Daily Tasks for Tree Health

• Remove trees from winter quarters when pots are loose and place them on benches. Watch for late frosts and protect trees as necessary.
• Site trees outdoors in full sun, partial shade or full shade commensurate to species and specimen’s needs.
• Monitor foliage and soil transpiration and water as needed
• Prophylactic spraying for pests and diseases every two weeks or as needed
• Fertilizing: Begin once growth is active (early June in Zone 3). Fertilize early and consistently during the growing season. Fertilize through summer and into fall (species-appropriate).

Newly dug up trees and newly potted trees

• Promote and establish root growth
• Plant into suitable pot with bonsai potting media 
• Top dress with moss to maximize the entire volume of the container for root growth.
• Do not fertilize immediately. Wait until: New buds extend and harden slightly, or you see consistent, healthy shoot elongation. Initial feeding should be light and gentle.

Trees in nursery containers

• Structural pruning and wiring
• Design, style, and wire
• Sacrifice branch growth
• To accelerate growth (girth and length), plant in oversized containers or in the ground.

Trees in development with established root mass

Trees with established structure requiring balanced growth

• Structural pruning and wiring
• Design, style, and wire
• Prune or grow branches to the desired outline and form. Pruning encourages ramification. Growing branches increases girth and length. More foliage equals more growth through photosynthesis.
• Sacrifice branch growth
• Moss maintenance

Trees in refinement requiring detailed work to establish and maintain the desired form and outline.

• Foliage maintenance
• Moss maintenance
• Wiring and wire maintenance