AusBonsai

Have put a bit of wire on this pine and given it a shape. Not sure about removing the growing points in autumn but we will see if its a monumental mistake.

photo to come.

Squizz

Hi all,

Have been considering the future direction of this tree and exploring the idea of removing some of the low branches to define the trunk more.

I have inked a quick sketch to show my thoughts. The lowest left branch would go and the back branch the lines up with it.

I will also need to compress the top half of the tree to close some of the leggy trunk down and reduce the negative space.

Would love to hear some thoughts. I wont be rushing the decision but would like to be made aware of what you might consider the pros and cons?

squizz

Personally like the sketch. One of the things I noticed when attending workshops is I tend to keep too many branches, can see fewer branches being used and pulled down to form the tree, much the same as you've done in your sketch.

Let's see what others have to say.

Your sketch and direction look good to me,but the trunk does not look powerful enough to hold the two bottom branches one either side of the trunk,...extend/reaching left,right shorten and hugging trunk,ditto Craig,only a thought but,I like your tree.
Anthony

Hey Sqyuizz.

Both Sketch and tree look like they are falling over to me?
Rotate / Tilt clockwise to the right perhaps?

Coming along well and my understanding is that many re-pot Pine's in Autumn so I think you should be fine.

Hey squizzy,

Just read this thread for the first time and you're tree is coming along nicely.

You said you'd love people's thoughts so I hope you don't mind, but I did a little virt of what I would do as I find it easier to see it.

In it I removed the bottom rear branch, shortened the bottom left branch and rotated it to the right a few degrees - would maybe even go a couple more. I think leaving the bottom branch goes toward telling why the tree is leaning over from the weight of it. And the removal of the rear branch shows off the taper in the trunk better.



I wasn't able to do it on my phone but I would also compress the top to reduce the space a little, also angling down the branches on the left but not so much the bottom left branch. In saying that I would leave the negative space between the new bottom right branch and the trunk line to show the trunks movement clearly.

Good luck mate and again I hope you don't mind. Also great sketching skills!

Cheers,
Pearcy.

Sent from my SM-G920I using Tapatalk

Hi Squizzy, you should be happy with how this tree has progressed in the last couple of years.
I also think that you should consider removing the rear branch that Pearcy pointed out. To me, it's origin is a little close to the 1st branch and it could cause reverse or poor taper in the future.

Cheers,
Mojo

Cheers for the interest everyone. I will try and reply as I get time. Some pretty good points being raised. I also got some advice from bonsaisensation to leave the bottom branches as sacrifice to fatten the trunk but I have been concerned about the reverse taper for a while.

So everyone understands I do intend to remove the two bottom branches to achieve what I have sketched. Just have to make a decision on if and when?

Squizz

Good on you for sketching your ideas Squizzy. I would just add - remember the front and back branches for depth. Very generally, a branch to hide some of the trunk 2/3 of the way up. I think bringing part of the first branch on the right around might help?

Just a bit of fun, a roughie with the bottom two remved.