Yatsubutsa stock plant progression

[Edward Scissorhand]

Stock material. Yatsubutsa black pine grafted material from Ray Nasci about 4 years ago. I didnt realise it was a grafted stock until I saw the reverse taper hidden under the soil and noticed the bark colour change. I regretted the purchase at first because of the reverse taper, but now Ive changed my mind and can see some potential in it. Lets see what happens in the future.

DSC00001 (1632 x 1224).jpg

DSC00002 (1224 x 1632).jpg

DSCN1265.JPG

[bonzaidog]

Hi Ed,your pine seems to be kicking along really well,looks nice and healthy,can I ask if the lower branch is sacrificial or wired for another reason?.Also what are it's toes in? thanx....Dog.

[Edward Scissorhand]

Hi Ed,your pine seems to be kicking along really well,looks nice and healthy,can I ask if the lower branch is sacrificial or wired for another reason?.Also what are it's toes in? thanx....Dog.

Hi Bonsaidog, the bottom branch has 3 main functions. It facilitates thickening the lower parts of the tree (I mentioned above the tree has reverse taper). It gives me the "start again option" when I dont like the design anymore and do the chop or hack back. Also it gives me design options, if I feel like making it a cascade or a semicascade, at least I can do it and carve out the taper. The soil is just gravel + potting mix + river sand. Anything with good drainage is good with pines.
I hope that helps Bonsaidog, goodluck mate.

[bonzaidog]

Thanks again Ed, ....Dog