AusBonsai

Pulled this one out of the ground yesterday and sporting cuts and blisters as a result. I assume its a Desert Ash but the bark looks different to another I have (not as furrowed). Both leaders have some merit, and haven't made a call as yet. Any recommendations would be great.

I thought Gillard was our leader

Keep the fatter of the two - still kinda like Gillard and Rudd, we kept Julia...the fatter out of the two

Hey soda, good to see you got another big ash this season! I seem to recall that you grabbed a large one last season too (although it had already leafed out/early spring)
I like the smaller leader myself :tu2:thinking semi caascade probably too early too decide though.
You could always decide which to cull at a later date if you are wavering between the two.
If you keep the bigger one I would maybe cut it back a little more (say half way?).
Is the angle that it is planted in the pot the same as it was growing at in the field, or have you changed it at all?
Nice find!
Cheers, Dario.

Hi Dario, yes I couldn't help my self. The leaders were vertical when it was in the ground, so yes it must have had a strange early life before these two shot up. Steep embankment though. The older appearance out to the lesser leader has me leaning towards it. Wait and see. My wife does talk of a cull,:-( I will keep you in mind if that day comes. Its 'hiding' at my parents house, I'm a bad person.

Hi Soda,
Great badness
I like the third option as a front, keep the fatter option and leave the scar ar the back.
The base at soil level looks good from this angle as well.

Great material !!! as the rest i feel keep the fatter and closer to the trunk as a general rule, (not alaways)

I'd go for the lesser trunk - more taper, and stronger movement. It's possible you could leave both while it gets its strength back, then cover up one head with paper/cloth, and then the other - see what it wants. Great base.

Gavin

soda wrote: My wife does talk of a cull,:-( I will keep you in mind if that day comes. Its 'hiding' at my parents house, I'm a bad person.

For sure soda, if that happens do let me know
Look forwar to see what you decide with this one too!
Cheers, Dario.