This project is thanks to JoeLewko. My first attempt at a boxwood and here is the pictorial.
The stock tree as bought from home depot at $6.
[url=https://img219.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc01386uj8.jpg][img]https://img219.imageshack.us/img219/3909/dsc01386uj8.th.jpg[/img][/url]
Here's the tree after lots of careful pruning.
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Heres all the foliage that I trimmed off. Joe, I hope your getting a little more brave.
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Now for the roots. They were very thick and matted. They were tough to work loose but they are very nice for a stock tree.
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After my pretty diligent root prune. I would have done more but they were so thick it would have taken forever to untangle. Perhaps they will loosen up by next year.
[url=https://img132.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc01395wg8.jpg][img]https://img132.imageshack.us/img132/9395/dsc01395wg8.th.jpg[/img][/url]
I then repotted it into a slightly shorter more squaty pot and better soil. I put a bottom to a water bottle under the roots to promote a wider root ball.
[url=https://img412.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc01397hg8.jpg][img]https://img412.imageshack.us/img412/2420/dsc01397hg8.th.jpg[/img][/url]
Here's a pic of the nabari.
[url=https://img218.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc01399zb3.jpg][img]https://img218.imageshack.us/img218/7181/dsc01399zb3.th.jpg[/img][/url]
I feel I have a good start to a nice little shohin sized tree.
I was pretty sure I had the front of the tree just right but then I saw this pic.
[url=https://img176.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc01401zz6.jpg][img]https://img176.imageshack.us/img176/8405/dsc01401zz6.th.jpg[/img][/url]
I now see the possibility for a little twin trunk. Ohhh the possibilities
.
Joe I hope this has helped with some of your questions.
Thoughts, comments?
Tom
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boxwood stock progression 2
Last edited by constantstaticx3 on Fri May 02, 2008 7:12 am, edited 2 times in total.
yes, tom this has helped a lot, thank you. tomorrow, I will tyr to bring myself to do a little more chopping (if I have time). That was pretty quick Tom, maybe I'm just slow, but asll together, my tree pruning/repotting/wiring took a good three hours. Nice job, you did a pretty hefty root prune there (and I was worried I took too much off ) I look foward to where you take this tree.
Joe
Joe
Tom,
:Mucho Applause: Thanks for posting this .
Well done, That will be a nice little tree.
One option to consider to loosen up that tight rootball is slicing a couple of 'pie piece shaped wedges' out of it at the next repot.
In your beautiful soil [ ] they will fill back in with some nice feeder roots. You can then repeat it at a different 'tight' section of the rootball at the next repot if need be.
One idea....
Tom, your comments about the front crack me up.. I always doubted I was the only one who walked by [And seeing that certain angle..] ...Says: 'Wait a minute .. What was I thinking?'
Now I know someone else does that too...
ynot
:Mucho Applause: Thanks for posting this .
Well done, That will be a nice little tree.
One option to consider to loosen up that tight rootball is slicing a couple of 'pie piece shaped wedges' out of it at the next repot.
In your beautiful soil [ ] they will fill back in with some nice feeder roots. You can then repeat it at a different 'tight' section of the rootball at the next repot if need be.
One idea....
Tom, your comments about the front crack me up.. I always doubted I was the only one who walked by [And seeing that certain angle..] ...Says: 'Wait a minute .. What was I thinking?'
Now I know someone else does that too...
ynot
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ynot,
Thanks for the kind words I'm pretty happy with it. I wasn't planning on making it this small but as I was pruning it just kept getting smaller and smaller until finally well... .
Thats a good idea with the roots. They are so thick and fibrous that they should grow back very quickly like you said. These boxwoods seem to have good roots no matter what.
Tom
Joe, almost forgot.
Also, with the root prune. You have to realize that when you remove that much foliage you can remove the same amount or even a little more of the roots. I could have removed another half of what there was of the roots because there was barely any leaves left.
As for the future, I plan on just fertilizing and letting it grow out this year and then next spring chopping it back again next spring and then repeating this process until the branches have developed. Remember that these plants are used for hedges and are pretty much abused from trimming all there lives. Even though I've never tried these as bonsai before I'm pretty sure they are not going to die from a severe pruning like this.
Although ynot, how well do these backbud onto old wood? I hope the answer is very well because then I have the begginings of some nice branching .
Tom
Thanks for the kind words I'm pretty happy with it. I wasn't planning on making it this small but as I was pruning it just kept getting smaller and smaller until finally well... .
