AusBonsai

Hi all... I recently received this donated tree which was once someone's xmas tree. It is a 'Cupressocyparis Leylandii' and i just want to get some peoples opinions on whether or not i could do something with it for bonsai or if it is better off being donated to someone who wants to plant it as a tree?

I have some pics here. What concerns me is the size of the conifer leaves and whether or not they will be able to be reduced or if they will always remain this large. If it will work i am thinking of chopping back just above one of the lower branches and then wiring this one up as a new leader to start developing taper, but i am only a beginner and not worked on any conifers as yet so not sure how they respond to such actions etc.

i just want to get some peoples opinions on whether or not i could do something with it for bonsai or if it is better off being donated to someone who wants to plant it as a tree?

The second option is the better one.
This conifer is a cross between cupressus (cypress) and chamaecyparis, which was developed especially for hedging, where it works very well. I tried growing it as a bonsai, but it was never a real success. As you can see, the leaves won't lie flat and they won't reduce well.

Lisa

If I were you, I would have some fun pruning it in hope for bonsai (dont prune too heavily) and if it does not work - then give it to someone if its going to be planted into the ground in will bounce back well.

Leyland Cypress is a great hedging tree, not as good as a bonsai. It could be used for a larger tree in bonsai but as lisa stated it is better as a hedge. Seeing as it is a freebie and you are newer to bonsai it could be used as practice for pinching and pruning of a conifer and later on put in the ground if and when you've had enough of it. Needle length and internode length will reduce over time but it will be slower to respond than say a shimpaku or squamata. I always say to people to leave more on the tree than what is the final image, especially with conifers as they respond better when more of their 'food factories' are left to make food. You can always come back to tree and cut back (or off) unnecessary branches later.
No harm in giving it a go, good practice and you'll learn from it as it grows and responds to your work.

Andrew