Radiata Pine - is this tree worth playing with?

[Stewart_Toowoomba]

Hi again

I found this radiata pine Monterey pine that was last year's Xmas trees not sold - now in September. Fairly think base (maybe 8-10cm diameter) with heaps of branches going up but dead straight and same thickness for about 60 cm. I do not have any other pines but am willing to give it a go if members feel this is worth it.

I believe that Radiata make good bonsai, but do more experienced members feel that this tree has grown too advanced to do a trunk chop? Is it too uniform and bland to worry about? What would members advise??

I found plenty of JBP but they were all grafted and too nobbly at base ...

stew

radiata pine - CX.jpg

Radiata pine base.jpg

20120912_094040.jpg

[Jow]

In short, yes.

the long answer is a bit more difficult. They can make good bonsai but i feel they are not as suited to bonsai cultivation as say Japnese black pine. Definately worth a go all the same.

[Tony Bebb]

Definitely worth a go Stewart

That last photo seems to show a small branch moving upright from the trunk that could be a possible new leader. If so you could cut it above that point, leaving a good stub that will be removed later when the leader gathers more strength, and plant it on a bit of an angle to create some movement. The stub could be removed, ot left to create a jin in time. Starting there would give something to work with for sure.

Seen some great Radiata Bonsai, and they shoot back better than JBP.

Tony

[kcpoole]

Yes worth a go because it has Lots of growth and shoots / branches low down.

The roots may be a tangled mess and will have to be sorted but I woud not leave it there

Ken

[bodhidharma]

Everything they have said. It should do well in your neck of the woods.

[thoglette]

I believe that Radiata make good bonsai, but do more experienced members feel that this tree has grown too advanced to do a trunk chop?

Radiata grow back more rapidly and with less bother than JBP. Easier bonsai, if needle length control can be challenging. I've done one or two and they've done OK (until I or the curl bugs killed them)

The downside is that they don't tend to last for hundreds of years.

[Dutchie_Boy]

Bring it along to the show Stewie and we can work some magic, and a few others might enjoy it as well.

Mark