AusBonsai

hey guys i've had this cypress for a while now and at first i thought it would suit a formal upright
i started wiring and was having a good look at the tree and i started to think that it might make
look much nicer if i chopped it low and hollowed it out
here are some photos
the red line it the chop. red arrow is the new leader
and the blue arrow will be kept as a side branch

i cant decide on what to do

any ideas? be honest i wont bite i promise

o.k select your branches, wire it up and plonk it into a very large growing container. Make it a 5 year project and you will have an exhibition tree.

If you were to really consider a formal, then you will need to wire all the low branches so they exit trunk horizontally, and then hang down. As the branches get higher, the angle to the trunk gets higher too.
This way the tree appears to have had winter snow bend the older ( lower) branches down over the years, and the younger higher branches are pointing progressively more upright.

If you cannot get the branching to work this way, then do not try to force the tree into a style it will not look convincing as. Select you low branching and cut back to just above them, plant in a larger pot or the ground to develop your taper and movement

Ken

thanks guys much appreciated

ill have a good look at it this weekend
if i think i can pull off the formal upright ill try
but we will see if it looks convincing