mulch

[tonyg]

I just received a Pondarosa Pine from Andy Smith. Also the temperature has just started to go down to the 20's F at night. I read that I should dig a small trench and fill it with mulch, place my trees into it and then fill the rest with mulch up to the rim of the pots. Will bark chunks work for this? I think it's the only mulch other the artificial stuff they have at Lowe's or home Depot. I have the few Bonsai's I have in a shed with a small window for now. But I would rather have them outside in the sun during the days. I leave for work at 5:30 AM and it's still dark and freezing so I don't want to move them outside that early. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you all.

[jpaulhamus]

I would think they would be ok. Any kind of mulch should work I would think. I've heard pine needles are the best (provides lots of insulation and easier to monitor moisture levels of soil). You're just trying to insulate around the pot so the roots are protected. Hope that helps!