Layer?

[bodhidharma]

Only spotted this today and can put my hand up for the layer......see i was right. Seriously though it was definitely

the way to go and will be a beautiful tree.

[chriswaghorn]

To be honest I'm one that would have voted for a bigger canopy rather than the air layer but it's looking really good, great decision.

[mykal85bonsai]

I also like the way it is at present. Like the others I think further development in the top. I wouldn't layer it.

[Ryceman3]

Great outcome, that layer was an inspired choice and the Corky that is inheriting the pot doesn't look too shabby either.

[Pearcy001]

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....

What a great tree Mike! I'm a big fan of its new look and can't wait to see it once the nebari develops.

Also thanks greatly for the tip about making the roots go down at 45 degrees for a better nebari Mike, now I don't have to learn the hard way!

PS. I like the arty shot hehe.

Cheers,
Pearcy.

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[melbrackstone]

All I can say is "Wow!"

Agreed that the value of your tree has increased a great deal, beautiful job!

I hope we can continue to see this develop.

[Steven]

Very, very nice Mike. Smaller tree = Big improvement!

While you are in the mood for layering...

P1100117layered.jpg

[delisea]

This begs the question, do most trees look better with shorter trunks?
Cheers,
Symon

[Nate.bonsai]

I second Steven's suggestion re another candidate for layering. Good observation Steven.

Whilst the current tree ha some lovely textured and aged bark, the overall proportions are great in the layered virt.


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[Rory]

This begs the question, do most trees look better with shorter trunks?
Cheers,
Symon

Hi delisea...

viewtopic.php?f=7&t=13536&hilit=trunk+ratio

The above link is a fascinating read about peoples perceptions of a reasonable trunk height.
In my view it depends on the species you are growing and the look you are after. If you take special note in Mikes comments, he mentions he styles trees by considering what will look best for the species he is growing...

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?

I have to say I have a similar approach to how I first consider styling a tree as Mike does. I don't have a blanket style for all trees. What might work for a fig may not work for a lepto and so on and so on. On the other side of the coin, you might want to grow many different styles of the same species and have a tall elegant lepto, a short thick-based lepto, and a fallen over look.

[kcpoole]

This begs the question, do most trees look better with shorter trunks?
Cheers,
Symon

It Purely depends on your personal preference
I prefer a taller more slender tree generally, where many prefer their trees to be more stouter. As Rory mentions it also depends greatly on the variety of tree too.

Ken

[anthonyW]

Very nice result,sits well with my eye
Anthony

[treeman]

Very, very nice Mike. Smaller tree = Big improvement!

While you are in the mood for layering...

P1100117layered.jpg

Hi Steven and thanks.
Yes I could do that and it wouldn't be wrong but I kind of like the rough trunk on this tree and have plans for it. Something like below.

P1100117.JPG

[Pearcy001]

I kind of like the rough trunk on this tree

+1 rough trunk. I even really like it with the shorter branches. Would love to see a photo of it in leaf if you have one.

Cheers,
Pearcy.

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[Webos]

Nice job of layering it off. Definitely a great start for this one. Stevens vision is brilliant for the other tree. Definitely wouldn't be wrong!

Adam