Protecting Bonsai in Winter

[@mekugi]

This man is a valuable resource. I can’t express how much I have learned from him.

[@garlanddavidson6845]

Like wise!- he’s changed my whole world/life & outlook of the journey of bonsai in which, to where -frankly it’s really Completely all I love to think about As a somewhat newbie (8-9 yrs) bonsai enthusiast.. (he’s definitely the one that got me hooked to hobby)

[@andrebroussard6582]

Agreed my friends. Bonsai brings peace to not only those who visit them and also to the owns that care for them.

[@angie3504]

Winter doesn’t have to be gloomy, just go,outside and look at your bonsai. Thank you Peter for sharing this video. 👍🏻

[@user-pt1cz4ot1e]

Good morning, Peter and crew! 👋🏻 My son, Mason and I hope you have a wonderful day!

[@persassyjackson1688]

What a delightful and knowledgeable gentleman. I'm so glad I found this channel. The things I've learnt and the genuine joy from watching are priceless. Thank you Peter :D!

[@edwardvickers5654]

Herons is a Beautiful place in all seasons. in the winter mornings not as much symphony of birds. But there's nothing wrong with silence of just thought. and yes early morning frost with the sun peeking up & the frost starts to fog with a good cup of coffee & good thoughts, I THINK IS GOOD FOR THE MIND & BODY. Another great show Peter. THANKS Peter

[@loisdannenberg6178]

i have just started doing Bonsai, we get very cold temps here in western NY and I keep my dwarf Alberta spruce and olive on an enclosed back porch. so far they are doing well, I hope they survive the entire winter.

[@DongNguyen-jq9td]

No need to cover them …I put them all year long in Atlanta Georgia ..Some time drop dow -10 degree..

[@Blaydrnnnr]

For years I've been making cold frames out of 1/2" x 8' PVC pipe, bent into an arch, the ends placed against the corners of my above the ground garden. ( I used to put the ends into cinderblocks ) and duct taping plastic sheeting to the pipes. Worked perfect through the winters here. This year I built a 3 tier " Bonsai Bench" with an adjustable sun shade, which is also removable. Once removed, there are 2 2"x3" posts that the sun shade would attach to, standing about 7' tall. I found a plastic cold frame on Amazon, that is flat on one side, and arched on the other, that stands just over 7' tall. It fit PERFECTLY over my bench, leaving me about 2' of space to walk inside along the front. Even with the 13" of snow we just got, 45mph wind gusts, and 15°F cold nights, it has faired VERY well. Even at 17°F yesterday night, the inside of the cold frame was 29°. So far, so good. The only trees I moved inside this year are my 2 Ficus', and very small Japanese maple seedling, and a small Chinese Elm cutting that struck in late fall, and is growing like wild fire... Thanks again for your advice and suggestions....I learn everyday....

[@peterchan3100]

Thanks for sharing your ideas - everyone has something to teach to others

[@chetbrayton5173]

This is exactly the video I needed right now, as I live in the northern US where it can get down to -20/-30C, and I just purchased a small Japanese Juniper. I will be binging your videos religiously during the next wo weeks. Thank you for what you do.

[@MidniteSan]

Soothing 😍, what a view, so many beautiful trees. The Korean Hornbeam and maple got me 😍. Thx for sharing Peter, until next one, cheers.

[@t4w4r4y4m4]

Hi uncle Peter, I am in Montgomery, Alabama - USA. The weather seems similar to where you are. Thank you for sharing this and all your wonderful video that teach all about bonsai and encouragement for people to start their journey. Your knowledge are gold. Thank you once again. 🙏🙏🙏

[@ryanaugustus]

I live in Colorado… and I’m so grateful I have a greenhouse!

[@mr.benniebelgard9417]

I sure enjoy watching these videos. Out of nowhere I took an aggressive interest in the art of bonsai. Of course Peter came up on my feed and it became my MAIN source of information and education. I listen closely, soak up his wisdom about the craft or art so to speak. Just watching his content really shows Peter loves what he does. He's a natural at being a teacher. I'm all the way out in Oregon USA. A really green state,lotta trees! Good work at following your heart and giving back to the bonsai community with your know how. I would like to show my first project via email one day. In short, thank you Herons Bonsai. Love this channel.

