Creating a Twin Trunk from a Non Twin Trunk

Ray M · Post by **Ray M** » November 8th, 2013, 2:51 pm

Hi Everyone,
The following is my latest project. I have this Swamp Cyprus and wanted to do something different.
HISTORY: I purchased this tree a couple of years ago. Clinton was doing a demonstration for beginners at the School of Bonsai, when I saw this tree I thought I would like to play around with a Swampy, so I purchased the tree from him. After purchase the tree I put it into a colander and water tray. As with many good ideas the tree has sat for a couple of years. When I planted it into the colander it was only a single trunk, the second trunk has grown since then.

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As can be seen from the two photos above, the junction of the two trunks is to high from the base of the tree to be a true twin trunk.

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I decided to do an air layer at the junction to create a new root system that would be in the correct place for a twin trunk.

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Regards Ray

Boics · Post by **Boics** » November 8th, 2013, 7:57 pm

Your a layer master Ray!

Of topic how long for acer palmatums layers to show roots usually?

Ray M · Post by **Ray M** » November 8th, 2013, 8:26 pm

Boics wrote:Your a layer master Ray!

Of topic how long for acer palmatums layers to show roots usually? I normally see roots in about 30 days.

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Regards Ray

Ray M · Post by **Ray M** » December 16th, 2013, 4:09 pm

Hi everyone,
First let me wish you all a very blessed Christmas.

I took the Alfoil off today and had a look at the layer and there are new roots appearing. It will be left until I see many more roots, but it is looking promising.

Notice how white the new roots look. This is the reason I use the Alfoil. It certainly helps prevent the roots from getting burnt.

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Regards Ray

Ray M · Post by **Ray M** » January 2nd, 2014, 6:27 pm

Hi everyone,
An update on how the layers going on the Swamp Cyprus.

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Regards Ray

shibui · Post by **shibui** » January 2nd, 2014, 7:35 pm

An update on how the layers going on the Swamp Cyprus.

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More roots showing.

Are you at all worried about the constriction at the base of the left trunk being caused by the tie? looks like it might be starting to bite into the larger trunk too?
Seems a shame to spend time making a new twin trunk tree and end up with problems that could have been avoided.

Ray M · Post by **Ray M** » January 2nd, 2014, 8:17 pm

shibui wrote:
An update on how the layers going on the Swamp Cyprus.

IMG_7517 -2.jpg
More roots showing.
Are you at all worried about the constriction at the base of the left trunk being caused by the tie? looks like it might be starting to bite into the larger trunk too?
Seems a shame to spend time making a new twin trunk tree and end up with problems that could have been avoided.

Hi Shibui,
I noticed these when I had a look at the layer today. This is the first Swamp Cyprus I have layered. They obviously grow very vigorously. I will take to layer off in the next couple of days. With the trunk growing so quick I am hoping the marks will grow out. Time will tell I guess. There is always something new to learn.

Regards Ray

Ray M · Post by **Ray M** » January 3rd, 2014, 11:47 am

Hi everyone,
I removed the layer today.

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I have planted the tree on a CD. I use the stub to rest on the CD and not damage any roots. This can be removed once the tree has established a good root system.
When putting the soil into the pot I don't force it down very much. The roots are so fragile at this stage they can be broken off very easily. I add soil to the container and wet it down. Place a CD on top of the soil. Place the tree on top of the CD and add the support stays. When I add the soil to to fill above the roots I use a hose to flush the soil down through the roots. I have found that this protects the roots.

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Regards Ray

Ray M · Post by **Ray M** » February 8th, 2014, 4:46 pm

Hi everyone,
Update on the Swampy.

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Regards Ray

shibui · Post by **shibui** » February 8th, 2014, 5:22 pm

Your layer is growing very well Ray. Just an observation from personal experience with twin trunk trees.

I think you may have some issues in future because the 2 trunks are very close together. I had not considered this factor when I grew a twin trunk fig with the trunks fairly close together. I was pleased to see the trunks thickening until I noticed the fork was moving up the tree until now the second trunk divides nearly halfway up the tree. with these trunks so close for most of their height I foresee that it will not be too long before you will experience a similar effect. I assume the only way to prevent it is to have the 2nd trunk at a more acute angle to the main trunk.

Ray M · Post by **Ray M** » February 8th, 2014, 5:30 pm

shibui wrote:Your layer is growing very well Ray. Just an observation from personal experience with twin trunk trees.

I think you may have some issues in future because the 2 trunks are very close together. I had not considered this factor when I grew a twin trunk fig with the trunks fairly close together. I was pleased to see the trunks thickening until I noticed the fork was moving up the tree until now the second trunk divides nearly halfway up the tree. with these trunks so close for most of their height I foresee that it will not be too long before you will experience a similar effect. I assume the only way to prevent it is to have the 2nd trunk at a more acute angle to the main trunk.

Hi Shibui,
Thanks for the heads up on that mate. I'll keep my eye on the possibility of this happening. If this happens I'll have to put on the thinking cap as to how to deal with it. I wonder if some discrete carving out of the "V" might work.

Thanks again mate.

Regards Ray

raewynk · Post by **raewynk** » February 8th, 2014, 8:12 pm

Ray I was wondering if this would work on a Daintree pine???? The one I bought is approx. 1.2m in height from the top of the pot and the trunk would be over 700mm of the tree roughly.

I am a newbie but thought the only way I could be do a layer But no knowledge or experience.

Regards
Rae

Ray M · Post by **Ray M** » February 8th, 2014, 8:21 pm

raewynk wrote:Ray I was wondering if this would work on a Daintree pine???? The one I bought is approx. 1.2m in height from the top of the pot and the trunk would be over 700mm of the tree roughly.

I am a newbie but thought the only way I could be do a layer But no knowledge or experience.

Regards
Rae

Hi Rae,
I will do some checking on this species. I will let you know as soon as I have checked some details.

Regards Ray

raewynk · Post by **raewynk** » February 8th, 2014, 8:29 pm

Much appreciated
Regards
Rae

Sean M · Post by **Sean M** » February 8th, 2014, 8:34 pm

In regards to the two trunks being too close, could you put a spacer in between them and slowly separate them. Perhaps a turnbuckle to gradually move them further apart?

AusBonsai

Creating a Twin Trunk from a Non Twin Trunk

Creating a Twin Trunk from a Non Twin Trunk

Re: Creating a Twin Trunk from a Non Twin Trunk

Re: Creating a Twin Trunk from a Non Twin Trunk

Re: Creating a Twin Trunk from a Non Twin Trunk

Re: Creating a Twin Trunk from a Non Twin Trunk

Re: Creating a Twin Trunk from a Non Twin Trunk

Re: Creating a Twin Trunk from a Non Twin Trunk

Re: Creating a Twin Trunk from a Non Twin Trunk

Re: Creating a Twin Trunk from a Non Twin Trunk

Re: Creating a Twin Trunk from a Non Twin Trunk

Re: Creating a Twin Trunk from a Non Twin Trunk

Re: Creating a Twin Trunk from a Non Twin Trunk

Re: Creating a Twin Trunk from a Non Twin Trunk

Re: Creating a Twin Trunk from a Non Twin Trunk

Re: Creating a Twin Trunk from a Non Twin Trunk