Thats a good idea with the roots. They are so thick and fibrous that they should grow back very quickly like you said. These boxwoods seem to have good roots no matter what.
Thanks, I love my new soil. I've been transplanting all of my trees into it over the past few weeks. I probobly should have waited a bit longer but I couldn't help it. Its taken a while for me to really grasp the soil concept but as you can see I finally got it. I have a steady supplier too that delivers it directly to my house. I plan on replenishing my ingrediants every year, I'm going through it like crazy!! .In your beautiful soil [ ]
Thats exaclty what I said and I was actualy thinking of not posting the pic cause I felt like an idiot that I missed that. Well now I know I have more than one possibility and I'm not the only one thats done it .Tom, your comments about the front crack me up.. I always doubted I was the only one who walked by [And seeing that certain angle..] ...Says: 'Wait a minute Exclamation.. What was I thinking?'
Tom
Joe, almost forgot.
I think you feel I was quick because you haven't done this before and are trying to be careful and thats a good thing, no sense in rushing. I just feel comfortable in my ability so I was more bold and was cutting braanch after branch off until I could finally see the bare bones of the tree, this doesn't mean I rushed it though. Like I said before I didn't think I would remove as much branching as I did but thats just what happens sometimes. In time you'll become more confident and you'll be just fine. I think you've done very well, much better than me, its taken me 3 years to be where I am now and I still consider myself a begginer.That was pretty quick Tom, maybe I'm just slow, but asll together, my tree pruning/repotting/wiring took a good three hours. Nice job, you did a pretty hefty root prune there (and I was worried I took too much off Smile ) I look foward to where you take this tree.
Also, with the root prune. You have to realize that when you remove that much foliage you can remove the same amount or even a little more of the roots. I could have removed another half of what there was of the roots because there was barely any leaves left.
As for the future, I plan on just fertilizing and letting it grow out this year and then next spring chopping it back again next spring and then repeating this process until the branches have developed. Remember that these plants are used for hedges and are pretty much abused from trimming all there lives. Even though I've never tried these as bonsai before I'm pretty sure they are not going to die from a severe pruning like this.
Although ynot, how well do these backbud onto old wood? I hope the answer is very well because then I have the begginings of some nice branching .
Tom
Last edited by constantstaticx3 on Thu Apr 05, 2007 11:47 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Tom,
yes I was very careful, especially with wiring. As far as I know, Boxwoods are a relatively hardy plant, and can take a pruning. And yes, boxwoods tend to develop strong roots, which does lead to many boxwood bonsai having very strong nebari, though I do feel Boxwood is an underused species for bonsai (search bowxood bonsai in google images, not nearly as many results as if you searched, juniper or ficus, etc). I;d have to sya boxwood is one of my favorite species as bonsai, in the winter, the leaves turn a red color, and when the tree comes out of dormancy, they go back to green (which is a quick and easy indication if it made it throught he winter ) As for backbudding, I'm not really sure, but I'm leaning towards yes.
yes I was very careful, especially with wiring. As far as I know, Boxwoods are a relatively hardy plant, and can take a pruning. And yes, boxwoods tend to develop strong roots, which does lead to many boxwood bonsai having very strong nebari, though I do feel Boxwood is an underused species for bonsai (search bowxood bonsai in google images, not nearly as many results as if you searched, juniper or ficus, etc). I;d have to sya boxwood is one of my favorite species as bonsai, in the winter, the leaves turn a red color, and when the tree comes out of dormancy, they go back to green (which is a quick and easy indication if it made it throught he winter ) As for backbudding, I'm not really sure, but I'm leaning towards yes.
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Yea I searched google for them too to get some ideas but I didn't find much either. I do have a book called "The Living Art of Bonsai" by Amy Liang and she has a bunch of very nice boxwoods in there.
Tom
Wow I didn't know that, I love the seasonal change of trees. Also, do you have any books? The internet is great but its also good to have some books. I have about five or six of them, I read them over and over again and always find a new bit of info in there that I missed before. I'm sure ynot can recomend some great begginer books for you.in the winter, the leaves turn a red color, and when the tree comes out of dormancy, they go back to green
Tom
Last edited by constantstaticx3 on Fri Apr 06, 2007 12:26 am, edited 1 time in total.
I don't actually own any books, but I have taken a number out from the local library (which just got re-done on a HUGE budget), but yes, the do often offer info that the internet doesn't (well it might but it could take a bit of searching). If I ever need book recomendations, I'll ask, but right now I think I'm ok.
