AusBonsai

Andrew Legg wrote:Something that Alan's tree suffers from is "big trunk thin branch yamadori syndrome".

Will time ever hide this sort of thing?



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I started off looking at your pics, thinking to myself that it could be an interesting training exercise, but like Andrew thought it would never be a great Bonsai. Then I came to this pic,



and I changed my mind. With my experience with Olive, little as it is, I instantly saw a fabulous Bonsai in this. Sure, it wont happen tomorrow and sure it will involve carving and yep it's going to be a large 'HEAVY' tree, but given 5 or 6 years I reckon there is one ripper Bonsai to be had from this.

Go for it, or I'll come round and take it off your hands.

Thanks for the response Graeme! I definitely think I'm going to give it a shot, and like you said, it's going to end up being a large heavy tree but I think it could be a really good learning experience for me.

I'll cut it as suggested by everyone at about the red line in the next picture, put it into a big grow box and let it grow for a few years




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Id cut it a bit higher than that mate. Just above the lump above your red line. The is still some taper to be had up there. Just something to think about, but olives like this often have quite a bit more under ground, so wait and see what,s down there until you decide. Do the dig and cut in two stages. Cut the tree about 1.4m above ground level. Then dig and remove and make your final trunk cut once you can see what you have in total. Seal the top cut with white wood glue.

Reece wrote:

Andrew Legg wrote:Something that Alan's tree suffers from is "big trunk thin branch yamadori syndrome".

Will time ever hide this sort of thing?

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Yes, but only with a lot of growth and sacrifice branches. Most of us are in too much of a rush to develop pads. I'd say it would take eight to ten years of growth to get decent primary branch thickness.

Thanks Andrew! I'll dig it up an check what's under the surface


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Does the top within the foliage have any potential?

Seems like a bit of a waste to get rid of so much tree.

Jarad wrote:Does the top within the foliage have any potential?

Seems like a bit of a waste to get rid of so much tree.

It has been quite neglected but to be totally honest I'm quite new and wouldn't really be able to tell if something this size had any potential.

I can upload some pictures tomorrow for you to see.


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Agree with Andrew B.B. I think your red line is nearly a dust brush to low ( ). While you could cut at your line, the time to develop realistic taper back into the trunk would be many, many years, no wait, many many many years. Cutting higher also allows you more choices as to the new apex, remembering we can always cut again, whereas we can't put it back once it's gone. Going to be interesting to see what's going on under the ground. Please remember a pic when it's out please.

Excellent project, as a beginner learner carver I say go for it. 10 years will go by in a blink.
Alan congrats on your efforts so far, that is awesome!
Watty

I'll take your advice and cut it above those bumps. And definitely take photos of the whole process for you all to see




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Jarad wrote:Does the top within the foliage have any potential?

Seems like a bit of a waste to get rid of so much tree.

This is a great idea. ^^^

Once you've dug the stump I would defol the top half and either part it out as cuttings or just plant the whole top as well.

Andrew F wrote: Once you've dug the stump I would defol the top half and either part it out as cuttings or just plant the whole top as well.

Will the top half just grow roots like that after being cut off and put into soil?!


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bonsai_beginner wrote:

Andrew F wrote: Once you've dug the stump I would defol the top half and either part it out as cuttings or just plant the whole top as well.

Will the top half just grow roots like that after being cut off and put into soil?!


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You will have to try it and report back to us

Most collected olives are flat bottomed anyway, but they are basal dominate when it comes to reserved energy. It is worth just testing to see what will happen.

Alright then! I'll give it a shot and see how it goes


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