How to Keep a Bonsai Alive During the Winter

The hardest part of Bonsai is keeping the little devils alive during the winter. Many think that deciduous trees will just "fend for themselves" and need no extra care. These "hardy" trees, however, can die if precautions are not taken. It is better to be safe than sorry, so follow these steps to ensure that the trees are given the best chance possible.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Some trees can't survive winter. These trees should be taken inside and left in a sunny, airy place in the house. They should be sprayed a few times daily with an atomizer to keep the leaves from wilting, as the inside of a home is usually too arid for the trees.
2. The "hardy" deciduous trees should be kept outside -- in a greenhouse for best results. If you don't have one handy, they will live outside with a few precautions.
3. With deciduous trees, it is better to dig a hole and bury the tree, pot and all, until the dirt covers the trunk just above the potted soil. This will help the roots from freezing. If you have many trees, a trench can be dug and all the trees put into it.
4. Make sure that the tree has a bit of shelter. Putting the trees beside the house will give them shelter from the biting winds.
5. Make sure that you have stopped giving the plants nitrogen during the autumn months. Stopping their supply of nitrogen will "harden" the trees for winter.
6. For very young trees (and even for your older trees) wrapping them in burlap after their leaves fall couldn't hurt. Just don't put so much on them that the branches break.

Tips & Warnings

• Putting the Bonsai in an unheated garage would be a good idea, but only after they have gone dormant. Bringing them out after the last frost is recommended. You don't want them to break dormancy too early.
• If you bury the roots below the frostline (as in a trench) make sure that the area is protected from animals. Put a wire mesh around the trench to keep dogs from lifting their legs on your treasures.

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