Tom, I have that same book {as you know}...And love it
Everything may not require a repot next year, But it is always good to have soil on hand..
Much respect amigo .
Tom
Joe, almost forgot.
As you do this more often you will become more comfortable with it.
A large part of it also is understanding how to get it from point to another [As well as where those points should be & being uncertain about that will absolutely make you tentative wrt pruning.]
All of this though comes from experience. [And usually...Killing a bunch of trees- Just the way it works I'm afraid. :shrug:]
Because they do
ynot
I know that feeling..lolconstantstaticx3 wrote: I wasn't planning on making it this small but as I was pruning it just kept getting smaller and smaller until finally well... .
, Yeah often the nursery pot types have TOO crazy of a nebari and they are useless you know.Thats a good idea with the roots. They are so thick and fibrous that y should grow back very quickly like you said. These boxwoods seem to have good roots no matter what.
ynot wrote:In your beautiful soil [ ]
Welcome to the fold "D. Delivery eh, Cool!Thanks, I love my new soil. I've been transplanting all of my trees into it over the past few weeks. I probobly should have waited a bit longer but I couldn't help it. Its taken a while for me to really grasp the soil concept but as you can see I finally got it. I have a steady supplier too that delivers it directly to my house. I plan on replenishing my ingrediants every year, I'm going through it like crazy!! .
Everything may not require a repot next year, But it is always good to have soil on hand..
Tom, your comments about the front crack me up.. I always doubted I was the only one who walked by [And seeing that certain angle..] ...Says: 'Wait a minute Exclamation.. What was I thinking?'
LOL, Everybody thinks it, Not everyone admits it.Thats exaclty what I said and I was actualy thinking of not posting the pic cause I felt like an idiot that I missed that. Well now I know I have more than one possibility and I'm not the only one thats done it .
Much respect amigo .
Tom
Joe, almost forgot.
That was pretty quick Tom, maybe I'm just slow, but asll together, my tree pruning/repotting/wiring took a good three hours. Nice job, you did a pretty hefty root prune there (and I was worried I took too much off Smile ) I look foward to where you take this tree.
I think Tom hit upon a good point here Joe.I think you feel I was quick because you haven't done this before and are trying to be careful and thats a good thing, no sense in rushing. I just feel comfortable in my ability
As you do this more often you will become more comfortable with it.
A large part of it also is understanding how to get it from point to another [As well as where those points should be & being uncertain about that will absolutely make you tentative wrt pruning.]
All of this though comes from experience. [And usually...Killing a bunch of trees- Just the way it works I'm afraid. :shrug:]
Sounds like a good plan to meAs for the future, I plan on just fertilizing and letting it grow out this year and then next spring chopping it back again next spring and then repeating this process until the branches have developed.
Exactly..And YepRemember that these plants are used for hedges and are pretty much abused from trimming all there lives. Even though I've never tried these as bonsai before I'm pretty sure they are not going to die from a severe pruning like this.
Well the only accurate answer I can think of is...."very well".Although ynot, how well do these backbud onto old wood? I hope the answer is very well because then I have the begginings of some nice branching .
Because they do
ynot
Last edited by ynot on Fri Apr 06, 2007 2:58 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Joe,JoeLewko wrote: I;d have to sya boxwood is one of my favorite species as bonsai, in the winter, the leaves turn a red color, and when the tree comes out of dormancy, they go back to green (which is a quick and easy indication if it made it throught he winter
Buxus are evergreen and do not turn red, They may bronze a bit due to less chlorophyll production in the winter... But they don't have actual fall colors like a deciduous tree.
No disrespect Joe,Joe wrote:If I ever need book recomendations, I'll ask, but right now I think I'm ok.
But the top quote on this post says otherwise. Getting some books and digging into some research would arm you with knowledge that would prevent statements like that, With bonus info on how they grow for example.
[60 seconds worth of research could have gotten you the correct info, Before you made that statement. There's More than enough erroneous info onsite/online already.]
Know what I mean?
ynot
Last edited by ynot on Fri Apr 06, 2007 3:11 pm, edited 2 times in total.
