THINGS TO DO THIS MONTH Outdoor & Indoor:
Watering is still a critical job at this time of year. Trees can dry very quickly on hot days. The roots can be damaged or even killed when the soil stays dry for too long, which can have devastating effects on your tree. Now is the time to switch to a low nitrogen fertilizer. The soil should be moist before the fertilizer is applied. Now is the time when trees prepare themselves for winter. Trunks and branches will thicken as materials are stored there for the winter. Wiring can cut in rapidly, so we need to watch for this and remove any wires too tight. Avoid pruning, as this can reduce the tree’s stored food reserves. Trees will put out extra roots at this time, allowing a chance to do some repotting if needed. Begin preparing for wintering your trees. Since the moderate temperatures will turn to cold rather than warm, there is somewhat more risk and a smaller window for repotting at this time. Indoor trees can be moved inside when night temperatures are consistently in the 50s.
(PSBS) References: “Bonsai Clubs International”, BCI Website Listing of Individual Species Names – Birch – Betula sp. HYPERLINK: http://www.bonsai-bci.com/species/birch.html PSBS Editor. “Tip of the Month” Bonsai Hai Vol. IX Number 8 August 2002:2 Samson, Isabelle. The Creative Art of Bonsai. Ward Lock Ltd., London, 1991 Tomlinson, Harry. Readers Digest Home Handbooks: Bonsai. Dorling Kindersley Ltd., London, 1995 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Witch%27s_broom
