Black pine literati what next

[squizzy]

Hi All.
I have shaped this pine into what I ultimatly intend for the trunk but wonder what I might do now to develope the branch structure. Am i heading in the right direction by having all foliage facing one direction? I will consider a repot later as I am concerned about stressing the tree too much. ( probably did this the wrong way around I realise)

Kind regards

Squizz

new photos 021111 027.jpg

[bodhidharma]

A great effort Squizz. Lots of movement in the trunk. At the next repot i would stand the tree a little more upright and bring the lower branch down more. A better photo would help more.

[alpineart]

Hi Sqizzy , this is what i like to see , gentle persuasion with a plan in mind . Prior to this it would have been called a stick in a pot , amazing what a stick can look like with a little thought and action . Well done mate .

Cheers Alpineart

[squizzy]

thanks guys,

yes there were a few close calls with the bending so hoping the tree powers on and I can create something half decent.

cheers

Squizz

[squizzy]

The growth is healthier so I think another growing season or two and we might begin to see something decent.I am happy with the trunk shape but need some girth and taper

DSC04373.jpg

Squizz

[Scott Roxburgh]

Looking good, I like the shape.

Since it has pollen cones (a sign of stress or weakness), I'd just let it grow this year with plenty of water and fertliser.

[squizzy]

Ahh all my pines are growing pollen cones. That doesnt fill me with confidence.

Thanks for the heads up Scott

Squizz

[Hackimoto]

Why are pollen cones a sign of stress or weakness? Every tree in the ground growing vigorously has them.

[Andrew Legg]

Looking good Squizz. Mine turned it's toes up!

It that the planned final planting angle?

Cheers,

Andrew

[GavinG]

It's a very strong trunk shape, but as you say, needs more girth.

There are two ways this can happen:
Live till you are 372 years old,
Or put it in a bigger pot, and grow a sacrifice branch somewhere where you won't notice when you cut it off. (And keep your long-term branches happy!)

Pines aren't easy, but this one is worth the work.

Gavin

[squizzy]

Looking good Squizz. Mine turned it's toes up!

It that the planned final planting angle?

Cheers,

Andrew

To be honest Andrew I am not sure. Others have said it should be more upright which I guess makes sense but I dont think I will make it a great deal more upright.

It's a very strong trunk shape, but as you say, needs more girth.

There are two ways this can happen:
Live till you are 372 years old,
Or put it in a bigger pot, and grow a sacrifice branch somewhere where you won't notice when you cut it off. (And keep your long-term branches happy!)

Pines aren't easy, but this one is worth the work.

Gavin

Hey Gavin,

Mate there is a lack of new shoots anywhere on the trunkline which could become sacrifice branches so I guess I will have to live to 372 which throws my retirement plans into chaos as I have only budgeted to live to 211.

Squizz

[squizzy]

thought i would update this one for some thoughts

The photo shows what i think should be the front

have twisted and turned branches to sit where i think they need to for balance but would love some thoughts

squizz

[squizzy]

[Elmar]

Hey Squizzy,
seems like you've gotten your girth - looking good.

[Andrew F]

Love it squizz, It's got curves in all the right places!