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Yea I know, I plan on leaving them for 2 maybe three years but my collection keeps growing and its always good to have some on hand. I also want to support my supplier because he basically got up one day and decided he wanted to start a bonsai business, wish I could do that, this was his first year of supplying...well supplies to vendors around my area so he offered to dleiver it to me directly so I didn't have to pay the hefty shipping fee. He also makes some great pots!Everything may not require a repot next year, But it is always good to have soil on hand..Cool
I'm not affraid to admit it as long as I know I'm not the only one . I've killed my share of trees too.LOL, Everybody thinks it, Not everyone admits it.
Much respect amigo :Cool:.
Great! Although I have to say they don't look like they do, but I'll take your word for it and I'm sure I'll find out soon enough .Well the only accurate answer I can think of is...."very well".
Because they do Very Happy
Tom
Last edited by constantstaticx3 on Thu Jan 31, 2008 7:43 pm, edited 2 times in total.
A local guy..Yeeeaahhh , & Pots too Excellent!constantstaticx3 wrote: Yea I know, I plan on leaving them for 2 maybe three years but my collection keeps growing and its always good to have some on hand. I also want to support my supplier because he basically got up one day and decided he wanted to start a bonsai business, wish I could do that, this was his first year of supplying...well supplies to vendors around my area so he offered to dleiver it to me directly so I didn't have to pay the hefty shipping fee. He also makes some great pots!
LOL, Everybody thinks it, Not everyone admits it.
Much respect amigo :Cool:.
Yep, Tree deaths come with the territory, Part of the learning curve, Part of the deal.I'm not affraid to admit it as long as I know I'm not the only one . I've killed my share of trees too.
Yep, "oops" are a big part of bonsai :shrug:;), Best to be real about it [..As usually it's obvious anyway.]
It will be busting out all over , Be sure to rub off the ones placed where you don't need/want them.Great! Although I have to say they don't look like they do, but I'll take your word for it and I'm sure I'll find out soon enough .
ynot
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Well here's a bit of an early update, but I just couldn't help it its growing great!! This is easily becoming one of my favorite trees.
[url=https://img520.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc01432pm0.jpg][img]https://img520.imageshack.us/img520/2426/dsc01432pm0.th.jpg[/img][/url]
Like I said, I'll let it grow out and then in the winter prune it back and start to refine, Maybe wire a bit to get some more lateral growth.
Tom
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Like I said, I'll let it grow out and then in the winter prune it back and start to refine, Maybe wire a bit to get some more lateral growth.
Tom
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Tom,
The tree has responded nicely, good work so far. Your soil looks much like mine.
Good luck and let us know how it goes.
Norm
The tree has responded nicely, good work so far. Your soil looks much like mine.
From what I've read Buxus must be wired early as they are difficult to wire after the branches have hardened off. I have one that was literally dumped on my doorstep in 2004 but have not done much styling of foliage yet.Maybe wire a bit to get some more lateral growth.
Good luck and let us know how it goes.
Norm
Tom,
Much appreciation for the update.
Excellent start you have going there IMO . It has only been what...Two months...? [img]https://www.mysmilie.de/english/green/smilies/characters/015.gif[/img] Your tree is obviously loving that soil & your TLC .
IME, Gnome is absolutely correct in this:
Boxwoods are good like that and it beats having that 'out of place' branch annoy you for the rest of eternity you know..
ynot
Much appreciation for the update.
Excellent start you have going there IMO . It has only been what...Two months...? [img]https://www.mysmilie.de/english/green/smilies/characters/015.gif[/img] Your tree is obviously loving that soil & your TLC .
IME, Gnome is absolutely correct in this:
If you miss an opportunity to wire effectively you can always cut it back and catch the 'wiring window' when it grows back out.From what I've read Buxus must be wired early as they are difficult to wire after the branches have hardened off.
Boxwoods are good like that and it beats having that 'out of place' branch annoy you for the rest of eternity you know..
ynot
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That is good information thankyou. For this year though I just going to let it go and maybe do some wireing next year if needed. I will also need to get a smaller gauge wire because what I have now will not work.If you miss an opportunity to wire effectively you can always cut it back and catch the 'wiring window' when it grows back out.
Thanks for all the compliments .
Tom
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I did some winter pruning today. I really like the way the trunk line shows through now.
[url=https://img257.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc01567es0.jpg][img]https://img257.imageshack.us/img257/2932/dsc01567es0.th.jpg[/img][/url]
[url=https://img524.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc01568wj6.jpg][img]https://img524.imageshack.us/img524/2922/dsc01568wj6.th.jpg[/img][/url]
Tom
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[url=https://img524.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc01568wj6.jpg][img]https://img524.imageshack.us/img524/2922/dsc01568wj6.th.jpg[/img][/url]
Tom
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Tom,
Your Boxwood looks good and healthy. How have you been keeping it this winter? I lost a lot of things in the early years due to inadequate winter storage. If you keep this up you'll have a fine collection in a few years.
