Which tree for my situation and how to start?

Crawlings

Hello all, I am a beginner bonsai'ist and I was kind of wondering what kind of tree would be good for my conditions. I live in zone 7b in Huntsville, AL in the United States. The tree will be staying on my patio. It is a covered patio, but open on two sides. The tree would only get about 2 hours of direct sunlight a day, but would get good indirect sunlight in the shade all day long.

The ones I have been considering is maybe a Chinese Elm, Ficus, Japanese Maple, and Juniper. However, from all that I have read a juniper wouldn't be the best bet because it would not receive enough light.

Keep in mind also that I am a beginner, so what are your suggestions or recommendations as to which tree to start out with?

Thanks in advance,
Chad

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steve

If it is morning sun then I would recomend a maple. They are forgiving and don't like hot afternoon sun anyway.

jimothy

Of the trees you mention, ficus is the only one that wouldn't survive being outside all year round in a 7b area, so maybe that influences your decision. Juniper would probably need more than two hours of direct sunlight (BTW is this in the summer, winter, or an average?) to be healthy, so I'd go for either the Ulmus or Acer

Crawlings

In the summer it would get about 2 hours of late afternoon sunlight. My apartment patio is north facing, so at my latitude, I believe it will get full direct sun during the winter days, is that correct? (Location is southern united states).

Also, when I go to a nursery, how do I tell whether or not the tree has been taken care of and has good soil. Obviously glued on rocks are a no no, but is there anything else besides just looking to see if the tree is healthy looking?

Dick

Best thing to do is go to a reputable dealer, especially if they grow and sell bonsai. They will be able to assist you the best. Also look for one who guarantees the tree for one full year. That way, if it dies, even if you have done your best, it can be replaced for a fraction of the price of a new one. Many nurseries will give 1/2 price refund if the tree is returned within the year.

You could consider a ficus. Even though it would have to be moved indoors for the winter, it can be a good choice. Another indoor/outdoor tree might be a fukien tea or a schefflera. They can do very nicely with the conditions you have. Also a mugho pine bonsai can be a very easy outdoor tree in your area.

Good luck and come back with any other question you have.

Crawlings

Thanks for the help guys, unfortunately there aren't any bonsai dealers in my area. Closest one is 100 miles away, so it looks like I will either be starting from seed or by buying a regular sized tree and bonsai'ing it myself.

Now I just have to find a Chinese Elm around, anyone got any tips on what to look for when buying a Chinese Elm already grown that I want to bonsai?

Dick

Only 100 miles away.

To me that's like being in my neighborhood. I would think it would be worth the trip for a few hours to see a reputable bonsai dealer and to have the pick of several choices instead of only a few at best.