Expert Opinion needed - Hawthorn raft to Restyle

[kvan64]

Hi this is the hawthorn I posted earlier
viewtopic.php?f=129&t=8990&hilit=+hawthorn

I think the branches are still too densed when in leaves. Some branches are not at the right place and the one I hope to shoot did not shoot up. I want to restyle this raft by chopping down to thin out some primary branches and carve the main trunk. I'm very undecided with the options. Please give you opinion. Virtuals would be great.

Love to see your design suggestions too.
Thanks in advance
DK

[kvan64]

Some chopping options. Please suggest yours! I hope to build a well balance raft IN THE LONG RUN. (The foliage grow very quick so rebuilding is not a problem)

Edit: More pics

[cuwire]

Hi Kvan

You have asked for expert advice -- but just for the sake of it here is some non expert comments from a novice.

I see every thing you will do here is because of the one B-- tree in the middle of the two A++ trees I would cut it out -- or maybe you have the roots to make three trees.

Experts feel free to slaughter me.

Cheers

[alpineart]

Hi kvan64 , i like the 2 tree's as they are , nice movement and balance , i would remove the center stub between the 2 established trunks , try to bring the smaller shoot out more to continue the raft and use the apex of that shoot to train as the third trunk . They certainly fill out quick . A triple trunk raft would keep you busy and give room to expand the ramification on the other 2 trunks . Just an idea , sorry mate but i cant vert' , i only visualize , i'm an amatuer

Cheers Alpineart

[kcpoole]

Hi Kvan
I agree with the trim you have suggested and added a few more
A little virt for you.

The Middle one I have left as it looks more like it is far to the back wich gives some depth, but you could easily remove it in a virt if you wish.
Shortened the one on the left a lot though

Ken

[Grant Bowie]

Actually your raft looks very similar to a famous group in the national collection.

I like it very much; it has a spooky feel to it. Persevere with it.

Zelkova Group 2009-12-24.JPG

Grant

[GavinG]

I like the mushroom on the side...

The large left trunk has a very elegant sweep. The one on the right not so elegant. And the little third trunk is obscured by the front branches of the two big trunks.

I'm not an expert, but for me, "Chop2" solves a few of these problems well. Cutting the branch off the angle of the right branch and carving it to a curve (that's what the cut line looks like to me) should give a bit of sweep to the right trunk. You would need to cut the branches that stand in front of the third trunk. I'd be inclined to keep everything else pruned heavily and let the middle trunk run, to develop a bit of substance in the top. The little trunk to the left is too thin to balance with the others, I would suggest cutting it (or you could layer it if you're greedy. There's always a spot in the garden to grow something on...)

The sinuous root underneath is very strong. You've got good ideas to harmonise with it.

Gavin

[bonsaibruce]

Howdy,
Keep up the good work.
Just posted to be 11,000 post, I hope.
Merry Christmas,
Bruce.

[kvan64]

Hey Grant, I like that group very much! Don't think my raft will ever be close to that. It does feel spooky too. Ken, thanks for the virt. I did chop the lowest right branch.

And Guys, thanks for the inputs. I did read all your opinions and have considered them.

Here are what I've done so far.
1- chopped the bar branch on the right (the lower right branch of the right trunk)
2- Wired the current lowest right branch and bent it down to cover that gap.
3- Used a thick 6mm wire to wire the apex and twisted it a bit to adjust the movement in harmony to the mail left trunk
4- wire one of the right branch and pulled it to the left to cover the gap from the missing branch (middle left) --> this does not seem to work well so I haven't chopped the vertical branch (blue line) yet.
5- Gave the raft a slight hair trimming

What I'm thinking of doing next is chop down the two branches (red lines)
Please tell me what you think

Thanks
DK