AusBonsai

Hi All.
I have shaped this pine into what I ultimatly intend for the trunk but wonder what I might do now to develope the branch structure. Am i heading in the right direction by having all foliage facing one direction? I will consider a repot later as I am concerned about stressing the tree too much. ( probably did this the wrong way around I realise)

Kind regards

Squizz

A great effort Squizz. Lots of movement in the trunk. At the next repot i would stand the tree a little more upright and bring the lower branch down more. A better photo would help more.

Hi Sqizzy , this is what i like to see , gentle persuasion with a plan in mind . Prior to this it would have been called a stick in a pot , amazing what a stick can look like with a little thought and action . Well done mate .

Cheers Alpineart

thanks guys,

yes there were a few close calls with the bending so hoping the tree powers on and I can create something half decent.

cheers

Squizz

The growth is healthier so I think another growing season or two and we might begin to see something decent.I am happy with the trunk shape but need some girth and taper Squizz

Looking good, I like the shape.

Since it has pollen cones (a sign of stress or weakness), I'd just let it grow this year with plenty of water and fertliser.

Ahh all my pines are growing pollen cones. That doesnt fill me with confidence.

Thanks for the heads up Scott

Squizz

Why are pollen cones a sign of stress or weakness? Every tree in the ground growing vigorously has them.

Looking good Squizz. Mine turned it's toes up!

It that the planned final planting angle?

Cheers,

Andrew

It's a very strong trunk shape, but as you say, needs more girth.

There are two ways this can happen:
Live till you are 372 years old,
Or put it in a bigger pot, and grow a sacrifice branch somewhere where you won't notice when you cut it off. (And keep your long-term branches happy!)

Pines aren't easy, but this one is worth the work.

Gavin

Andrew Legg wrote:Looking good Squizz. Mine turned it's toes up!

It that the planned final planting angle?

Cheers,

Andrew

To be honest Andrew I am not sure. Others have said it should be more upright which I guess makes sense but I dont think I will make it a great deal more upright.

GavinG wrote:It's a very strong trunk shape, but as you say, needs more girth.

There are two ways this can happen:
Live till you are 372 years old,
Or put it in a bigger pot, and grow a sacrifice branch somewhere where you won't notice when you cut it off. (And keep your long-term branches happy!)

Pines aren't easy, but this one is worth the work.

Gavin

Hey Gavin,

Mate there is a lack of new shoots anywhere on the trunkline which could become sacrifice branches so I guess I will have to live to 372 which throws my retirement plans into chaos as I have only budgeted to live to 211.

Squizz

thought i would update this one for some thoughts

The photo shows what i think should be the front

have twisted and turned branches to sit where i think they need to for balance but would love some thoughts

squizz

Hey Squizzy,
seems like you've gotten your girth - looking good.

Love it squizz, It's got curves in all the right places!