AusBonsai

I've picked this one out as a tree with some potential however now I find it has too much potential
Looks good from 2 sides and has 2 options from each side so that's 4 really good options that I can see.
I know it is difficult to style a tree from 2D photos but have a look and see what you'd prefer.
1. use the front trunk - gentle flowing lines
2. remove the front trunk and use the rear one to swing the trunk away to the rear then back toward the front with the smaller shoot halfway up the rear trunk - more dynamic with more depth. Probably a slightly shorter tree.
1. use the thicker trunk to keep the tree closer to the rock - more upright spreading canopy
2. remove the thicker trunk and use the smaller one to take the trunk further away them more sharply back toward the rock - more dynamic trunkline and probably shorter canopy.

Here's a shot from the side to try to give you some idea which way the trunks move. If you can see some other potential here let us know that as well.

What about keeping two trunks, the first would be the lowest and starting to angle down, then keeping the second growing up and back into the Rock. Like a semi cascade. It would look like a tree that has fallen away and clinging for life?


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I like view 2, with the thicker trunk. It has dignity, . Almost like the figurehead on a ship.
I also like the simplicity of the roots on that side.
Bloody nice tree, whichever way you cut it!!!

Shibui

Side 2 - Option 1 for me. Simpler, and more dynamic.

Whichever you select, I'd almost bet that at some time in the future, the front of this tree will change.....probably multiple times.

Theo

Like view1, both good though. Think I would keep the front trunk, is thinner than the rear but like the way it sweeps forward off the Rock and back to the viewer.

Bloody nice tree, whichever way you cut it!!!

That's one of the points I'm hoping to make with this thread TT. I have often procrastinated because I couldn't decide which option would produce the best tree. I have now learnt that if you have such a dilemma it means that both (all) options are equally good so it does not really matter which one you choose. Toss a coin if you like but try to make a decision. Leaving all options 'just in case' means the tree is not progressing or improving.
Look at all the possibilities then make a choice and get on with making a better bonsai.
Also, never look back or 'what if?' - there's no future in looking back.

OK, I'll bite.

First, looking back can often stop you stuffing up the same way twice. I've often proved the opposite. But you are right - if you can't decide between two good choices, then each will be good. Although sometimes it just means you need to look harder.

My choice is side one, option two. To me, the first side of the trunk is more graceful - in the second side, it's too easy to see the contours of the repeated cuts. Also the roots in side one curve downwards a little more gracefully.

The front trunk of side one is only slightly curved - graceful but a bit limp. I'd go for the rear trunk (option 2) which has a stronger line. You might need to fatten it a bit to make the taper less abrupt.

I have to say that the roots grip the rock very tightly indeed, and can only get better with time. It's been well-grown.

Thanks for posting - seeing the process of how to make decisions is really useful.

Gavin

Much truth there, Shibui.
Luckily, I have had a few such dilemas solved by ugly cracking noises during early (and clumsy) wiring attempts.
That's when never looking back really comes in handy
Great thread

Either say you cut it it's a fine looking tree, and I see you kept this one hidden from me yesterday! :Shifty:

I think Gavin is right in the more graceful movement of the trunk, but I just love how tight those roots look like they are holding on for dear life from side 2.

Decisions decisions. If only you could grow an exact replica (or 3) and do each option.

Good luck with the decision. At least you know either way it will turn out well.

What is the size of the tree or rock? 300mm pot?

Cheers,
Pearcy.

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Side 1, option 2.

the rock with less roots is more interesting

Side 2 option 1 gets my vote.

Side 1 gor me. The other side the tree looks too stressed trying to hang on

Ken

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Side 1 looks good to me as it appears more stable and has some depth due to the root at the back. Minus the very tooth in root. Also think option 2 for the trunk could result in more depth/ movement. Either way nice tree!

Hi Neil
Excellent work as always,very informative blog too I might add often read it great work.

Both sides do it for me,push comes to shove no 2 for me...size of stem to roots more balance for me.

As for the top I personally would use the forward bit just to give room for more head,depends on how high you want to go of course,on seeing your front view the top of trunk looked very heavy for top going back to rock on bottom thickness ratios so front looked more balanced and ratio to suit on forward top bit if that makes sense.

Here is a roughie,just a little bit of fun,of course foilage can be more level,your call there...cheers Anthony