Layer?

[peterb]

I like layed option if you can get it to look like the virt
Peterb

[JaseH]

Layer for me. Theres no taper or interest in the mid section - broadening the canopy wont fix this.

[Steven]

I'd definitely layer it

[Ces]

I like it. I say leave it tall and broaden the canopy. The big long split in the trunk is interest enough for me

[treeman]

Thanks for the replies. 10 to 5 for. I think the i's have it. (that should be spelt ''ayes'' - I never would've guessed!)
Only thing is, to grow thick roots like my sketch it would need to go back in the ground and the top would become very coarse which means.......

[alpineart]

Hi Treeman , mate I like that layered vert , it looks more balanced and refined compared to the original pic .

Cheers Alpineart

[treeman]

I like it. I say leave it tall and broaden the canopy. The big long split in the trunk is interest enough for me

Broadening the canopy would be very easy. (and I like the ''African'' look) but I'm not really happy with the currant nebari and I don't know if this is the right species for the table top look?

[treeman]

Layering was successful.
There are a few gaps here and there but this species has a reputation of throwing out plenty of roots.

P1100108.JPG

P1100109.JPG

P1100110.JPG

Only a few roots were shortened. At this stage it is vital to arrange the roots so they leave the trunk as close as possible to 45 degrees. If you leave them more or less horizontal (as they come out of the layer) you will never get thickening in the lower part of the trunk and you will never achieve a good quality nebari. (I discovered this after a few mistakes in the past).
I used some wire hoops to hold the roots in place but what ever works....

P1100112.JPG

P1100113.JPG

Also important to stabilize the tree well and to cover the new nebari with at least 30mm of soil.

P1100114.JPG

In just one year the quality and value of this tree have increased by 3 times!

P1100115.JPG

The pot will be used for this corky.

P1100117.JPG

Arty shot?.......

P1100116.JPG

[MoGanic]

Excellent improvement. Glad the layer worked well.

[Watto]

First one to put my hand up and say that I originally voted for no layer, but think the layer looks great, well done.

[CraigM]

Good result, did you seal / treat the main trunk once separated?

[Rory]

Hooly dooly.... Nice job mike!

I've not seen this thread before. I've never performed a layer before, but that is an amazing transformation.

Unfortunately for me I prefer the original tree, and growing the branches out more.

My only critique is that you spend too much time on exotics.
The native flora need your skills and guidance mike!

[treeman]

Good result, did you seal / treat the main trunk once separated?

No not at all.

[treeman]

My only critique is that you spend too much time on exotics.
The native flora need your skills and guidance mike!

Give me a chance will ya!

I have many in the ground, ( styphelioides and laevigatum) many more in pots (callistemons leptos baekeas etc. and loads of seeds ( I think about a dozen different species - some unusual) to plant this spring.
I'm going as fast as I can....

[Rory]

My only critique is that you spend too much time on exotics.
The native flora need your skills and guidance mike!

Give me a chance will ya!

I have many in the ground, ( styphelioides and laevigatum) many more in pots (callistemons leptos baekeas etc. and loads of seeds ( I think about a dozen different species - some unusual) to plant this spring.
I'm going as fast as I can....

I probably should have expressed my reasons why I prefer original tree in this thread.
First off... I love what you have done with it. It looks beautiful and much more natural now.
But before it was such an unusual tree and very intriguing.

Anyway, back to this reply... I would love to see you grow casuarina and banksia. Your natural style would do wonders for them

By the way, I am looking forward to the update on your maple in spring.