Yamadori Deaths – Ways To Stop It?
Unfortunately, just before spring when the new buds are starting to open, you might find that one or two of your collected Yamadori trees have died. This is the risk that is taken when collecting trees, because no matter how much care you take to move a tree it is very stressful indeed for a tree to be dug up and moved. Remember trees are not supposed to move!
The main reason for the death is the major cutting of roots which is needed when collecting wild yamadori. The roots will often be very extensive indeed so will need a very good chopping. The tree can lose massive amounts of moisture this way so the first year is very risky indeed.
There are ways to seal a wound such as using cut paste or even tying electrical tape over the wounds on the cut roots. Myself, I prefer to adopt a natural approach and let nature take it’s course. I rarely get deaths in my collection after new trees arrive but it can happen sometimes. (And sods law is that they are the best ones that you have!). Don’t let it get you down too much if this happens, just remember that it CAN happen so to prepare yourself for a few deaths in spring if they are very new.
Many people do not know that evergreen trees actually need water during the winter also. If you have a dry week or two in the winter, it is good practice to water your tree. Don’t do this if the ground is frozen however as it won’t do any good at all. It shouldn’t harm the tree but they don’t particularly like having frozen water around their feet so don’t encourage it.
