# When is the best time to dig up/collect junipers in Souhtern California?

**URL:** <https://forum.bonsaimirai.com/t/when-is-the-best-time-to-dig-up-collect-junipers-in-souhtern-california/9201>\
**Category:** Horticulture\
**Created:** [January 12, 2022, 7:02am UTC](https://forum.bonsaimirai.com/t/when-is-the-best-time-to-dig-up-collect-junipers-in-souhtern-california/9201 "2022-01-12T07:02:34Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Johnny\_Chavez](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/user_avatar/forum.bonsaimirai.com/johnny_chavez/32/21967_2.png) [@Johnny\_Chavez](https://forum.bonsaimirai.com/u/Johnny_Chavez)\
**Post date:** [January 12, 2022, 7:02am UTC](https://forum.bonsaimirai.com/t/when-is-the-best-time-to-dig-up-collect-junipers-in-souhtern-california/9201/1 "2022-01-12T07:02:34Z")

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I’ve done so much research but keep getting mixed information. A lot of the stuff I find about yamadori collecting is about how to do it, aftercare, box, pumice, etc. However I cannot seem to find a video or article or blog that talks about perfect timing I’m collecting Juniper species in Southern California with the best success. I live out in Santa Barbara at the moment and there is a lot of common junipers there are used as shrubs throughout the neighborhood. My next-door neighbor has one in particular that’s in his property and he doesn’t mind if I take it. I am just looking for the best time to dig it out. Anyone have success in the matter?

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**Author:** ![Nate\_Andersen](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/user_avatar/forum.bonsaimirai.com/nate_andersen/32/3943_2.png) [@Nate\_Andersen](https://forum.bonsaimirai.com/u/Nate_Andersen)\
**Post date:** [January 20, 2022, 3:02pm UTC](https://forum.bonsaimirai.com/t/when-is-the-best-time-to-dig-up-collect-junipers-in-souhtern-california/9201/2 "2022-01-20T15:02:20Z")

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You want to do it in late winter/early spring. Junipers need heat for root growth, so the closer to active growth they are the better.

There is more nuance to it than that, but that is a good general suggestion.

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**Author:** ![Shabba](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/user_avatar/forum.bonsaimirai.com/shabba/32/22825_2.png) [@Shabba](https://forum.bonsaimirai.com/u/Shabba)\
**Post date:** [January 21, 2022, 1:40pm UTC](https://forum.bonsaimirai.com/t/when-is-the-best-time-to-dig-up-collect-junipers-in-souhtern-california/9201/3 "2022-01-21T13:40:37Z")

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Hey @Johnny_Chavez !  
I’ll be heading to Santa Barbara this weekend. Do you know of any good areas in the hills that might be a great starting point for collecting Yamadori? Any areas or off the beaten path hikes, etc?