Once upon a time...I chopped an ugly tree...

[kvan64]

I couldn't find the pics of the original tree but as far as bonsai goes, it was very ugly.
straight like a pole and not many branches to bend. What I did was to chop it right down to the base. This is an example of chopping when wiring is not a decent option. Two branches grew where the chop mark was, I bent one up to create the apex and one down to create a low branch. The scar healed quite well. Still visible but within acceptable limit as an eye-sore. I did some defoliation today. Still a long way to go but seems to be getting there...

[kvan64]

I realized that the wire is cutting in the trunk but it's 6mm thick wire and hard to undo unless I cut it to sections. Will leave it for a while longer then remove it.

[KIRKY]

I wouldn't worry about the scar. Very nice tree
Cheers

[kcpoole]

Nice example of controlling the growth on the branch while letting the trunk section go mad.
Still a little tall for me ( for a Ficus) but if you like the proportions thats all that counts.


Ken

[kvan64]

Hi Ken. Yes there will be more work on this. More bending and trimming and this will definitely shorten the tree further.

[Pearcy001]

For something that you described as starting off as "very ugly" I'm impressed. I really like the base you have on your chosen front, I can't really see it through the foliage on the back.

How far do you plan on chopping it down? I too agree with both you and Ken that it would be much stronger as a shorter tree.

How long ago did you do the major cut you spoke of? It seems to have healed up quite nicely.

Cheers,
Pearcy.

[kvan64]

For something that you described as starting off as "very ugly" I'm impressed. I really like the base you have on your chosen front, I can't really see it through the foliage on the back.

How far do you plan on chopping it down? I too agree with both you and Ken that it would be much stronger as a shorter tree.

How long ago did you do the major cut you spoke of? It seems to have healed up quite nicely.

Cheers,
Pearcy.

Hi Pearcy, I did the major chop almost 5 years ago. It did take time to heal. The whole idea is to keep it "shohin" so it should be as compact as possible. However, some of the branches are not at the proportional thickness I would wish them to be so I will take it a bit slowly and accordingly.
Thanks for paying notice.
Will keep it updated.
DK