[@joannetanner7282]

Thank you for this video. I live outside Buffalo, NY USA and we can get below zero. We have had warmer winters the last3 years but this year it went down to 0 degrees F so I put all my Bonsai in my shed

[@jannis1990]

Thank you Peter, for all your wonderful work. I know you have talked about this in many videos, but I know that for a lot of us beginner fans, it would be very interesting to see you talk about the bonsai calendar and what to do at which time of the year. Especially how this is different from regular gardening techniques and how it varies from the different species you work with. Winter here in Norway is a bit harsher than what you have over there, so I could only dream of having some of the trees I see in this video covered in frost. Beautiful 🤩

[@aaronsorg3821]

Thank you! I have only just started learning about Bonsai and hope to make it a life long hobby. Your videos have been invaluable as I know very little. You are so real and passionate, and speak with such a depth of knowledge, but still remain approachable with an air of humility that is astounding. Bravo sir.

[@creightonfreeman8059]

In the Mid-West U.S. (Ohio) it does get colder than you are there Peter, but I use basically identical methods that you are using for Winter protection. Most trees don't even get moved from the benches to protection until mid December, except for the tropicals of course, that are already inside by September something. Trees like Pines and Junipers that are established do just fine uncovered as long as they don't get intense sun and/or wind when their roots are frozen. The big problem is Chinese ceramic pots often crack from the freezing. I hear that the expensive Japanese pots aren't supposed to do that, but I'm not adventurous enough to find out. Most of my trees are pretty big, and I know mica and resin pots don't break in the Winter, so I mostly stick to them. An added benefit is they are lighter.

[@peterchan3100]

The poor quality Chinese pots can crack in severe winters but I have found that the unglazed pots from Yixing are completely frost resistant and dont crack. Some of the cheaper Japanese glazed pots can also flake in frost but the unglazed Tokoname pots are frost hardy.

[@BeepBoos]

I’m in Ohio too and new to all this. Thanks for your post. And thanks, Peter! Your instruction is life saving 🌸💞🙏🏼☺️

[@timp1390]

Very sound advice again Peter. Love your videos. Hoping to get to the UK in 2023. Herons is first on my list

[@BonsaiCornwall]

The frosted trees look so beautiful 😍❄️

[@ArmasLahtaaja]

We in Finland have winter temperatures as low as -35 celsius; in the spring time it's always an interesting time checking if anything survived... I have the more delicate trees in an insulated cold frame, not to be opened in 4 to 5 months - even in there the temperature can go below -10 c.

[@peterchan3100]

How do you people keep warm in such cold temperatures ?

[@ArmasLahtaaja]

​@@peterchan3100 Probably ~70% of the yearly power consumption in a typical house goes to keeping it warm. It is commonly said that Finnish summer is short but with only small amounts of snow.

[@jaakkosuorsa]

Hi Armas, what kind of a frame do you have? How did you construct it? Asking for my oaks... Already two oaks have died, now it is the third year trying to overwinter oaks in pots. I'm planning to hide them under a styrofoam "house" at the back of my porch. The last two had no protection.

[@ArmasLahtaaja]

@@jaakkosuorsa Dug down about 30 cm; bottom straightened with rock dust and concrete slabs on it. Walls have boards on outside (first ~40 cm pressure treated), then 50 mm styrofoam and plywood inside. Hinged roof with 10 mm twin wall polycarbonate sheet. All of my cork tree saplings died this winter in there.

[@jaakkosuorsa]

@@ArmasLahtaaja Thanks Armas. Gosh, bad luck with the cork saplings.

[@3apa3a4eva]

Thank you, Peter! In central Sweden, the lowest we had so far this winter was -17°C, but it can sometimes go down to -30-32. All non-hardy trees take a trip to my in-laws basement every year. :)

[@StuartOliver83]

I'm only 40 minutes away I think I'll pop in Friday as I have a day off this week,I've been watching this channel for years on and off and never knew I was living just down the road

[@sidtewari5746]

Peter Ur ideas r very practical They serve as tenets for a small time enthusiast Love n respect from India 🇮🇳

[@philsbs2007]

India? Stop calling my house asking about my cars warranty. Tell your family and friends to do the same.

[@jamesa7506]

The final shots in this video are quite amazing!

[@jokesterk5302]

Yes,it is a lovely place,and oww,such beautifull pictures of this sunset,thank you,for sharing

[@peterchan3100]

That was the sunrise

[@jokesterk5302]

@@peterchan3100 0 dear,well,I was in doubt really, Sorry about that,but it was magically beautifull,as always. Today had no beautifull sunrise,but I want to wish you a good day,today!

