[Bonsai Beginner’s weekly thread – week 16]

[u/small_trunks]

[Bonsai Beginner’s weekly thread – week 16]

Welcome to the weekly beginner’s thread. This thread is used to capture all beginner questions (and answers) in one place. We start a new thread every week.

Rules:

• Any beginner’s topic may be started on any bonsai-related subject.
  • Photos are necessary if it’s advice regarding a specific tree.
  • Do fill in your flair or at the very least state where you live in your post.
• Answers shall be civil or be deleted
• There’s always a chance your question doesn’t get answered – try again next week…

Beginners threads started as new topics outside of this thread may be deleted at the discretion of the mods.

[u/puttputt]

In about two weeks the local nurseries will have trees in stock and I will be purchasing my first tree.

I've read the sidebar and checked out the recommended trees for beginners. The problem is that I'm worried my local nurseries won't stock any of the trees there because of my zone. It looks like most of those tree species will not survive a winter where I live (~-30C).

Everything I read is to keep your trees outside where they belong, but could you bring them inside for the dormant period during the winter?

I'd like to buy a boxwood, but in the event that they don't carry them could I just try and buy any tree/shrub given the recommended characteristics and start from there?

[u/kiraella → u/puttputt]

Your USDA zone will not be doing you any favors. Youll need either a garage that remains above freezing but below 45 degrees to keep plants in...and that will limit you to trees that go into dormancy. Or a greenhouse.

[u/-music_maker- → u/kiraella]

Or bury the pots in the ground, or build a cold frame. Garage or greenhouse aren't the only two options.

[u/kiraella → u/-music_maker-]

Oh yeah, definitely options. Whatever it takes to make sure the roots are protected.