Accumulation of reserves ceases.
Beginning of rest period. The tree loses its last leaves and with them the activity also drops. The tree has accumulated a maximum of reserves.
Needs of the tree
As long as leaves remain, the tree is active and needs elements to reinforce its winter reserves and protection. Protect from the cold. Cleaning of the pots, the soil medium, the foliage. The last autumn fertilisation.
Placement
Beginning of vegetative rest. The tree is ticking over slowly, but it always functions. The leaves still enact their role of photosynthesis, so long as they remain green. The roots function too. Wood lignifies almost completely. All depends on your local climate.
Fertilizing
If you have not already done so, there is still time to neutralise the soil mixes with a solution of ashes diluted by 10 % in water. Always apply a Potassium and Phosphorus rich fertiliser on conifers and leafy trees, which still have their leaves.
Watering
Watering is moderated, but regular. The trees are still active and need water to metabolise the autumn fertilisation. But which water? Tap water, of course. But if it is too chlorinated you can decant it into a large container and leave for 24 hours. If it is too calcareous add a little hydrochloric acid, but check the pH.
Treatment
Apply copper in a sprayer when the leaves fall. Also check presence of mites. Cleaning branches and twigs. Remove the dead leaves, or the parts that have died. Prepare protection for winter. Watch out for the first frosts. (Consult your thermometer)
Activities
- Deadwood: you can carve the deadwood with hand chisels or electrical instruments. Do not forget the jin liquid on dry wood to prevent it from mildewing. You can find it at your bonsai nursery. Apply it with a brush. It is a nauseous product, because of the sulphur. If you can’t find jin liquid, here is a recipe: - Mix 225g sulphur in 1/2 litre of water. - Mix 122g lime in 1/2 litre of water - Mix the two solutions and heat on a cooker — outside if possible. Simmer for 15 minutes while stirring. - Preserve the mixture in a lidded container away from the light. First spray the wood with water, then apply jin liquid. Hydrogen peroxide, lemon juices, etc.
- Yew (Taxus): shorten overgrown branches by sacrificing the twigs at the tips in order to compact them.
- Pinus: you can again take off the needles. First the needles of last year, and then this year’s. On the pines in formation that have been left to grow, remove the needles on the strong twigs by leaving two pairs under the terminal bud and on the weak ones by reducing to 7 pairs. Remove wire, especially if it is embedded after the autumn growth.
- Deciduous: begin the structural pruning. If the leaves have fallen, you will be able to cut the well-lignified branches once the tree seems to be at complete rest. If not, wait until next month. On trees with flowers or fruits, take care with the buds that will produce flowers or fruits.
