The ideal situation would be keeping your tree(s) cold enough to keep them from leafing out until beech trees in the landscape are starting to move. That's very difficult with bonsai trees, but less of an obstacle if you have the pots buried in the ground in a shady spot.

We don't actually measure the length of dormancy periods trees require. More accurately, we measure the amount of chilling that is required to release the tree from dormancy. Increasing length of darkness is the primary trigger for the tree to prepare for dormancy. Also stimulating the tree to begin its winter rest are cold temperatures. When trees enter dormancy, they remain dormant until a certain amount of chilling, which is genetically programmed, occurs. As the appropriate number of "chilling units" accumulate, the tree is technically released from dormancy and is capable of growing as soon as soil temperatures allow. However, since soil temperatures are usually still low after the chill requirement is met, trees pass unnoticed from dormancy to a period of quiescence, or rest. Usually, several consecutive days of soil temperatures over 45* F. are enough to start growth. When this occurs, the cold hardiness that protected the tree through the dormant and quiescent periods is seriously compromised & the tree will need protection from freezing. The problem is, the tree will also need good light while growing. During this transitional period, it is common for bonsai growers to do the bonsai-two-step, which consists of moving trees outdoors during daylight hours when temperatures allow and back indoors when freezing temperatures threaten.

Cover it?

Al

What would happen if you took the bonsai in too early? Like, I took it in yesterday (1-5-06) when it was about 50 degrees (we're going through a warm spell through late January, then colder than normal temperatures and a harsh end to the winter [richmond, va]).

Thanks for any response!

Took it in where - from where?

Took it in from...OUTSIDE!!!!! To...INSIDE!!!!!!!!!!

Getting a little huffy for someone seeking advice :-).

I think you're making a mistake that seems very common with newbies. Moving a tree that is hardy and best suited to outdoor conditions will stress and weaken the tree because of the crappy growing conditions most people have in their home. Very poor light, no humidity, and no natural temperature fluctuations is not natural or good for outdoor trees in the long run. You might get away with it, but I doubt the growth will be vigorous or healthy and worth keeping in the long run.

Temps have been very warm here for the past 2 weeks. I have trident maples, Japanese maples, zelkova, and Chinese elms that have buds swelling on them now. I will move to a shadier location and mulch a little deeper to keep soil temps down.

randy