[@Blaydrnnnr]

Spectacular views! Its January 22nd here now, February is right around the corner, and I am trying to come up with my plans for my trees. I have one Trident, that is about 12years old, and came to me with a single trunk that splits into three trunks. Nice tree, but doesn't exactly look as I am hoping to get it to, ( Very little taper on all three trunks ) so I am contemplating a major trunk cutting, of maybe two trunks, and hoping, the third one left will, over time, grow branches on the bare side that was the interior. I am also looking beyond pruning many of them, and coming up with a fertilizer routine for my trees. I don't think any need a repot this year, but last year, I fertilized everything with high N² content, got great results, but this year, I am thinking more of trying to get smaller nodes and maybe going with a lower N² for the first month or two on my Tridents and Chinese elms, then a higher N² in the summer? Or maybe NOT fertilizing at all until summer ( around June ). Anyway, the shot of the frosted trees was beautiful. My favorite aspect of Bonsai, is that every season has its prizes for me, the caretaker.

[@Armistice023]

For covering plants, you can use burlap. I have some landscape plants (roses and hibiscus) wrapped in burlap for the season

[@HeyImDateMike]

I kinda like the "frost burn". They seem to turn more purple on mine

[@timdady4660]

I love the evening shot of Herons, here in Norfolk Uk, we do not get really bad weather , windy yes ,rain a little, snow very rarely , this is the first winter for my Bonsai collection ,most are kept in an undercover seating area , some in my potting shed and some in a cold green house mostly cutting and seedlings. Thanks Peter .

[@Ben7x26]

Thanks Peter for these information. Thanks to you my trees do fine these winter.

[@harrietb2141]

Thank you Peter🥰

[@PlantCraftDIY]

Thanks for sharing...Master 😍👍👍

[@kevinanderson9335]

Peter we are in what I will refer to as central western Montana, about 2 hours from the Idaho border. To give an idea of the temperatures here according to the weather map is showing -10 C. Daytime temps today were about 10-15 degrees warmer. The air is much drier out here, and the elevation I think makes a difference as well in temps. Just to add, we got about 5-8 cm of snow yesterday. Apparently, December, and January are the coldest months here, February can be cold as well, yet tends to be a bit warmer just to give you an idea regarding our winter temps at this time of the year. I currently have a few evergreens in the garage, and some younger trees, and cuttings in the house. Thank you for the videos :-)

[@FrankEtchells]

Along with using the fleece I also use the big "clear" plastic bags for wheelie bins.

[@TheBonsaiGarden]

Friday bonsai bonus 🙏

[@ENERO33]

GRACIAS HERON…! DESDE MEXICO ❤️🙌🏼🌟

[@antwonevis5249]

I appreciate this video so much!!! Last year unexpectedly most of my bonsais suffered from frost bite, by an unexpected cold front. We're now just entering autum and I can already feel the chill in the air! This year I'm coming prepared for the possibility of frost again. So me and my father are going to construct a sort of mini greenhouse with the frost netting! Thank you Peter for always having answers to all our questions and concerns.

[@BonsaiLearner]

Happy winter

[@andersnrregren9087]

I love the winter blush on my conifers, only my mame is protected in winter all others stay out in zone 8

[@TheMrjoehughes]

Fantastic video I’ve learned so much from this alone , thank you

[@gloriablanco7856]

Simply beautiful!

[@almac2598]

Thanks Peter. The trees look good in the frost.

[@j0hnnykn0xv1lle]

I grew up in Wisconsin Peter - Midwest winters can be eradicate - one with lots of snow and cold or mild - not so much snow. But cold snaps below zero can happen, typically in January - it can be -20 but it won't be for weeks on end. Typical winter days - 20-30 degrees F.

[@enricomolfino8164]

Tanti utili consigli in uno scenario stupendo

[@Chickentendaz]

Thank you Peter!🙏

[@andreastefanini11]

Super helpfull video, i learn so much. Thank you. That lonicera Is superb!

[@greenhawk1592]

Verry nice 👍🏼

[@skrounst]

WOW I never realized how mild UK temps are in the winter. I thought it was colder than my USDA Zone 7 in Maryland. If the UK had a USDA zone it would be in 8b (same as parts of FLORIDA!) since temps dont drop that low. That is crazy to me! Learn something new every day! Edit: Get your trees ready guys in the northeast US. Really REALLY cold temps the next few days! getting down to 9F (-12C) tomorrow night in my area.

[@russelstrawmire9817]

I live in Pennsylvania. Up in the mountains. It gets absolutely frigid in the winter. Right now it's 0 degrees Fahrenheit. A lot of my bonsai trees are native to this area, and in fact, just dug up from the wild. Are they okay to live out in that kind of weather? The tree I'm talking about is American beech. The other tree is some sort of western juniper, which comes from an area with even colder winter temperatures. After this hard freeze, it turned a very dark green color.

