot, usually outdoors, that will receive morning sun and a little afternoon shade. Check the tree for moisture and water if needed. Make sure you have a good watering can with a Rose spout on the end; this duplicates raindrops and provides a thorough and even soaking of the root ball.

What do I do if it gets cold at night?

You must know the zone hardiness of you tree to grow it properly. Most hardy species will be okay at 20 degrees, but strong winds or hail can damage growth. The exception are tropical species which must be protected below 40-45 degrees. A good tip is to heal a deciduous tree into a flower bed near the house for winter protection, especially if you live in a Northern climate.    Use pine straw or cypress mulch and water a little if dry.

I had a bonsai and I killed it, I’m afraid to buy another one.

I know, not a question.  But this is the big one I have heard thousands of times. More often than not someone has purchased “malisai” (not bonsai), or they were not given any directions on the tree’s care.  Take the time to find a tree from a Bonsai Artist, not a mass merchant store, there is one in nearly every town. If not, have your tree shipped via the internet but beware as most prices are ridiculous.  If you buy a book on Bonsai and invest a little time, maybe take a class,  you should never have a problem with your  tree. Many trees are lost simply because people insist on growing outdoor trees indoors. A little common sense will go a long way.

Are Bonsai a special kind of plant or tree?

No. Bonsai are not a special kind of plant, but rather ordinary plants grown in a special way. Life in a bonsai pot is very different than life in the ground.  Almost any plant material with smallish leaves, tolerance to pruning and good back budding tendencies could become bonsai.  The reason bonsai stay small is because we use special horticultural practices including; pruning of trunks, leaves and branches, cultivation in a small shallow container and exposure to maximum sunlight possible. Water can even be withheld to encourage dense-tight growth and short internodes length.

Should I fertilize my tree?

Our trees always come pre-fertilized. In general your trees should be fertilized through out the growing season with a time release formula (Shake and Feed by Miracle  Grow works fine). You can also use an organic slow release and add fish emulsion, super thrive or root starter to your water can. Care should be taken not to feed a dry tree. The idea is to feed for a healthy tree but not to encourage large leaves and rapid growth, think lower nitrogen content.

When do I need to repot my tree?

Most trees will go from 3-5 years in between potting sessions, usually carried out in the early spring or late winter.  Your bonsai will stay healthy only if high quality bonsai soil is used along with supplemental feeding and proper watering techniques.  Even though being 80% pot-bound is desirable, eventually not enough soil and nutrients will remain for the health of the roots and the tree and repotting becomes necessary . After trimming of 1/3 to ½ of the root ball, the tree is ready for a new pot according to the bonsai’s development.

How often and much should I water my bonsai?

Proper watering technique is the most important aspect of maintaining your beautiful bonsai. It is said in Japan that it may take up to a year to really master a good watering regimen.  As an apprentice in Japan watering would be one of the last things you would be allowed to do because of its importance.  Check your tree daily and understand that rain, humidity, temperature, wind, sun exposure , heat and time of year are all factors that will effect moisture in a pot. On the other hand, you can easily damage or kill a Pine Tree with overwatering, especially if it has been recently repotted. There are two types of people that learn to water. The first person neglects the tree and second person drowns it