AusBonsai

Hey Guys this is a privet I have been working on, well for the past hour, not quiet finished yet just want to know what you think? and what lies ahead for it.

Daniel,

I think it looks a bit to much to be honest. Can I ask are they termites in the deadwood in picture 3?

Have a look at some carved trees and try to see the ratio of live wood to deadwood to see what looks more natural. That's not to say that this much carving couldn't look natural.

Squizz

Gee they do look like termites.... Sit back and let them do the work.... On second thoughts...(hope there not in your house)

You have two live veins there, nurture them, give them plenty of water and fertilizer and let then grow long and strong,

DO NOT CUT THEM BACK FOR AT LEAST 6 MONTHS OF SOLID GROWTH.

I think if you aiming for a larger type tree then the deadwood will eventually be dwarfed by the main trunk (I assume the shoot at the back is going to be the new leader).

Me personally, I would let the lower branch to the side and the shoot at the back not only grow longer and thicker, but also let it thicker and spread the cambium layer around the shoots onto the new deadwood you have created, this will form a more natural looking result

These trees grow very prolifically and as such the foliage will in a short period of time be the dominate feature, and then the carving will provide the "interest", and all will be good. Just as long as the foliage gets a rugged feature like the shari.

Keep those white ants away from your house or you could be up for so serious money!

yes I know about the termite things have killed them.
the tree obvisously looks out of per potion because of the minimal growth. will take more pics and show you what it turns out like. thanks for the Imput. the tree is not near house.

Wow the first time I have seen termites as a FEATURE, nice carving