AusBonsai

This boug was collected a few weeks ago and is now powering on. Is this the stage I should be trimming back to 2 leaf buds to encourage bushy growth close to the trunkK I have always allowed them to grow more open but I like the close growth better.

Also a question for Jamie.... This fig was cut back a few weeks ago also, do you think it should be shorter????

Hi loretta

I think you should let the boug grow freely for a fair bit longer, the more shoots you have to choose from the more options you will have and the stronger the tree will be, the only reason i would cut anything back right now is if the shoots are no where near where you want them

figs can always be cut back smaller nah seriously, with the size of this one i can see two shoots near the top, one in the right and one a little lower on the left that when they harden off i would "V" cut to them and use as leaders and build the tree from there, you really only have two styling options with that tree right now, go with those two shoots and create a broom, or cut it lower to one of the lowest shoots and regrow with movement into the leader as an informal upright.

jamie

Thanks Jamie, I'll do the first option with the fig
Loretta

good choice

I wouldn't cut them this year, I would wire them into approximate positions because I have found boug wood had to bend once the wood has set, it is also hard to change the angle the branch comes out of the trunk once they thicken, and you will end up splitting the branch off if you bend it down.

Do you have a pic of the whole tree?

Jarrod wrote:I wouldn't cut them this year, I would wire them into approximate positions because I have found boug wood had to bend once the wood has set, it is also hard to change the angle the branch comes out of the trunk once they thicken, and you will end up splitting the branch off if you bend it down.

Do you have a pic of the whole tree?

Hi jarrod

This was the tree the day we dug it up. I will wire it but should I keep on tip pruning it as I don't want branches growing too long

I would let the braches grow unhindered this season, help to regenerate some roots, the bud well from each leaf so you could cut it back to the second leaf next year and build ramification from there. You could cut now, the main point is that you wire the branches where you want them while they are young.

What is your long term plan for the tree? Will you remove one of the trunks?

good advice on the boug Jezz

I forgot to mention that, definately wire the ones in position early, but letting them grow unhindered is a definately good idea, being up north you might not have to wait a year though

Jarrod wrote:I would let the braches grow unhindered this season, help to regenerate some roots, the bud well from each leaf so you could cut it back to the second leaf next year and build ramification from there. You could cut now, the main point is that you wire the branches where you want them while they are young.

What is your long term plan for the tree? Will you remove one of the trunks?

The R/H trunk is nearly hollow and I was thinking I might carve and jin it...what do you think? If it doesn't look any good I could then cut it off I've seen yours and it's absolutely beautiful, this is the affect I want in mine. I've got 4 others that were dug up on the same day, any advise
cheers Loretta

BUMP

If the branch is already dead you may as well carve it. Boug wood is very soft you it will rot quickly but it will look good for a while.

I think you could easily achieve a similar result on your tree as i have on mine. You just need to wire those branches early, i did mine too late and damaged the branches at the base. they are still growing strong but it will always be a weak spot. I have found that you can let them dry out to the point thatthe branches droop, this makes them very easy to bend while they are still green. So now is the perfect time to dry them out for you. (a side note, i take no responsibility for mishap that may occur if you dry it out too much!)

As far as the other ones are concerned, same applies, wire young and set the branches up. Try to avoid carving if possible, but if you have to it will look good in the short term.

Cheers