I left my Boxwood and Azalea outside until just recently when the cold snap hit. They're now in the garage until the weather moderates a bit and then I'll get them back out to get a little sun. I'm starting to get anxious to get to work. I have a few things that need re-potted this year, but not yet.
Norm
Your Boxwood looks good and healthy. How have you been keeping it this winter? I lost a lot of things in the early years due to inadequate winter storage. If you keep this up you'll have a fine collection in a few years.
I left my Boxwood and Azalea outside until just recently when the cold snap hit. They're now in the garage until the weather moderates a bit and then I'll get them back out to get a little sun. I'm starting to get anxious to get to work. I have a few things that need re-potted this year, but not yet.
Norm
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Gnome,
I've actually been keeping this one and the pine out on my deck. I put them on the bottom part of my plant stand so the are semi protected from the wind by the railing of the deck and the stand. My mom has some of these in a widow box completely exposed to the wind and they do just fine so I'm not worried about these. I have more sensitive trees up against the house where they are better protected. If I know it will be really bad weather, I will put them under a table that is on the deck for all around protection.
I have a few trees inside. I have my trident maple group, my cork bark elm, and my smaller zelkova inside the garage.
I'm getting restless as well. I wont be repotting too much this year, only the ones I had to slip pot in the summer. I will be putting a trident maple in the ground to thicken up though.
If your interested, I could post up a few other trees that are in progress. I just love sharing pics of my trees, even if there isn't much to show.
Tom
I thought I should point out that this tree is only 7inches tall.
I've actually been keeping this one and the pine out on my deck. I put them on the bottom part of my plant stand so the are semi protected from the wind by the railing of the deck and the stand. My mom has some of these in a widow box completely exposed to the wind and they do just fine so I'm not worried about these. I have more sensitive trees up against the house where they are better protected. If I know it will be really bad weather, I will put them under a table that is on the deck for all around protection.
I have a few trees inside. I have my trident maple group, my cork bark elm, and my smaller zelkova inside the garage.
Thanks, I really hope so. I really need atleast one tree to show for my efforts and this one has some real potential.If you keep this up you'll have a fine collection in a few years.
I'm getting restless as well. I wont be repotting too much this year, only the ones I had to slip pot in the summer. I will be putting a trident maple in the ground to thicken up though.
If your interested, I could post up a few other trees that are in progress. I just love sharing pics of my trees, even if there isn't much to show.
Tom
I thought I should point out that this tree is only 7inches tall.
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Tom,
By all means post the pictures. Have you had the opportunity to work the roots of the Trident yet or will this be this first chance? I imagine you know about the technique of planting the tree on a tile or a board. Just make sure you make a note of it in your journal. It is easy to forget what is what after a few years.
Norm
By all means post the pictures. Have you had the opportunity to work the roots of the Trident yet or will this be this first chance? I imagine you know about the technique of planting the tree on a tile or a board. Just make sure you make a note of it in your journal. It is easy to forget what is what after a few years.
Norm
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No, I have not been able to work with the roots of the maple yet. I was actually just thinking about where I should plant the tree and if I should put something underneath for lateral root growth. I also realize that I'm gonna have to put some chicken wire around it so the squirrels don't chew it to bits.
I guess I'll be making a couple more progression threads soon.
Tom
I guess I'll be making a couple more progression threads soon.
Tom
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OK, I have re-thought my original plan for this tree. I realized that it would be too tall in relation to the trunk and after some careful thought here is what I have come up with.
[url=https://img168.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc01569pm5.jpg][img]https://img168.imageshack.us/img168/9611/dsc01569pm5.th.jpg[/img][/url]
Here is a drawing I did that resembles what I would like it to look like. I'm not the greatest drawer but you get the idea.
[url=https://img168.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc01572zx0.jpg][img]https://img168.imageshack.us/img168/397/dsc01572zx0.th.jpg[/img][/url]
I am much happier with my new plan now. What do you guys think?
Tom
[url=https://img168.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc01569pm5.jpg][img]https://img168.imageshack.us/img168/9611/dsc01569pm5.th.jpg[/img][/url]
Here is a drawing I did that resembles what I would like it to look like. I'm not the greatest drawer but you get the idea.
