SEASONAL SUGGESTIONS
By Marty Mann

November/December - 1999

WINTER,  A TIME OF REST AND OBSERVATION

California really doesn't have awinter.  It's just the time following the autumnal equinox.  Nature allows the ever active growth cycle of trees to slow down or to hibernate until the warmth and sunshine of spring returns.  While we avoid the difficulties of inclement, bleak weather we must also be watchful.  Preservation of the good health and style of our trees never stops.  

New plant growth activity should end in November.  Unless high temperatures continue, it is a good time to let your trees rest.  A program of a high phosphoric acid and potash formula is recommended.  Use a 0-10-10 application to flowering and fruiting material.  Some growers maintain a schedule of light feeding on evergreens and conifers since they do not really become fully dormant in our climate.  Do not use a product with high nitrogen during this period.  Don't encourage foliar growth that will not harden off and will be weak and subject to die back.  

This is a good time of year to concentrate on clean-up. Don't overlook your training cans as well as the potted materials. Remove leaf droppings and flower buds remaining from summer.  Removal of trash from your bonsai area is always an im­portant practice.  If old leaves  hang on, take them off.  Do not allow litter and leaf droppings to accumulate since this creates a haven for insect eggs and fungus spores to thrive.  All leaves, seed pods and dried flower heads may now be removed from potted material.  Particularly, check your pine trees.  Remove any disfigured or long needles that show brown tips. Prune unwanted twigs and elongated branches.  Seal larger cuts to prevent dry out and die back.  If moss growth has developed onto the tree trunks--remove it.  Excess moss encourages wood decay and prevents water penetration.  If it's on the surface--open it up.

Reconsider the arrangement  of trees on your benches.  Those that had been moved into shaded areas to avoid hot summer sun can now be exposed to better light. This is an excellent time to prioritize your trees to do first-things-first .  Attend to trees requiring winter trimming while the branch silhouettes are easy to study.

Select those trees showing signs of being root bound to be repotted in spring.  Check the rootage on all trees.  Allow some surface exposure to encourage a change from soft surface tissue to the adaptation of texture similar to the outer trunk bark.

Apply Orthorix® Lime Sulfur as a dormant spray, especially on aged or dead wood jin and shari areas.  Keep lime sulfur away from pine needles or any material showing signs of new buds.  It has been found that lime sulfur is also quite effective in controlling scale and spider mite infestations.  Use  it as a diluted spray  (10 teaspoons to a gallon of water).  Another good dormant spray mixture is a combination of a copper based Bordeaux® Fungicide and Volck Oil®.    Avoid dripping any of these sprays into the root systems.

Use an all purpose fungicide to fight powdery mildew.  Malathion, Diazinon  or Seven  are best  for your battle with aphids or ants.  Read product directions. Don't overlook the need to keep protecting trees during dormancy from insects and fungus.  

Reduce watering during the cooler winter months but do not overlook drying winter winds.  Do not allow trees to dry out, even during dormancy periods.  California winters are usually interspersed with many warmer days.  Water potted trees regularly.  Cooler weather simply means slower growth.  Transpiration of moisture from the root system  is almost non existent due to the absence of foliage.  Lower temperature means that moisture stays in the pot and soil longer.  Be sure the pots are draining well.  Watch out for prevailing, drying winds. 

Get ready for the new special year 2000.     Prepare for spring inventory.

Winter months, while the trees are all so visible, is a good time to select trees that will be coming back, in prime condition, in spring.  Pick trees that will look their best in the club shows this spring.  Pick trees that have the best color, styles and shapes.  Plan ahead to keep them trimmed and cleaned up, ready for an application of ground cover, moss or decorative granular particles.

Photograph your trees.  Black and white photographs of a tree reveal flaws and allow you to plan further design changes.  We suggest keeping these photographs over a period of years to follow the development of the trees and see how they have changed.  Showing these pictures to your bonsai friends may bring you many unofficial critiques and perhaps worthwhile suggestions.

Happiness is a bursting bud, a bunch of flowers, birds that sing and a stroll through your bonsai garden.   Have a happy, healthy and safe holiday season.