Atlas Cedar in training

[JaseH]

I'm pretty green in the bonsai world, so be gentle

I've been admiring a few mature cedar bonsai's around the place, then came across this little guy in a bonsai nursery the other day for a very reasonable price so decided to take him home and start playing. I'm looking for a formal/informal upright style, this guy had a 'little' subtle movement in the trunk and had been chopped at some stage but not wired. It looked to still have some healthy branching that hadnt extended too far from the trunk. One problem I noticed was the very obvious trunk chop scar which wasnt helped by the fact that it had two un-wired leaders allowed to grow from the chop point.

I trimmed it up a little and done some initial wiring and am now just looking for some advice as to where to now. I removed minimal branching at this point to leave my options open. I'm happy to let it grow on for the moment but one thing I'm a bit lost on is how to proceed with the top/peak of the tree? Most bonsai cedars I have seen look to have been compressed at the top by introducing a lot of tight bends. I am wondering if I should trim the current leader back to a smaller branch(the current thickness to the apex will not take tight bends I dont think) and start training this new leader in a similar manner? Any advice would be appreciated!

The tree pre any work:


Trunk chop and two leaders:


After I attacked it:


Should I chop here somwhere and train a new leader that is more pliable?

[raewynk]

JaseH

I am only new to bonsai's myself, but in my opinion I would have chopped under the scar, to eliminate the eye sore.
But that is my opinion, please wait until you get more advice and opinion before you do any more eliminating.

My reasoning is that if you chop under the scar then:
1. you eliminate the scar.
2. you promote backbudding.
3. you promote the tapering of the trunk.
4. you would have a better chance of an informal design of the tree.
5. you would compact the size under 14"

Check the season for the chop of the cedar before you do more.

As I said this is only my opinion, and by the way very nice tree choice for starters.

This forum is a great place to get the advice from the experienced bonsian's and us others.

Any chance of any photo after the chop from the other side of the last photo.

Regards
Rae

[Grant Bowie]

I think the "chop" has been made in the right position; it gives taper and the scar will quickly disappear.

However the branches should be brought down at more of an angle, the more angle the older it looks.

Leave then for a few years for it to bulk up. leave plenty of branching to diffuse the new vigorous growth.

Grant

[JaseH]

Here are some more pics.

The standard beer for measurement pic:


Elevated view showing branching.


Back of the tree:


The chop


Some wayward roots:


Hi Rae, thanks for the comments. These guys dont back bud on old wood at all from what I've been told. Hence I've left most of the branches for the moment. I am happy with where the chop is, its just a bit obvious at the moment, but the front I've chosen hides it ok. I'm hoping it grows in a bit and/or I can disguise it with a well placed branch later. I was looking for a more formal upright style when I aquired the tree so I'm not worried too much about introducing more movement into the tree.

Grant, thanks for the advice. So do you think I need to do anything with the top for the moment? I wasnt sure if I should reduce the top branches a little more to direct more energy to the lower branches?

[Grant Bowie]

Still a young tree in training and before it goes into a bonsai pot it would be good to get some thickness and smooth taper; plus heal the scar and new cut point.

I would control the new growth near the apex by pinching but not much more at the moment.

grant

[raewynk]

JaseH, the 2nd lot of pictures look great.

Bonsai is a personal experience.

I wouldn't mind having it in my collection.


Regards
Rae

[JaseH]

Cheers Rae, I'm hoping it grows into something worthwhile with some time. I really like the Atlas Cedars.

[MoGanic]

I think advice should be acknowledged and appreciated regardless of the contents. Especially from a respected and knowledgeable member.

I also would say I completely agree with Grant.

Regards,
Mo

[JaseH]

Yep, appreciate the advice guys. Sets my mind at ease that I can now let it grow without wondering if I should have done anything more, besides maybe bringing the branches down a little as Grant suggested.