AusBonsai

I got this guy of Bodhidharma. It looks like it has a heaps of options but which to take. I think it will be a fairly tall tree but looking for opinions. Let me know your thoughts.

Hi jarrod, Nice tree, i would cut it just above the seccond branch.

Hey Jarrod Give it to me

I woud cut it where you have covered it up. depending on the roots, I would liek #3 as the front

Ken

I will stay out of this one Jarrod my friend. I am looking forward to watching the input you get.

I would cop as indicated then pick a front and regrow from there. Looks like some nice Character

Agreed, Chop away!

Just cut it somewhere and see what happens. It's the right time of year, you can always cut some more later after spring when you know whats its doing.
Mick

Chop it right down to the first, right direction change and will develop much better taper.

I love Hawthorns

Tech

Hey Jarrod, for me I would again go for image three and cut the bottom right hand and the left hand branch then wire the middle one to give better taper, in Spring.

Ash

I think this tree is going to be a tough tree to make desicions on. The trunk has amazing character all the way up and I don't really want to waste that. Also if I cut it where bretts suggested I am concerned I won't get the budding I need

thanks everyone for your input on this guy.

The character in that trunk is why I went as High as I did I did consider the first branch but that top section is very interesting. I think if you go too high you will be disappointed by the lack of taper in this top.
I am no expert on Hawthorn but when I collected mine last year they budded all over below the chop. Maybe go a little higher than I indicated to ensure you get a bud but I would rather Bodi give his advice on how well it will bud back!

what bout this?

Bretts wrote:I would cop as indicated then pick a front and regrow from there. Looks like some nice Character

d27e42a4.jpeg

Why cut Below that Branch Brett?

I would cut above it and use the existing branch as the start of the new apex.
It has taper in every section then, and that branch has some age already

You would be making a slightly taller tree, But I prefer them

Ken

It is that straight taper-less section. The tree I have in mind this just will not work. Maybe someone that thinks different than I can come up with a tree that utilizes this section. If so I would love to look and learn!

Jarrod, i wasnt going to intervene but i know your predicament. The character burned into the tree by years of hardship is a massive feature.The photos are not doing it justice. If you start cutting it down you will lose all of it This was my plan with the tree. Firstly, the large thick trunk/ branch at the top of the tree has to come off. That will change the tree instantly. lightly prune the tops of the existing trunks to induce back budding. This will give you some more branches to work with to build the top of the tree. The tree needs to be a little taller and be developed as an elegant tree. Leave the branches and go slowly on this one. Remember it has autumn colour and build it for that. I do not think you should take the easy way out and chop it. I personally think you will regret that decision Remember why you purchased the tree in the first place, it was the character of it. If you are at a loss as to where to go with it come visit and we will work on it together next spring. Movement can be created within the existing tree but if you cut, then it is gone.