Big Squamata

[BB Brian]

Such a good read, and great progress!

I have not have much trouble with lower brands on Juniper dying, then again the balance of the tree is what comes to mind as the very few I have do have quite long low branches, some separating into 2 tier pads

Of recent, I did report a Buxus Harlandii during Spring and took off 75% of roots as I am told they are quite hardy, I have had some branches die back and after bringing my tree into class I was told to try Seasol every 2nd day to promote root growth, this was only 2 weeks ago, in the first instance I left the tree overnight in Seasol and every 2nd day now adding Seasol during my morning water - TBH I have not seen much progress but will have to see if the branches pull through out hot summers

[anthonyW]

Hi Ben, unusual just the one branch, just thinking out a loud here, if disease or bug/pests you would think more damage overall, I do see the wire is removed from the last image to this present image, I would have a good look in the collar of the joining branch and under or about for a crack or maybe a ring bark to the adjoining main trunk, sometimes the crispy/flaky bark hides a lot and with a not as strong lower branch sometimes and the energy can by pass these guys as they are very apical growers.....I m thinking more of a wound,...like I said just thinking out aloud here mate...I dare say you have checked already, but another thorough check dosen t hurt...cheers Anthony

[shibui]

I can think of 2 things that can do this to just one branch while the remainder stays healthy.
1. damage after wiring: wiring and bending can occasionally cause the bark to separate from cambium and cause death of the section. I mention this because I note that this branch has been wired at some stage.
2. Shading: branches that don't get enough light get weak. As mentioned above, lower branches are already less vigorous so shading can compound the problem enough for a lower branch to die. Has that side been at the back or more shaded than the rest? Is the tree rotated every week or 2 so all areas get sun?

There's a faint possibility the dead branch is related to root problems. Not high chance given the rest of the tree is so healthy but there is sometimes a strong connection between one or a couple of roots and a particular branch. If those roots are compromised the branch can suffer. Were any larger roots removed at the last repot?

[benbonsai]

Thanks for all the replies and opinions.
After reading and thinking I’m leaning towards not enough sun/vigorous top growth over powering and maybe something to do with the root trim.

To try and remedy this I have trimmed the dead stuff off, pruned the top hard to try redirect energy and let light through the tree, moved to a sunnier location and will seasol every second watering.

Fingers crossed.

If all fails and I loose that branch, there is a branch on the first bend of the trunk that I was growing out as kind of a sacrifice branch which I can grow out to be a lower branch.

There is still hope.

[benbonsai]

Hey there, been quite some time since I have been on here. Life gets in the way sometimes.
I have still been progressing my trees, not at the rate I would like but I’m still going. This squamata has by some miracle grown a branch on the first bend of the trunk to replace the one that died. Also repotted it so sit slightly lower in the pot. I also think the tree needs to be rotated in the pot a bit. Will do that next time. Also I think the pot is new, was in the grow pot still last time I posted.
Sorry for the bad photos, they never look as good in the photos and the photo was rushed.

Hopefully will be back on here a little more often.

Will be updating a couple other posts too.

[benbonsai]

A couple other photos from the time I wasn’t posting so you can see the progression.

[MJL]

Lovey stuff Ben.


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[Keep Calm and Ramify]

Lovey stuff Ben.


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agree, nice little collection you've got going there. Thanks for chiming back in with the updates.

[benbonsai]

Update on this guy
Recently wired it fully, given it a good trim and selected some branches. Did a little work on the dead wood too. Also starting to compress the trunk further to get a smaller tree. Looks great with the clamps on

Also some advice on how I might be able to heal/cover up the ugly cut mark at the back. I was thinking of growing a small juniper in the gap until it fills it. Not sure if that would work. The cut is at the back so it is hidden from the viewing angle but I know it’s there and would prefer it gone. Was from before I decided the make the deadwood when I cut the trunk to compress it.

Cheers guys

[benbonsai]

So after much deliberation and seeing where the tree started I have decided to remove some of the branches that cover the trunk so it is more visible. I think this is the right move for this tree. There’s been something bugging about it for a while and I think this is it.
Actually doing this work might take some time as I want to get it right. Will update when I decide to do it.

Thoughts?

[GavinG]

Nice work, thanks for the reports. Maybe move very carefully with cutting out foliage that covers the trunk at the moment - you may end up with a sort-of "hole in the middle" tree - all the foliage in a fringe around the edge. A year or two for the foliage to fill out will give you a few more options. Good luck!

Gavin

[benbonsai]

Nice work, thanks for the reports. Maybe move very carefully with cutting out foliage that covers the trunk at the moment - you may end up with a sort-of "hole in the middle" tree - all the foliage in a fringe around the edge. A year or two for the foliage to fill out will give you a few more options. Good luck!

Gavin

Thanks Gavin

I get what your saying, thanks for pointing that out. Will be patient and carful.