Large rugged trunk JBP

[Nate.bonsai]

This is my new JBP. I think that it has the potential to become something very special. The trunk is really quite powerful and impressive, with some lovely developed bark at the base and up the trunk.

The trunk is 15.5cm wide at the base, the tree is presently 68cm high and the foliage spread at the widest point is currently 74cm. The trunk dwarfs the standard sized matchbox used for scale in the pics.

The issues that the tree has (or rather, I have in styling it) are (i) that the foliage is a little way from the trunk - not too far to be a huge problem, and this can be brought in closer once the branches are lowered, subject to (ii) the upper branches are quite thick and with upwards growth - which will make them a little more difficult to lower. I fed steadily after purchase and through Autumn and am thinking that I will fertilise very well through Spring/Summer and may then cut back to try and force back budding to increase the options - I don't mind cultivating the back bud branches for the next few years before being able to take the tree to its destined style.

I don't yet have a fixed idea as to styling - although I do have a couple of ideas.

Before sharing my current thinking and inspiration, I would love an open discussion of ideas and suggestions. With the wealth of experience and enthusiasm on here, I am sure that there will be a number of great ideas which should be thrown into the mix.

Thanks all.

1 Poss front (1).JPG

2 Poss front (1).JPG

3 Poss front (1) (close).JPG

4 Poss front (1) (base).JPG

5 Poss front (2).JPG

6 Poss front (2).JPG

7 Poss front (2) (close).JPG

8 Back.JPG

[MoGanic]

Hi mate,

Firstly, very nice trunk.

It looks like the branches have a long way to go. I can see irregularities in sizing, the lower the branch on the trunk the thicker it should be.

I wouldn't be thinking about a final style just yet, maybe work on back budding first and see how you feel but I think the trunk would lend itself very well to a powerful formal or informal upright.

Look forward to seeing where you take this one.

-Mo


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[Scott Roxburgh]

Great stock, really worth putting in the extra time to get the styling right.

It is hard to see in the pics, but there appear to be a number of branches originating from the same places in the apex. I think this would be a first simplification that you would do. Cut back to branch divisions of two, keeping the smallest branches with the foliage closest to the trunk.

I have little first hand experience with completing the large bends required in this styling, but there are a few Ausbonsai-ers that do have the experience required so hopefully they chip in:
Grant - memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=352
Joe - memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=116
Scott - memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=497

Give these a read to show what is possible (the first two star Scott):
https://peterteabonsai.wordpress.com/201 ... the-limit/
https://peterteabonsai.wordpress.com/201 ... nic-route/
https://peterteabonsai.wordpress.com/201 ... nd-repost/

I don't think yours will need treatment this drastic, just some large gauge copper wire and a friend to help with the bends.

The other consideration is a repot to get it into open soil that you are familiar with.

I'm looking forward to the progress reports on this one.

[kcpoole]

Nice stock tree and plenty of options there.
As has been said, the larger thicker branches need to be addressed and I woud remove them first ( assumeing they will not become the final trunk). the lowest on the back in the first photos and then one in the top section as well.

Like scott says, then start selectively removing them where there are 2 or more at the same place.

Find the line of the trunk and have an idea of where the design will head, then you can remove branches and wire the remaining ones without too much trouble. Thick wire and Raffia if needed

Ken

[Scott Martin]

Great trunk on that one. The first thing I'd suggest you look at are the surface roots. The tree looks positioned near the edge of the pot which would indicate to me that there is a large root pushing into the middle of the pot. You'll need to either incorporate this into the design or plan to remove it. Just be really careful removing it. I think you'll need to put some work into the nebari on the side of the tree closest to the pot as the roots will growing straight down. It will be interesting to see what it looks like when you repot it.

It looks a little leggy in the branches too so I'd clean out the needles and balance them over the tree and clean out some of the shoots as well ensuring there are only 2 per junction. You really need to get some back budding as you've said and with most plants the best way to get this is to cut back but with JBP (I have found) it's best to leave them grow. Letting in some more sunlight and increasing the air circulation will be good too.

With styling a tree like this one, I do it in stages with the first being the primary branch positioning. Don't worry too much about the fine detailed wiring, that will come next winter. You want to make sure you get the branches to bend right at the trunk line. Don't have them grow up and then loop back down. I wire the branch first making sure the fire bend of the wire is on top of the branch near the trunk, then use a piece of steel bar under the branch that is firmly tied to the branch, to bring it into the right position and secure a guy wire to hold the branch. You will most likely tear the bark on top of the branch which is perfectly fine, but make sure you use cut paste and seal the wound. Within 1-2 years it will have healed and will hold this position.

Beautiful tree and great buy. It'll be really nice.

Scott

[treeman]

Congrats! Its a great trunk! The fact that its so close to the edge of the pot worries me a bit, but I think it will make an outstanding tree.

[Peterji]

Great tree with great potential! Before making any styling decisions I'd be looking at the nebari and correcting any problems with root placement and distribution, then determine the preferred front and work from there.

[Jarad]

This is my new JBP.

How's the tree going? Got an update?

[Nate.bonsai]

No real development to update. The thread graft seems happy. I did thin out the upper growth a bit more to help get some energy down where I want it. I plan to repot in the quiet season and assess the nebari.

Otherwise, I am not hugely hopeful of back budding where I want it, so will probably be drilling some more thread grafts once the candles elongate next growing season.