Can You Plant a Bonsai Tree in Your Yard?

A bonsai tree is a hardy tree and is ideal for planting outdoors. These small trees get a wider range of nutrients when planted in the ground rather than in containers. Bonsai trees are a huge part of Chinese and Japanese culture, and bonsai gardeners frequently plant younger trees outdoors to expose them to the elements and the nutrients in the ground. Planting your bonsai trees in the ground allows the root system to grow, improving the tree’s health and the quality of its foliage.

Can You Plant a Bonsai Tree in Your Yard?

Cultivating a bonsai tree outdoors means it is less susceptible to temperature changes, while indoor bonsais are more reactionary to subtle temperature changes, causing them to drop leaves.

What are the Disadvantages of Planting a Bonsai in Your Yard?

Before we jump into the benefits of plating your bonsai outdoors, let’s run through the disadvantages of planting a bonsai in the ground.

• Outdoor bonsais require more pruning.
• It’s easy to overwater the tree.
• Insects may infest the tree.
• It’s challenging to winterize the tree in some locations.

Considerations for Planting Bonsais in the Yard

Consider the following before planting your bonsai tree outdoors.

Age

The younger the bonsai, the better. Older trees with established root systems have difficulty adapting to environmental changes. Professional bonsai culturists recommend only planting trees between 40 to 50 years old or younger.

The age limit for planting bonsais outdoors is approximately 150 years. Planting a tree under 40 years old results in them developing into a full-sized tree.

Location

Place the bonsai in an area of the yard where it receives full sunlight during the day. The planting zone must provide shelter from the wind; some varieties can catch a cold, causing them to drop leaves. Avoid planting in locations where the roots may interfere with underground pipes or conduits.

Water

Certain bonsai species need more water than others. Ensure you research your species and know how much it needs to be watered in order to survive. Many homeowners overwater their bonsais, leading to moldy root systems and stunted growth or dead trees. For instance, tropical varieties require more water than succulents.

Winterization

Most varieties of bonsai trees are hardy and suitable for growing in various environmental conditions. If you live in a cold climate, you might have to winterize your bonsai, especially if it’s a tropical variety.

Follow proper winterization guidelines to protect your tree from the harsh winter. Mulch the ground around the roots with a two-inch layer, and use burlap to cover the tree when the frost rolls around.

The Best Bonsai Species to Plant in Your Yard

There are dozens of bonsai varieties. Some of the most popular cultivars for outdoor planting include the Chinese Elm, Japanese maple, and English oak.

These bonsai species are very resilient to changes in temperature and climate conditions, making them ideal for planting outdoors.

The root structures allow for optimal absorption of nutrients from the ground, allowing them to thrive in any location. Evergreen and pine bonsai varieties are also great choices for planting outdoors.

Arbor Hills Tree Farm & Nursery Omaha

We provide the Highest Quality Field Grown Nebraska Trees and Shrubs – directly to our customers, at the lowest possible price.

Whether you are looking for trees for:

• new home landscaping
• wind blockage
• commercial or residential

Simply select the tree(s) you want and they will be ready for pickup or delivery the following Saturday Morning. The trees are easy to handle and plant. Click here for more information.