Shimpaku Critique

[Elias]

Hi All,

Here is one of my first bonsai, I've had this for around 3 years now, its one of my favourite little trees. My goal has been to try to create a natural looking tree...

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Anyways I thought I'd hear what other people have to say about it.
Any critique or opinions positive or negative will be appreciated.

Thanks,
Elias

[BonsaiBoy]

Hi Mate
It does look real natural but the pads need to thicken up a bit. Nice job!
BB

[63pmp]

Hi Eliast.

My observations are kind of nit-picky, and I think you have a nice tree; from your photos it is hard to know which is the front, though I'm guessing the first photo is.

My concerns are that some of the branches have foliage towards the end which can cause problems if ever you want to reduce the tree, or maintain the present size, some of the top branches are thicker than the bottom ones, and perhaps it is too tall for the trunk width.

Paul

[John Henry]

Hi Eliast,
Its hard to see from photos, is the tree wired it will make a huge difference to the tree( nice tree)

[Elias]

I took the wiring off on some of the branches a few weeks ago, but I need rewire all of the branches asap... I was thinking about reducing the height maybe with the thicker branch at the top, also I think I have to try to create tighter foliage pads, and maybe try to bring the foliage in a little close to the trunk...?

[Pup]

As you say it looks natural for a young tree yes.
The older a tree gets the more the branches droop ( a bit like me and if I get caught I will more than droop we are on a midweek break like my neck will be )
Older trees do not have thicker, branches higher than than lower ones.
Also you need more definition of the tree and its trunk line. Wiring is an on going thing. Take of re wire do not let it cut in.
The top is pointed which in older trees they are not. The art of Bonsai is illusion to make a tree look as old as possible.
Wiring your branches down will go a long way to achieving this. Also the pads need to be wired in position too.
Over all a good beginning,but there is always, one it needs a lot more work.
Pup just one opinion

[Elias]

Thanks for the comments Pup, this tree has been rewired,lightly pruned to take away the point at the top.... I will keep on trying to develop and see what becomes of it.
Cheers,
Elias