To cut off or not to cut off? That is the question!

[anttal63]

Agree'd Grant! it is definately nice where it is. I was referring more so to the tendancies of apex over base or keeping the right branch for the perception of balance. Sorry should have been more clear.

[Jamie]

i will put my two bob in now, i havent really said my thoughts on it all. just done the virts people have asked about.

i beleive thinning the apex out is crucial to give the tree that airyness, the right hand branch needs to be removed no jin. and the trunk needs to stay in position if anything a couple of degrees left or right wont hurt, but not so the apex is above the base, it throws that feel of ruggedness out the window. to balanced. if it were mine i would just do the thinning, make it very sparse and light, remove the branch and maybe a less formal pot, but that can come later

jamie

[Grant Bowie]

Agree'd Grant! it is definately nice where it is. I was referring more so to the tendancies of apex over base or keeping the right branch for the perception of balance. Sorry should have been more clear.

No worries, I too agree that there is a tendancy for a safety branch; ie one for balance that is not necessary.

Grant

[Grant Bowie]

Hi all,

it will probably come as no surprise to anyone that I have decided to cut off the lowest right hand branch. Maybe it was the way I posed the question and responses possible.

The voting however was very close and I am sure if there were lots of clones of this tree we would have a range of bonsai that would all be very good. Thanks for all the input, virts, comments etc.

I am finishing off some sketches now to show where the tree has come from since I have had it, since about 1995 and will post in the morning with some more photos for discussion.

I got called out this afternoon unexpectedly so I didn't get as far as I thought I would. The NBPCA had an amazing number of visitors today.

Thanks everyone,

Grant

[Leigh Taafe]

Hi Grant,

Unfortunately I missed the poll, but I would have voted "Sell tree - I dont like it"

I can put you on to a good buyer at the ready!

[Grant Bowie]

Hi all,

I am not so good at computer virts so here it is in the old style.

I was given the tree in about 1994 and it took a while to work out what to do with it. It was 20 years old but very skinny.

Black Pine Literati Sketch circa 1994.jpg

Copy of Black Pine Literati.jpg

Black Pine Literati 001.jpg

Black Pine Literati 002.jpg

Grant

[Grant Bowie]

Hi Grant,

Unfortunately I missed the poll, but I would have voted "Sell tree - I dont like it"

I can put you on to a good buyer at the ready!

I think I might keep this one.

Grant

[Leigh Taafe]

I think I might keep this one.

Grant

Thats funny!

I have asked you 5 times to sell me this tree.....and every time, you have said exactly the same thing! I am beginning to think that you dont want to sell it !

[Grant Bowie]

a bit more progression and recent happenings.

2005.JPG

Top of tree.JPG

Lowest branch on right.JPG

See buds that emerged after summer trim, plus old needles trimmed 28 02 2010.JPG

Black pine 1974 stock.JPG

Grant

[Grant Bowie]

Current front and possible pot.JPG

Grant

[Leigh Taafe]

Oh.......now I dont want it!

Just kidding!

Love it - looks great - and I still want it, whenever it is you decide you might not hang on to it.

Cheers,
Leigh.

[Grant Bowie]

Pick a front, more to come.

Literati Black Pine 0.JPG

Literati Black Pine 1.JPG

Literati Black Pine 2.JPG

[Grant Bowie]

Literati Black Pine 3.JPG

Literati Black Pine 4.JPG

Literati Black Pine 5.JPG

OK, Thats enough.

Now that the branch has been removed I will reassess the front and may change it. I am likely to remove the small Jin at the front as well.

Opinions welcome.

Grant

[Jamie]

i like the last one grant, i am a bit cautious of it though as the apex looks to be leaning away some? but it shows the best movement i beleive and the hanging branch will be a highlight more so than it is as the branch is more visable the way it is when around a few degrees.

[Bretts]

Hi Grant
That does look much better. I am not keen on the s bend up top after the subtle movement down low but It surely is an interesting tree. I think the first picture works best and I think tiling it to the right gives more movement to the lower trunk which will help.

Just moving into my first official winter pine process I am very interested in your Winter pruning. I was told that I may cut the needles this time but should look at plucking next season. What are your thoughts on this.
Also it seems you have not only trimmed back old needles but the new season growth?
Thanks!