AusBonsai

Hi Peter, because this was a pine I did no show much interest any way it has it now. The last picture which shows a very healthy tree.
However the bark below the graft inverse taper is very young looking.

A method I have tried with success in ageing bark and causing it to thicken is the use of MOSS. Letting moss grow up the trunk we have been told is a no/no, I agree, but controlled moss up the trunks, help to first make the bark look older and second because it thickens it increases girth.

I have tried this on trunks of my trees albeit not pines, it does work, just be vigilant so you stop the wood from rotting.


Cheers Pup

Thank you Pup,

I will give it a go this year.

Regards

Peter

Update after some work.

would it be too 'out there" and dangerous to airlayer and remove the first branch --then airlayer the trunk at the wider graft point

Guy wrote:would it be too 'out there" and dangerous to airlayer and remove the first branch --then airlayer the trunk at the wider graft point

Probably.
The reason it is grafted, usually is to provide stronger roots than the graft section can have on its own. If you were to layer off the graft, then you woud be back to the weaker roots of the upper tree variety.

Ken

the reverse taper and different bark seems to be a significant flaw in the graft match -- and even with the countering techniques could the differing growth rates possibly make the problem worse as the tree grows---was wondering if the upper tree would survive and prosper on its own roots and even though slower growing would become a more natural tree

The styling is very nice, Peter.
I have been enjoying your updates of late. Looking through the progression, the graft has been blending in very nicely and although there is still a hint of reverse taper, I don't see it as an issue.
By the looks of things, in a few more seasons it should be spot on. Whatever you are doing, keep it up

Nice progression keep it up.

Update.
I have half wired,still lots to go. Also it will go back into a colander and a large pot to try and reduce the negative taper more, as it is still an issue.

Regards,

Peter

Amazing work peter. Believe it or not i didn't really notice the reverse taper untill u mentioned it and i looked again. Its aging well.

One way to fix (help fix) the taper issue, would be to remove the first large branch on the right and bring down the one above it a bit, and remove another heavy branch further up on the left (back left?)