As with most of the swampies there, they are styled and grown similar to how they grow naturally, with their branches growing slightly upwards (so I have been informed). I prefer the look of the branches styled slightly downwards.
This brings me to the dilemma of where to start with this tree, as the branches have been grown to style upwards, and I'm not entirely sure which direction to head.
I would love any and all advice and comments from beginners and experts alike so that I can hopefully make a better decision with this tree!
In my eyes I have two choices for the front of the tree, and this will determine which leader will be kept from the 4 available. I prefer the first view as I like how the roots look, hence the name The Spider. However the other view takes advantage of the deadwood and carving. In time I will clean up, carve out and lime sulphur the deadwood more to add more detail and texture.
Side views of the tree.
My idea is that with my initial preferred front of the tree and the small amount of deadwood showing on the left hand side, it could entice viewers to want to venture to the back of the tree to see what else is there.
Another point, is that the angle of the tree could be tilted a certain direction, which again adds a few possibilities..
My thoughts are that leader number 3 or 4 be used, depending on what seems to be the better front of the tree. I will let whatever I choose grow out and continue to chop it to increase thickness and taper. A concern is that when I take off leader 2, a nice scar will be visible. I hope this heals over quickly. Does anybody think jinning any branches are an option??
I may air layer the remaining leaders off (more trees!!
), OR it could be a possibility to try to slowly bring down leader number 1 with vet tape and wires/guy wires, and using techniques such as notching?? That way I have a lower branch that already has some thickness to it (however no movement at the moment). From what I have read, swampies love to backbud and grow quite quick, so perhaps trying to bring down leader 1 won't be worth the time/effort?Once the new leader has been chosen, I can start to wire down some of the primary branches from that leader and from the base of the trunk. The root that is crossing over from my preferred front view will be repositioned during it's repot next Spring.
Looking forward to some responses and ideas!
Kind regards,
Chris
