Creating Taper

[matt.moriarty]

Hi all,

Is it possible to create at aper on a trunk that has been chopped off at the top and if so what is the best method to go about doing it?

[kcpoole]

Yes you can

Blend the chop back to make a smooth line between the original trunk and the new section you are growing as the top
Once the bark grows over you would never notice

Ken

[matt.moriarty]

Is it best to use a pruning saw or the like or concave cutters?
Cheers

[Mitchell]

Is it best to use a pruning saw or the like or concave cutters?
Cheers

Depends on the size of the material.
You can also do a rough/rudimentary job with secateurs if you don't have knob cutters

[kcpoole]

If too big for cutters, then Pruning saw to cut off the excess, then use knob cutters to gouge out the wood to make a depression that will allow the cambium to roll over and fill without leaving a bulge

[craigw60]

Hi Matt, when you say chopped off at the top how far up the trunk do you mean? Would it be possible to show us the whole tree rather than just the scar. Trees which have been cut too high and left with a telegraph pole trunk can be a problem. I think when it comes to cutting trees for taper better to cut them low.
Craig

[Alan]

Hi Matt, Craigs right cut shorter to creat movement and style (we all no what telegraph poles look like?) Alan

[Lynette]

At Bonsai by the Harbour Barry did a demo that cut a v wedge out of the middle of the trunk and then glued the trunk back to gether. This was a excellent way to better taper to a straight trunk chop. The photo I took doesn't really show what I mean. Maybe somebody has some better photos . I though it was a great idea. I don't know how to do the drawings to put in a diagram.
Lynette

[matt.moriarty]

Good Morning All,

Thanks for the info thus far. The trunk height is 17cm and I guess with the reduction I would be taking off up to another 5 cm or so. I have ecently seen some posts on here showing a sumo style which is rather appealing and was wondering whether this tree would lend lend itslef to that style. The leader branch that I would probably select comes off the back of the trunk slightly off centre. Does this matter orshould I start again. I gather that the goal is to have te leader branch and the trunk to eventually fatten into one..do i need to help this process along. The idea of cutting a v section out of the runk and reattaching it sounds interesting. Would this meanthat the top cut would be shaped to a taper before being reattached and is it attached with wound paste etc. I know lots of questions but any advice that can be offered would be warmly appreciated..

Regards
Matt