[@davidclark5723]

Thank you Peter

[@MikeyDunn]

While the Tan Hill pub was snowed in way up in the north west of Yorkshire, I only saw two snowflakes all the way over in East Yorkshire. It does get cold here with some biting winds, but normally it doesn't get past -5c. My trees stay out unprotected, it would be nice if I could keep the wind and rain off them though.

[@dbe2705]

🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹 thanks Peter

[@blandynawilliams203]

After watching your video I'm excited to see how I can set up and successfully over-winter bonsai here in the Boston, USA area. So far, in three winters I've had total losses, until I took my plant to a local bonsai nursery and paid for storage. How do you water your bonsai for the winter?

[@erickvarela2777]

Beautiful

[@brendakirk7250]

I live in the Midwest (Iowa). We have temperatures that go down to -15 to -25 Fahrenheit (approx. -26 to -31 Celsius.

[@luisvega6770]

MUY BUENO ESTE EJEMPLO DE COMO PROTEGER LOS ARBOLES EN INVIERNO,,,,!

[@larrynelson9611]

Hi Peter. Thank you for all the great information that you provide. I have one question. Do you ever water the trees in the winter? Greetings from Wisconsin USA. Thanks again for all your great videos you make. You are a endless supply of information.

[@nordicson2835]

I wish teens and 20 somethings would learn this , they might smarten up and mature a little..

[@growclipbonsaiforseniors1951]

They sell frost blankets here in the states for protection also. Light weight like yours.

[@elgringo1893]

Being from Leicester, yes we did have some epic snow

[@mattgrant2089]

great video as ever Peter! I live in Sweden and resources are a little limited here even with mixed messages from local bonsai group, but we leave our trees out during the prolonged cold winter. It started very cold this year with a week of -15 to - 20. Hopefully they will make it through :)

[@peterchan3100]

I thought there were some bonsai clubs in Sweden.

[@mattgrant2089]

@@peterchan3100 I have found one but it seems to be primarily online and going by the facebook group doesn't have a lot of activity. That's okay for now- i am just getting back to it after a long hiatus- it's fun to collect and work on trees again. The winter is very long though so one can be a bit impatient :) Your videos and others keep me going, thanks so much for your hard work!

[@philsbs2007]

We're getting snow in Norfolk VA. This will help because I was wondering what to do. I already have broken pots due to the freeze. 🙏

[@rsa420]

We get to -10c at night but during the day can be 20c really big swing in Temps. Altitude must have a bearing too, I'm over 5000ft -5 here is way more harsher than -5 at sea level where my brother lives

[@lalchhanhimihnamte7212]

👍👍😘

[@pokemonmagic.]

I have still question because I no some trees you need to worry about and they others you don't as much like my oak trees I said you need to protect them but my been outside all water long and they doing lovely don't see no damages what is have so I wish their was a video on explain what tree you need to protect where why what and how basically everything to do with the winter and early spring going what to do

[@pokemonmagic.]

I would like to ask about Chinese elm because the Chinese elm have come in to leaf with soft new leaf's do you need to protect them or can they still go without I no maple need protection of sure when new soft growth is happening but not so sure about Chinese elm my Japanese elm the bud's are now swelling so thank you to the person that say there can be outside to tempture to -10°c that was amazing help

[@japreet_kah]

Herons bonsai : how to protect your bonsai in winter - uploads it in January

[@peterchan3100]

Our winter is from Nov to Feb so lots of protection still needed

[@MG._.MG13]

I’m in Virginia and we’re currently experiencing a snow storm it’s pretty cool ( pun intended lol) being we hardly ever get snow ⛄️❄️

[@Big_Fan_just_generally]

Do you water the trees (both deciduous and evergreen) in the tunnels that don't get any rain?

[@peterchan3100]

Very good point - I should have mentioned that. Yes we need to remember to water trees which are in the greenhouse or shed because they are not exposed to the rain.

[@Big_Fan_just_generally]

Good to know, thanks!

[@Tony-InLosAngeles]

🍃

[@joedirt2862]

Great video. 10:30 is that a painting on the wall or a mural? It's beautiful.

[@peterchan3100]

Painting

[@makewithmegma]

🔥💕👍

[@voodooskratch]

🥶🌳👍

[@timothyfuqua]

What advice would you give on watering outdoor trees shielded from rain/snow etc. ?

[@peterchan3100]

If your bonsai are outside they dont need watering until Spring. We dont water ours from end Oct to late March.

[@timothyfuqua]

@@peterchan3100 and for trees outside but underneath a covered patio, for example, shielded from any rain? Would they require watering of any kind? Thank you for your time and reply.

