AusBonsai

I collected this desert Ash back in August and it hasn't missed a beat since. I have left a sacrificial branch at the top in an attempt to smooth out the upper taper and help heal wounds. Shari's front and back are probably due to some un-delicate hack's over the years as I spied it in passing. I'm thinking leaving as a double truck, but interested in opinions. Thanks in advance. Thanks also to Bodhi for the initial ID help.

soda

Hi Soda...mate what a lovely example of this terrific species!!!
Is this the same tree that was collected earlier this year just after it had already leafed out? If not, I hope the other one is also doing well!...( I posted in that thread too as I wasn't sure if it was the same tree or not?)...viewtopic.php?f=134&t=9194&p=99775
Anyway, please keep updating this thread as it is a fantastic tree and I really want to know how it progresses as I absolutely love this species and don't understand why it isn't used more!?
Tremendous aged bark and great taper, looking great!!...well done!
Cheers, Dario.

Yes Dario the same tree. Thanks for the replies and I'm glad you like how its looking. Hopefully in a few years I can achieve some of the great branching Grant has been able to in his Deserts'

Hi Soda, thanks for the quick reply mate!
I am sure you will transform this lovely tree into a great bonsai, and I for one will very much enjoy watching you do so!...please keep the updates rolling in as it progresses
I thought it was the same tree and as I bookmarked the original post to make sure I didn't miss your progress reports/updates, I am curious as to why you started a new thread?...no biggy, just wondering?
Looks great, enjoy working on it!
Cheers, Dario.

As first spied in 2006


Now finally in a pot and found another couple of inches of base.




Still undecided about the 'daughter', thinking it may be better just a stand alone lean tree. As always, I more than welcome any tips, suggestions or ridicule.

Hey there soda
Nice work!
Personally I really like the daughter but if mine I would shorten her by half? and rebuild her hard to tell without seeing in person etc, but just my impression from pics.
Thanks for the update mate
Best wishes, Dario.

Yeah i like the second trunk as well i think the tree would look odd with out it also i like the 1st picture gives a more natural look

Thanks OC and Dario, good thing I left it then. I do like image 1 as the front, though the dark scar comes in full view. Have thought about drilling a hollow down to the visible deadwood, to remove the scar and possibly improve the taper in this are in the process

I think its too high up to be a daughter.

ozzy wrote:I think its too high up to be a daughter.

I agree, i would be letting it shoot and then cut it off at the lowest shoot and start developing it as a branch. I ether that or remove it and start developing more branching. You will be happier in the long run. But, if you like it, remember its your tree and you can do what you like.

Thanks Ozzie and Bodhi, now I understand why it didn't look right. The branch idea is gold jerry, gold!

Would have to be lower down like this for a daughter ...







Could always split the trunk that would be an interesting project

When we had a critique night recently with Hiro, there was a good discussion about "mother, daughter"
Two types discussed were.
1) The mother crouches over and protects the daughter. The daughter will mimic the mother by moving in a similar direction.
2) The mother caries the daughter on her back.

Option 2 is less desirable and where possible you would change the potting angle to make the larger tree lean over the smaller one but this is not always possible.

My vote......lose the second trunk

found this on a google search you could grow the leader of the tall tree back to the left in the first pic 2-3yrs it would be looking great

http://www.flickr.com/photos/openeye/6837038422/

did a quick virt i would stand the tree more upright so the top bend not so sharp