AusBonsai

From what I can see I think much the same Craig. I wonder what would a master do with this tree. Remove al the branches and start agian Maybe but maybe not
I think as a newb when I get this situation I figure feed feed feed. That scar needs to heal as it may be causing some of the viewing issues (more experience and we could be more sure) so lots of growth will go along way to taking this to the next level so cutting back hard seems a good option. I imagine if the first right branch was better ramified with more depth to the front of the tree that may solve many issues.
Good luck I look forward to where you go from here.

As a side note, I don't think bar branching of the first two branches is he issue here. In the new style it seems the 2nd and 3rd branch now have bar branch issues. I think the problem here is that the first branch is almost half way up the tree and all other branches are crammed into the next half. Maybe not a great look for ficus
Definitely not saying get rid of all branches Craig. Just need to consider what shape would a tree/fig like this take. Hmmm

I think some healthy ramification from your new grow points will improve the look fantastically. Looks like you've taken the right steps, but should we be working on figs now, even in Perth?

Bretts wrote:As a side note, I don't think bar branching of the first two branches is he issue here. In the new style it seems the 2nd and 3rd branch now have bar branch issues. I think the problem here is that the first branch is almost half way up the tree and all other branches are crammed into the next half. Maybe not a great look for ficus
Definitely not saying get rid of all branches Craig. Just need to consider what shape would a tree/fig like this take. Hmmm

Thanks Brett , you've hit the nail right on the head as far as the branches being in the top half of the tree, we'll see what comes of this round and go from there, cutting back to the trunk is always an option.

Birchman , all my ficus are growing strong and still putting out new growth, with the correct care it'll be fine,,
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I do like where it is at the moment Craig so don't rush into removing branches now or in the future It is too esay a mistake to make

Hi Craig, most trees have issues and most trees require compromise. I think the shorter branches are a huge improvement, the bar branches don't concern me at all I think sometimes we can get a little hung up on rules and as Hiro would say they are unavoidable.
If you look at Japanese evergreen trees they mostly have the foliage running right into the inside of the branch so that the juncture of branch and trunk is obscured by foliage and I reckon thats where you need to go with this one.
Congratulations on a job well done
Craigw

Thanks Craig mate i appreciate your comments ,,,,,,,,

all, and so after all that i decided the bottom section of trunk was not going to develop in a Bonsai pot so,2 small grafts in one area ,in deeper it goes , and branches all gone

Whoa, branches have all gone! What are the grafts for?

nealweb wrote: Whoa, branches have all gone! What are the grafts for?

If you check back on another pic ,you'll see the front was like a hollow ,