AusBonsai

I'm very new to this and my 9 year old daughter wants to learn with me.
Anyway, I'm picking up a free ficus tree tomorrow that I haven't even seen.
I'm guessing it's going to be tall and I'm wondering if a trunk chop can be done on this tree or is it the wrong time of year(Adelaide)?
If trunk cutting is a option, what's the best tool for the job?

I've got my own trees from the bonsai society a few weeks ago, a maple and spindle, but know nothing of ficus...

Post a picture of the ficus when you get hold of it so we can help it's hard to know where to chop without seeing the tree.

Generally major work is done to figs in the warmer months, so you maybe ok now depending on local temps. Before trunk chopping I would just be making sure it's in a nice free draining soil mix. If it needs to be slip potted I would do that first and let the tree build up some vigour before trunk chopping.
As for best tool for the job-A nice clean sharp saw-you can pick up the folding ones from Bunnings for a few $$ and they works nicely.
Check out the wiki for all things ficus!


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Luckly it was grown for bonsai use and not a large type tree.
Have reduced the branches already, so no need for a trunk chop.
So a top score for zero dollars...

I also picked up a Orange Jessamine (Murraya Paniculata) for myself goinv cheap that has been removed from a garden, needs a little TLC, but has a nice trunk to start with....

Sounds like you found a good source still feel free to post pics for all to see.