Ash

[AKVears]

Hi Everyone,

I'm new to Aus Bonsai and a beginner in the Art of Bonsai! Here is one of my trees and i'm just wanting some styling tips and suggestions. There is obviously a huge amount of knowledge on here and would love some of you to share some of it with me.

Thanks for reading guys.

[Meagi]

i'm not good on advise still a new person myself .... but im at the stage now i know a good tree when i see one ... that will be a ripper .

[lackhand]

I think for someone just getting started, having something that will be a decent tree fairly quickly is important, and you've got a great start here. I would just work on developing branches where you want them and ramification. The trunk has good movement and taper, and while the nebari could probably use some work, I think that's best to work on when you're a bit further into the hobby.

I would wire (or guy wire) the lower branches down a bit to start. The trunk is built for an informal upright, so look at a bunch of informal upright pictures and get a feel for the style, then draw a picture of what you want and work from there.

I'm sure you've seen the advice on here dozens of times, but head down to your local bonsai club and take your tree, they will help you out a ton.

Remember that everyone on here would probably do something a bit different with any tree, so I think it's wise to listen to opinions and advice, but then remember the final say is yours. Grow the tree you see when you look at it and you will be happy with your results. Good luck mate, and be sure to keep us informed as you work on it!

[Bougy Fan]

First piece of advice - rotate photos before loading I do think it needs some branching developed now - if you are happy with the size of the trunk and height. Normally the branches are wired down slightly to give an impression of age - heavy old branches rather than young upright branches. Good luck

[kcpoole]

What a lovely trunk

I woud be applying wire to all the branches, and then positioning them so that they all leave the trunk at a simile angle. the first on on the left is too upright, and so is one near the top.

then just allow grow and build the branch ramification.
this will be a lovely tree quite soon

Ken

[hugh grant]

Hi mate
agreed lovely trunk!!!
heres a quick sketch of my suggestion. using all the available branches and reducing the tree down by one third.

bonsai virt - ash.jpg

Hugh

[AKVears]

Thanks for all the positive feedback and help guys. And a special thanks to whomever rotated the picture.... Novice to Bonsai and on this Mac! I'll keep everyone updated as I wire all the branches and sub-branches. I also have a Plum tree which is of similar proportions, and I might chuck a pic up on here for some tips as well! Thanks again everyone.

-Alex

[AKVears]

Here's my Plum tree guys. I think this potentially has more potential than the Ash. The photo doesn't do it justice, but the root spread at its base is really impressive. I'm torn between sticking with a traditional informal upright, or maybe getting a bit radical with it!!! Please give me your thoughts people.

Cheers Guys!

-Alex

P.S. I did try to rotate the photo.. Third time is a charm.