Swamp Cypress - "The Spider"

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CK*
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Swamp Cypress - "The Spider"

Post by CK* »

I acquired this tree from Bonsai Sensation in Melbourne, as I do with a lot of my stock. Tien is always very friendly and helpful, and the past few visits it's been worth the three and a half hour round trip for myself.

As with most of the swampies there, they are styled and grown similar to how they grow naturally, with their branches growing slightly upwards (so I have been informed). I prefer the look of the branches styled slightly downwards.

This brings me to the dilemma of where to start with this tree, as the branches have been grown to style upwards, and I'm not entirely sure which direction to head.

I would love any and all advice and comments from beginners and experts alike so that I can hopefully make a better decision with this tree! :fc:



In my eyes I have two choices for the front of the tree, and this will determine which leader will be kept from the 4 available. I prefer the first view as I like how the roots look, hence the name The Spider. However the other view takes advantage of the deadwood and carving. In time I will clean up, carve out and lime sulphur the deadwood more to add more detail and texture.
Possible front view.jpg
Possible back view.JPG
Deadwood closer.JPG

Side views of the tree.
Side View 1.JPG
Side view 2.JPG

My idea is that with my initial preferred front of the tree and the small amount of deadwood showing on the left hand side, it could entice viewers to want to venture to the back of the tree to see what else is there.
Base1.jpg
Another point, is that the angle of the tree could be tilted a certain direction, which again adds a few possibilities..



My thoughts are that leader number 3 or 4 be used, depending on what seems to be the better front of the tree. I will let whatever I choose grow out and continue to chop it to increase thickness and taper. A concern is that when I take off leader 2, a nice scar will be visible. I hope this heals over quickly. Does anybody think jinning any branches are an option??
Possible Front view Leaders.jpg
Possible back view Leaders.jpg
Slightly turned to the left to view leaders better.JPG

I may air layer the remaining leaders off (more trees!! :tu: :lol: ), OR it could be a possibility to try to slowly bring down leader number 1 with vet tape and wires/guy wires, and using techniques such as notching?? That way I have a lower branch that already has some thickness to it (however no movement at the moment). From what I have read, swampies love to backbud and grow quite quick, so perhaps trying to bring down leader 1 won't be worth the time/effort?


Once the new leader has been chosen, I can start to wire down some of the primary branches from that leader and from the base of the trunk. The root that is crossing over from my preferred front view will be repositioned during it's repot next Spring.



Looking forward to some responses and ideas!

Kind regards,


Chris
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Re: Swamp Cypress - "The Spider"

Post by kcpoole »

Definitely the carved side as the front :imo:
tilt to bring #4 leader as the apex ( about 15 Deg) and remove most branches and wire them down.
New shoots will be wired as they pop out.

Ken
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Re: Swamp Cypress - "The Spider"

Post by Isitangus »

I think ken nailed it!


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Re: Swamp Cypress - "The Spider"

Post by CK* »

Thanks Ken and Isitangus for the input.
I hadn't thought of your suggestion, but will now consider it. A concern with this I thought of would be the carved deadwood roots tilting to the right and digging into the soil. Perhaps I could tilt it backwards too to lift the front up a little, however I'm not sure this is feasible as I won't be able to dig too deep under the soil until next Spring to assess the roots.

Is it a general consensus amongst other members that the deadwood should be viewed as the front? I'd love some more opinions to see if there are any other worthy ideas!
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Re: Swamp Cypress - "The Spider"

Post by CraigM »

Like the deadwood as well, only concern would be around how long will this deadwood last, isn't the wood soft compared to junipers as example? Suppose could always be hollowed out should this happen, but could influence the design as the current deadwood roots might disappear should this happen.

Wonder if there is something that can be applied to preserve the wood, sure others on this forum will know.
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Re: Swamp Cypress - "The Spider"

Post by kcpoole »

CraigM wrote: Wonder if there is something that can be applied to preserve the wood, sure others on this forum will know.
I use "Earls Wood Hardener" on Bougies.
Nice and does not whiten it either

Ken
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Re: Swamp Cypress - "The Spider"

Post by CraigM »

Thanks Ken.

Chris, was looking around this morning, there are a lot of trees in nature that could be used for inspiration, have a look below. I prefer the branches angled down as well (have one in training), so completely understand the preference. Having said that, would consider keeping the original design and refining, would still retain the deadwood as a front. The reason the trees are styled with branches in an upwards direction is this is supposed to represent a very old tree, once the lower limbs have died off and all that remains are the upper limbs. Keep us posted.

https://www.google.com.au/search?q=bald ... B720%3B400
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