AusBonsai

I’m not sure if the species is any use?

Paulneill wrote:I’m not sure if the species is any use?

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Hardly ever used in Australia but very popular in Canada and the northern parts of USA. Thuja probably occidentalis.
Give it a go and let us know.

I would say don't bother
The foliage is a long way from the trunk and they will not shoot along the branch.
By cutting back hard I have got shoots from the branch crotch, sometimes!
That means a long time to grow a new branch or many years growth.
If the trunk was interesting that could be worth the time but I don't see any character, just strait.
Keep your eyes open around your area and I'm sure you'll find better opportunities.

What about this one think its ficus Benjamina.


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Paulneill wrote:What about this one think its ficus Benjamina.


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If it is easy digging pick the 'best' one and have a go. You might be able to create a whole new style.At the very least it will be a learning experience.

perhaps a many multi -trunk broom style

About 10 years ago, a neighbour was getting rid of one of these so I took it on as a trial bonsai project. After about 5 years of (not very concerted) effort I gave up and planted it in our garden where it is doing a good job as a shrub. They grow very slowly and don't naturally produce a primary/secondary/tertiary branch structure to work with. I managed to develop a few foliage pads but was never happy that the tree would ever become a bonsai worth the effort it was taking. My view is that there is much better material out these to spend your bonsai time on.

I think in Perth the top one is called a Bookleaf conifer.
Cheers

Thanks guys, Yea I want to be a lot more fussy with the trees I take on. There is a lot of work for it to be a waste of time. I wonder if I could open that ficus Benjamin up into a broom.
It looks strange the way it’s grown with loads of thin branches.
I bet it has an amazing base.

Phil has already given a good rundown on the Thuja. Can be used but difficult.
If the fig was PJ I would be all for it but Ficis benjamina is not as tough as F. rubiginosa. It does not always sprout on bare wood and is not as responsive to root pruning. They are used as bonsai in USA.
If it is free and easy to dig you have nothing to lose but it may not survive the hard chop and transplant.

I've said it before about collecting trees for bonsai. If you are not sure that means it is not good enough to bother with.