To cut off or not to cut off? That is the question!

[Grant Bowie]

The tree is doing fine this year.

IMG_1184.JPG

Peter Adams just commented on it at our club.

He called it a Carpark Bonsai! ie one that you stood little chance of getting back to the carpark without getting tackled or mugged!

He suggested some work on the lower branch, one branch near the apex and a slightly more informal pot,

I will see what I can do.

Grant

[LLK]

Hi Grant,
Contrary to my posts of April 2010, I think that this tree is perfect -- more than that, it's absolutely STUNNING, as I had a chance of constating today, and telling you on the way to the car park. I have to say that seeing it live makes a big difference indeed, as you mentioned. The 'bonsai rules' are quickly forgotten.

Lisa

[bodhidharma]

Hi Grant,
I must also compliment you on not only your stunning tree, bur also on the pot it is in. What a great matchup ,and my compliments to the Chef

[Grant Bowie]

Hi Grant,
Contrary to my posts of April 2010, I think that this tree is perfect -- more than that, it's absolutely STUNNING, as I had a chance of constating today, and telling you on the way to the car park. I have to say that seeing it live makes a big difference indeed, as you mentioned. The 'bonsai rules' are quickly forgotten.

Lisa

Thanks Lisa,

some trees look much better in the bark than in photos but i hope one day it will look as good in both.

Still a number of years work to go on this one before it gets to that stage.

the lower branch needs to elongate a bit and other areas separated etc.

Grant

[Grant Bowie]

Hi all,

Well I picked up a pair of branch cutters and something happened and a few more branches disappeared.

IMG_1544.JPG

Still working on it, wiring etc. I have left a bud to elongate on the bottom branch to give another layer next year but otherwise did a complete candle removal about 6 weeks earlier than last year.

Lowest branch with candle left intact to elongate.JPG

Grant

[Grant Bowie]

After wiring, compressing a portion of trunk again. Not happy yet with the top portion of the apex and will probably remove it once some growth has happened.

After wiring.JPG

Grant

[siddhar]

Very nice Grant, I have a tree very similar to this, although I have to tackle a major bend at some point as there is a straight portion in the trunk that needs attention. Once I have the bend sorted ill post the tree for you.

[Scott Roxburgh]

Sidd,

Grant is your man for tough bending - viewtopic.php?f=7&t=8745

Post a new topic, It'd be great to see your tree.

[Grant Bowie]

hi Scott,

I am not sure if this is what you meant but here is the thread on the very bent Scots pine so far,

viewtopic.php?f=131&t=8739

Grant

[Scott Roxburgh]

Sorry mate, I that's the one I meant...

Thanks

[Steven]

Less definitely is more in this case! I like it Grant
I agree that the top could come off but which branch would you then use for the apex?
Regards,
Steven

[Grant Bowie]

Less definitely is more in this case! I like it Grant
I agree that the top could come off but which branch would you then use for the apex?
Regards,
Steven

Hi Steve,

i would build it out of the left hand portion of the second top branch. it would both lower the apex and give more movement and direction to the left.

grant

[Grant Bowie]

Hi all,

On sunday I spent all day first plucking off the old needles, removing some of the new needles on the stronger branches, selecting branchlets to keep or remove, then wired it bottom to top.

Here it is partially finished. Hope to finish over the weekend coming.

Grant

IMG_4909.JPG

[Grant Bowie]

Got a little more done.

IMG_4931.JPG

While Yosuke was working on my other pine I did some more work on this one.

Lowered the second left branch and first right branch; next need to reposition the apex, then place all the branches then tips.

Grant

[Jow]

How are you finding the copper Grant?