AusBonsai

I've had the tree shown below growing for some time in a series of ever smaller pots. It's time to get serious with it but I can't decide which side should be front.

The better one has an ugly scare, the reverse appears to have a reverse taper. Any suggestions welcome

I'd be removing some of that mass of fine roots from around the base of the trunk to see where the larger roots are. A good spreading root system makes a tree appear strong and stable and should be a major factor in determining a front.
A scar on a conifer is not necessarily a problem. Scars can be a striking feature if presented well.

Branch arrangement is also a factor though you appear to have more than needed so could alter the current look easily. I think the lower branches are a bit too close to the ground for this tree. Quite a few of them appear to be the same length too which doesn't improve the trees outline.

Nice strong tree though.

shibui wrote:I'd be removing some of that mass of fine roots from around the base of the trunk to see where the larger roots are.

It'll be due for a major repot next spring - I'll see if I can peel away some of the finer roots and find some big ones before then.

shibui wrote:Scars can be a striking feature if presented well.

Hmm, I've work to do there.

And I'll think about those branches. I've let some grow out over summer...

Thanks for the comments.

shibui wrote:I'd be removing some of that mass of fine roots from around the base of the trunk to see where the larger roots are.

Been chipping away carefully - as you predicted: it looks like the roots will provide an answer the conundrum

shibui wrote: Branch arrangement is also a factor though you appear to have more than needed so could alter the current look easily. I think the lower branches are a bit too close to the ground for this tree. Quite a few of them appear to be the same length too which doesn't improve the trees outline.

Looking further at this I've made the mistake of allowing many of the lower branches grow from the same point on the trunk - so there's much thickening where I don't want it. Based on that about two thirds of the branches are going to have to go.

Which ones.....now there's the question.

Oh, front is the left photo above, a couple of nice roots.

It looks like some branches are growing almost opposite each other... Or very close to opposite. This is having the effect of reverse taper. If possible try to remove these in this scenario... Looks like there are sufficient branches?...

matlea wrote:It looks like some branches are growing almost opposite each other... Or very close to opposite. This is having the effect of reverse taper. If possible try to remove these in this scenario... Looks like there are sufficient branches?...

Agreed. I need to remove about half to two-thirds of the branches. I'm going to go for the hardest option - formal upright. (Eek!)

Which ones? I'm going to have to think about this clearly.

(Moderators - is it OK to cross post this to "Critiques & Virtual Designs" for advice? I have my asbestos underwear ready to go!)

Wow the bots are utilising deception ^^^^ They are blending in.....