[@peterchan3100]

@@timothyfuqua Yes they will need watering if they are not exposed to rain.

[@Fabbymj3]

What if the soil gets frosted?

[@ellietobe]

Can you cover a Japanese Maple with plastic or some frost cover and leave it outside….and have it survive? I don’t have to worry about the roots freezing? This is a very cold snowy area.

[@peterchan3100]

For big size bonsai in large pots this is OK but if your pots are small - then give lots of protection or bring them under cover in a garage or shed.

[@brucedeacon28]

👍🍎👌

[@BeautynBrains75]

I don't know if anyone else has asked and I did not readily see this question but can you utilize a heating pad for bonsai kept indoor? I am in Huntsville Alabama and our winters are not very harsh at all, nowhere near the frigid that you are seeing. It will however get below freezing so I have brought them in. I have 2 ficus ginseng.

[@jhvu98]

If you have a deciduous tree on indoor display, should or can you still reintroduce it to the seasonal cold weather?

[@peterchan3100]

You should do it very gradually or you will confuse the tree.

[@goo757]

how do you stop people from stealing your tree,s ?????????

[@Chris-oq6kn]

Another great video! Hey Peter I have a Satsuki azalea from Japan that I keep in the shed and the buds have turned brown does that mean they are dead or should they always stay green? Maybe I should have put it in the shed earlier but I did it in the late fall. i also just bought a japanese cherry tree I am going to start to bonsai. Spring can't come soon enough!

[@peterchan3100]

I need to see a pic of the brown buds you mention. It could be that the brown is just the covering of the live bud (I hope you mean the dormant flower bud for next season) So dont prune anything - you might get a pleasant surprise if it bursts into life later in Spring.

[@Chris-oq6kn]

@@peterchan3100 thanks for the reply Peter. No I'm not pruning anything. I didn't know the buds go brown because they were green before so I got worried. Like u said it may be just the covering. Just in case Peter if I sent a picture where do I send it to? Thank u soo much I appreciate everything u do for us! Keep these wonderful videos going u truly are my inspiration! I spread the world of bonsai to everyone I know it's such a great hobby. I have 4 variegated reticulated maples on the way! Can't wait. Thanks peter

[@WeAreBullets]

i'm not sure what to do. i have a baby juniper and i am in southern New Hampshire in the USA. we get harsher winters and gross humid summers, its like a more extreme version of England here in the NEW England region. my juniper is new and small and the local Bonsai center said it might have a real hard time if the weather gets down to 10 degrees Fahrenheit. i was thinking of tucking it in really well into the dead veggie garden for the winter but should i put it in the garage or attic instead ? can i tuck it into the garden until the dead of winter and then bring it inside if the weather looks like it will get too bitter cold? or will that shock the tree in a different way? im not too sure what to do but i do want it to experience dormancy for the overall wellbeing of my juniper

[@ulfjansson8611]

How do azaleas do in your climate? Regards from South sweden

[@peterchan3100]

We dont protect our Satsuki azaleas - although to be safe you can put them in a tunnel or unheated greenhouse

[@stephanr8507]

Your Larches are protected against the frost? Especially when they are wired is it not?

[@peterchan3100]

Unwired larches are OK in the open but wired ones need to be kept in the greenhouse

[@MarkSun1962]

For climate I am in the suburbs of New York City (N 41° 00.605') how close is that to Herons N/$ wise ?

[@peterchan3100]

You have more wind chill factor in NYC

[@pokemonmagic.]

I thought Japanese elms needs to be protected from frost and be keep a frost free space hmm maybe I was wrong

[@rsa420]

They grow here outdoors -10c no issues at all

[@pokemonmagic.]

Okay thanks for the information I'll consider getting my ready to but outdoor year round be alot better then have in greenhouse that there take up room plus Chinese elm should you protected new fresh bud's if they are opening up already or not I don't want any damage

[@rsa420]

@@pokemonmagic. no harm putting frost cloth/fleece over them the Peter showed

[@pokemonmagic.]

Okay will do that thank you every much your an amazing help

[@wouterblokdijk1864]

Indeed curious how Herons is doing this with Chinese elms. Experimenting this winter as well, although keeping them in a unheated greenhouse. We have similar winters to Southern England across the Channel (The Netherlands). My concern is that the mostly closed greenhouse is getting too damp. Any extra advice is much appreciated, mister Chan.

[@vicenteortiz5315]

Que pena no entenderlo

[@MG._.MG13]

First

[@chaiwatpotichanid]

Hearty kupchak zone American cooling system hot very well rine child because they just kupchak 🦋flying his see natural beauty know netflix 🥰🥰