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Holiday Dilema
http://weetrees.co.uk/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=19311		 Page 1 of 2
Author:  SeanR [ 06 Jun 2022, 14:15 ]
Post subject:  Holiday Dilema
Hi All

Moved to Wigan a few years ago, a good 20 minute drive from where i used to live. Going on holiday and getting someone to water the trees whilst away was never an issue, had a top notch neighbour next door that did everything.

Different here, the neighbours keep to themselves. I did mention it to a lady a few doors down a couple of months ago, she said she would but dont like that feeling of putting someone out of their way, especially as i dont know her that well.

I dont like the idea of leaving something electrical plugged in, along with any hoses.

Got that desperate i thought about asking one of those cat minders, haha

Cant ask family, too far now.

Any ideas ?
Author:  daryl [ 06 Jun 2022, 14:52 ]
Post subject:  Re: Holiday Dilema
Depends how many trees you have and what species. Could you sit them in a big tray of water or indoors in the bath?

Personally when my neighbour is not available I use a water timer and a sprinkler hose and it works fine if you set it up well in advance to make sure it works as you want.
Author:  daryl [ 06 Jun 2022, 15:53 ]
Post subject:  Re: Holiday Dilema
Or, if you belong to a local club you’ll probably find someone will to provide foster care for your trees while you are away.
Author:  SeanR [ 06 Jun 2022, 17:05 ]
Post subject:  Re: Holiday Dilema
Hello, i have about 30 trees, some large and some small, also quite a large number in seedling trays.

They can all fit in a space 4m x 4m, roughly.

Might have no choice but to look into a sprinkler and timer, worrying though as some of the trees are quite expensive.

That or look for someone local in a club (as you point out), would obviously make it worth their while and pay them accordingly.

Thanks, Sean
Author:  Albero [ 06 Jun 2022, 23:36 ]
Post subject:  Re: Holiday Dilema
If asking a neighbour I make it as simple as possible by moving all the trees into a tight group in the shade (which cuts down on evaporation), smaller trees under larger trees, trees that tolerate drier conditions at the edges, and ask them to just play a hose over them for a few minutes once every couple of days.
Author:  Gary Jones [ 07 Jun 2022, 16:07 ]
Post subject:  Re: Holiday Dilema
It's a real problem. Sometimes I get my younger children (teenagers) to do it if it's just me away. At other times friends kids are an option if you trust them. A little pocket money is a good incentive for teenagers. I once did it for a friend as he didn't trust his own adult son who was in the house!
Author:  SeanR [ 07 Jun 2022, 18:04 ]
Post subject:  Re: Holiday Dilema
Albero and Gary, appreciate the comments.

Usually not an issue as the wifes son is usually around when we are away but its a family wedding abroad and he is coming along. I do put everything out so its a bit easier, with the trees that need more sun being in the sunnier side. Just a case of hosing them over once a day.

Think i will have to speak to the lady a few doors down again, see what she says. Il get her a few bottles of wine or sumert

Do miss my old neighbours, life changes.

Oh and Gary, i dont TRUST the misses son either haha, have to call every day because i know he will forget!
Author:  bluesky [ 22 Jun 2022, 11:04 ]
Post subject:  Re: Holiday Dilema
Hi, hope it's not too later to answer your question.

Last year I set up a watering system for all my bonsai, prebonsai and seedlings. I have recently set it up again ready for this summer.
I use two timers, with three different tubes and watering at three different times so the pressure doesn't need to be so high. I am concerned about the main pipe (from the tap to the timers) bursting, so need to keep the pressure reasonably low.
I use different sprinkler nozzles for different purposes:
- Small bonsai pots (shohin) - two or three Gardena drip nozzles around the trunk.
- Large bonsai pots - two or three fine spray nozzles hanging (from branches) over the soil.
- Prebonsai - 6 way sprinkler for each large/deep pot
- Seedlings - fine spray nozzles hanging in lines over many small pots
Use bonsai wire around the water tubes to help position the nozzles.

If you're interested, here is a video on automatic watering systems for bonsai: https://youtu.be/MNCYVpaHpfQ
Author:  keithmart [ 22 Jun 2022, 14:39 ]
Post subject:  Re: Holiday Dilema
Hi

An excellent video.

Most people who know me, know I have used automatic irrigation for a long time. I think I first started using it in 1998. I would not be without it.

What a number of people do not realize is that provided you have free draining soil you cannot over water, so even if the water comes on in the rain no harm will come to your trees.

if you have a hot dry spell there is always a manual override that allows extra water.

for information, my system comes on twice a day, 12 hours apart. I use either 6 o'clock or 8 o'clock, which is out of our house peak usage times. Prices have reduced dramatically since I started. My first timer cost me over £50, and my latest one about £25.

One point to watch is battery life. you need to keep an eye on the state of the battery, if it runs out of charge, no water!!. I use rechargeable batteries, which last me about 5 years. I have a spare set charged just in case.

I would reccomend you give it a go.
Author:  Brendan [ 22 Jun 2022, 21:26 ]
Post subject:  Re: Holiday Dilema
You didn't say how long you'd be gone?

For up to a week if you have a garden bed thats in shade during the hottest hours you can soak the bed thoroughly then pack all the trees into the bed and even cover them over with some potting soil and water again. That gives you plenty of water for at least 3 full days. And if you are away longer and you have a neighbour all they need to do is water the whole bed once a day wetting all the trees and its OK even if they forget a day.
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