Lilly Pilly - What next?

[dansai]

Thanks Bohdi. I suppose that's what happens when a beginner starts to style a tree before developing the trunk fully first. I am thinking that I will appreciate it until next spring then pop it back in a grow box and let it grow unhindered for a season or 2 and cut back hard. The upper part of the trunk has thickened quite quickly but doesn't have the character in the bark like the lower trunk. This will allow the roots to develop better too.

[dansai]

Thanks Steve. Yes I am proud. This is the first time I have pinched the growth but I'll report how it responds.

[Boics]

Coming along well Dansai.
Some constructive critique.

I do think that the pot is a bit small and I agree with bozo that the tree is a bit leggy.
I would also drill/hollow out that branch stub as it adds little value to the overall design.

I too have a lilly pilly with not add nice a trunk as yours but leggy branches.
I just continued to chase growth back towards the trunk.
As I pruned closer the branches would back bud and allow me to get closer and closer.

Personally I would do the same and cut each branch back to a pair of leaves or "near to size".
My tree back buds and just throws buds everywhere so it provides plenty of options.

In terms of the lack of taper up to you could always keep the bottom trimmed and in check and just let the top go wild and untouched.
This will thicken the top half.
In general it is always easier to make a new top of a tree as this is naturally where most of a trees vigor is.

I'll post an update on my tree shortly it's coming along.
Such a great species to work on!

[dansai]

I would also drill/hollow out that branch stub as it adds little value to the overall design.

I was wondering if anyone would comment on that. Yes the plan is carve it. I was waiting to see how the scar from the original trunk chop healed and was thinking of hollowing it or doing a shari and joining with that stub. I expected a bit of rotting or at least softening as it has been exposed for 2 years, but not yet. I may carve the top so at least its not flat.

In terms of the lack of taper up to you could always keep the bottom trimmed and in check and just let the top go wild and untouched.
This will thicken the top half.
In general it is always easier to make a new top of a tree as this is naturally where most of a trees vigor is.

I have been letting it grow pretty long and cutting it back. I have the same experience of it back budding, although most of the back budding is new shoots growing straight up. It has thicken very fast considering 2 years ago it had no branches or leader above the trunk chop.
Picture below from 2 years ago

IMG_0255.jpg

At the moment it is by far my most refined Bonsai, (even though it isn't very refined with, with large leaves and a few other issues) so I just want to appreciate it and learn from it. As I said in my last post I'll probably put it back in a grow box next spring and let it have its head then cut back hard and start again.

[Boics]

Wow my earlier post has some terrible autocorrects! Sorry Bodhi!

I posted an update to my thread to let you see what is going on there.
viewtopic.php?f=104&t=17097&p=176785#p176785
Item I want to point out on my tree is the bottom right facing heavy branch.
Note how it has shortened nicely and formed a nice little pad in the recent photo?
This is what I am trying to refer to as chasing the growth back towards the trunk.

Anyway let's keep them going - awesome specimens to work on!