I dug out a few small (none bigger than 3') pine trees this mild winter in the Catskill Mountains and root balled them in my garage for Spring planting.

I would like to thin and wire them out for more interesting shape (ala bonsai) or Niwaki styling…and I'm wondering whether I can do that prior to planting (which would be a lot easier) or should I wait till they are in the ground, or even longer.

Thanks for your help and ideas.

peter

plederman said: I dug out a few small (none bigger than 3') pine trees this mild winter in the Catskill Mountains and root balled them in my garage for Spring planting.

I would like to thin and wire them out for more interesting shape (ala bonsai) or Niwaki styling…and I'm wondering whether I can do that prior to planting (which would be a lot easier) or should I wait till they are in the ground, or even longer.

Thanks for your help and ideas.

peter

Hi Peter and

I have to admit I have no insight/advice into your situation. I just wanted to welcome you.

I had to look up Niwaki styling. The examples I saw looked beautiful, but it does look like a lot of work.

There is a tree and shrub forum you may want to post to also: https://garden.org/forums/view...

Let us know what you learn.

Jim