Finally, a period of rest, but only of short duration.
Beginning of the ‘second spring’ takes place at the end of the month. In theory, the tree doesn’t put on much growth. But if it rains and if the weather is fresh it will be able to grow. At the end of the month the growth will start over again.
The renewal of the roots begins, that is, the roots that died and are replaced by new roots.
Hoover the red dot for more info…
Needs of the tree
Take care with the watering, and pay attention to what the sun is doing. No fertiliser. At the end of the month: wiring, you can take cuttings. Very careful watering.
Placement
The tree continues its process of lignification, but it grows only a little, or not at all. Of course some species, such as the tropical trees, are in full growth — Mediterranean trees, also. The trees have stored a maximum of sugars to prepare the autumn. Note that you can collect conifers at the end of August, but protect their roots well with a wet cloth. Leafy trees will have to be lifted carefully during collection and very well protected.
Fertilizing
Be prudent, some trees don’t need much fertiliser during hot weather Give lots of nitrogen-based fertiliser to tropical trees. Don’t apply fertiliser to collected trees, but you can fertilise the olive-trees again.
Watering
Always closely supervise the watering, especially after a period of growth. When the weather is very hot you can water several times each day. If not, the best moment remains the morning to avoid thermal shock. Take special care with accent plants and miniature bonsai.
Treatment
Watch out for the presence of parasites on trees in growth that were given plenty of nitrogen in the spring. Take care with chemical treatments, which can burn the leaves.
Activities
As always remember to turn your pots regularly so that each side gets an equal share of sun. Ensure that your bonsai has enough air and that they are not displayed too closely together.
- Defoliation: from this month defoliation should stop, except on tropical trees, the olive in southern Europe, and on pines.
- Wiring: possible before the end of the summer. A general rule is to wire right before periods of growth. A new period of growth starts in September, so you can wire now before it begins.
- Collecting: possible at the end of the month. If the temperature is high, protect the roots with a wet cloth.
- Carving deadwood: do this when the tree is at rest during the winter and in the summer.
- Tropical bonsai: keep outside in full sun with lots of water and fertiliser. This is the last month that you can work on them.
- Azaleas and others flowering trees: stop style pruning to preserve the flower buds.
- Crab apple and quince trees: you can start to give fertiliser rich with P and K if they have fruit. Note that it is not wise to allow the trees to flower or bear fruit every year. If this is a year for resting, you can remove all fruit and flower buds, and apply the same fertilisation you would to a normal leafy tree (with nitrogen in particular).
- Watering when very hot: as for July, each evening bathe the leaves from the top. If necessary, completely immerse the pot in water once a week (immersion is a survival technique and must be done only in exceptional circumstances since it is potentially dangerous for the rootlets). Water every day.
