Ideas please!

[billa]

Hi Guys!!

I have been looking at this tree for a while now and am struggling with ideas...

I am thinking of applying a thick trunk bending method that was posted up not too long ago (cutting a wedge out method)

Before I attempt it...I would like other possible ideas..

I love the fact that when im in need of a hand I can come here.....I love you guys **group hug**

azalea11.jpg

azalea12.jpg

azalea13.jpg

Photos are not the best...I will post some more tomr - THANK YOU!

[bodhidharma]

You know what i would be tempted to do Billa A triple trunk would be great. Now, if you can somehow manage to pull them closer to each other without the dreaded ..SNAP.. you could have a winner. It would be a long project needing raffia, large wire, pulling arrangements Etc and a little bit of movement each day but it would be worth it. Thats my 10 cents worth.

[Tony Bebb]

Don't use the wedge method Billa. Azalea's will more than likely snap at that point while you are trying to close the wedge. Any movement would need to be done with a good raffia wrap as Bodhi suggested.

Sorry Bodhi, but I would suggest only 2 trunks maximum. The fact that all three trunk lines move away from each other from the centre, it will be very difficult to get them close enough to get good flow for the tree, and get a good V at the base. The 2 on the right in the second photo for example will be able to flow together, and taper from the base, whereas the one on the left will always start in the opposite direction and be rounded from the base, creating a reverse tapered effect. It will still need some raffia on the trunks though.

Tony

[Guy]

at the start don't forget to include in the plan a way to sort out those crossed roots-this could determine which trunks to keep-if the nebari isn't good it will always be a second rate tree

[billa]

You know what i would be tempted to do Billa A triple trunk would be great. Now, if you can somehow manage to pull them closer to each other without the dreaded ..SNAP.. you could have a winner. It would be a long project needing raffia, large wire, pulling arrangements Etc and a little bit of movement each day but it would be worth it. Thats my 10 cents worth.

Bodhi!!! Thank you...you are not wrong about the snapping...I cleaned up some die back and very twiggy branches and the just snap, crackle and pop right off...when I try to flex a teunk even with my hand I can only do it so much before it 'feels'like it will snap...

I have not had much luck finding raffia locally...will this be something I have to source online?

I can see the potential in it...and it will indeed be worth the wait...thans

[billa]

Don't use the wedge method Billa. Azalea's will more than likely snap at that point while you are trying to close the wedge. Any movement would need to be done with a good raffia wrap as Bodhi suggested.

Sorry Bodhi, but I would suggest only 2 trunks maximum. The fact that all three trunk lines move away from each other from the centre, it will be very difficult to get them close enough to get good flow for the tree, and get a good V at the base. The 2 on the right in the second photo for example will be able to flow together, and taper from the base, whereas the one on the left will always start in the opposite direction and be rounded from the base, creating a reverse tapered effect. It will still need some raffia on the trunks though.

Tony

MR Bebb!! Thanks for your thoughts...

You are right in the way where the two right trunks will permit me to some degree........ to try and maintain the flow of the trunks...I think the one on the far left will just be way to hard to bring accross...so two trunks would be more acheivable for me...im sure there is a way you big boys could make this a good tree with all three trunks...but for me...attempting the 2 will be just fine for where im at with bonsai at the mo'

Thank you!

[billa]

at the start don't forget to include in the plan a way to sort out those crossed roots-this could determine which trunks to keep-if the nebari isn't good it will always be a second rate tree

Good idea thank you Guy! I will have to take a closer look at the roots to see what is actually happening down there over and beneath the soil!! The nebari si there but some of it does criss cross...

[GavinG]

Hmm..

Because all the trunks go so strongly away from one another, I'm not sure they'll ever harmonise, whatever you do. Possibly (and think about it A LOT) split the right and left trunks, and have two strongly sideways single trees. Probably the back trunk would go - if you tried to split it three ways the base trunk would get too thin. I think. Certainly they won't bend easily.

Best of luck. I like the way the trunk rises from the roots, that's always a good start.

Gavin

[paddles]

Billa, you can get raffia from spotlight, or lincraft, I however would like to say that some people are now using vet wrap, I have found vetwrap good, and easier to use than raffia, however I must admit I have heard of people who have left it on for extended periods, (years) have then had issues of it sticking to the bark, but then when I used raffia, I had a job and a half to get it off.