[url=https://img168.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc01572zx0.jpg][img]https://img168.imageshack.us/img168/397/dsc01572zx0.th.jpg[/img][/url]
I am much happier with my new plan now. What do you guys think?
Tom
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Tom,
I agree wholeheartedly, removing the "handlebar" branches improves the image greatly. Boxwood are such slow growers that you might as well accept that this is going remain a small tree. You've realized this trees limitations and made a plan to maximize its potential, good work. I'd put those concave cutters away for a while though.
This is in contrast to your Black Pine which will grow quickly and change dramatically over the next five years. That is a tree that is worthy of a long term plan.
Norm
I agree wholeheartedly, removing the "handlebar" branches improves the image greatly. Boxwood are such slow growers that you might as well accept that this is going remain a small tree. You've realized this trees limitations and made a plan to maximize its potential, good work. I'd put those concave cutters away for a while though.
This is in contrast to your Black Pine which will grow quickly and change dramatically over the next five years. That is a tree that is worthy of a long term plan.
Norm
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Another update. This tree continues to amaze me. The first right hand branch has outstanding ramification considering how long it's been in training. It is bursting with buds all over. I have been pinching it back and I have removed the leaves that were way too big for the tree. Well here are the pics.
[url=https://img291.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc01733tz8.jpg][img]https://img291.imageshack.us/img291/8536/dsc01733tz8.th.jpg[/img][/url]
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The first pic is the front and the last one is the back. In the front, I plan on making a small shari/hollow trunk where I removed that large branch.
In the third pic I need some help. I can't decide whether to remove the branch just above the first left hand branch or not. If I do, that area will be a little bare but I know it ruins the image. If I leave it, I will try to reduce the stub and make it into a back branch. Any thoughts?
The apex has some great buds on it and, at this rate, it should fill out very soon and improve the image.
There are two back branches, I'm not sure which one to keep just yet, in the last pic that just grew this year. I will leave them for now and decide on it next year.
I love the image it projects already. I see a very tall oak that remains after a storm killed the younger trees around it and took one of its branches with it.
Tom
[url=https://img291.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc01733tz8.jpg][img]https://img291.imageshack.us/img291/8536/dsc01733tz8.th.jpg[/img][/url]
[url=https://img257.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc01728gh4.jpg][img]https://img257.imageshack.us/img257/1826/dsc01728gh4.th.jpg[/img][/url]
[url=https://img241.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc01732dl1.jpg][img]https://img241.imageshack.us/img241/5439/dsc01732dl1.th.jpg[/img][/url]
[url=https://img253.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc01729pk0.jpg][img]https://img253.imageshack.us/img253/8215/dsc01729pk0.th.jpg[/img][/url]
[url=https://img411.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc01731lb1.jpg][img]https://img411.imageshack.us/img411/2783/dsc01731lb1.th.jpg[/img][/url]
The first pic is the front and the last one is the back. In the front, I plan on making a small shari/hollow trunk where I removed that large branch.
In the third pic I need some help. I can't decide whether to remove the branch just above the first left hand branch or not. If I do, that area will be a little bare but I know it ruins the image. If I leave it, I will try to reduce the stub and make it into a back branch. Any thoughts?
The apex has some great buds on it and, at this rate, it should fill out very soon and improve the image.
There are two back branches, I'm not sure which one to keep just yet, in the last pic that just grew this year. I will leave them for now and decide on it next year.
I love the image it projects already. I see a very tall oak that remains after a storm killed the younger trees around it and took one of its branches with it.
Tom
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Tom,
I agree that the branch stub you mentioned does look out of place. I'm surprised that you are getting new branches forming already this year. My Boxwoods (at least the two that are growing) are just getting started.
You mentioned creating a hollow on the trunk. Have you seen this?
[url]https://www.bonsai4me.com/AdvTech/ATUro.htm[/url]
Norm
I agree that the branch stub you mentioned does look out of place. I'm surprised that you are getting new branches forming already this year. My Boxwoods (at least the two that are growing) are just getting started.
You mentioned creating a hollow on the trunk. Have you seen this?
[url]https://www.bonsai4me.com/AdvTech/ATUro.htm[/url]
Norm
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Thank you Norm for that article. I have always wondered how they are created and I'm glad to find out that it is that easy. I will probably perform this task in the fall, that seems to be the best time to do it.
As for that branch stub, I will reduce it as much as possible and post a pic to see what you think and then if it still doesn't look right I will remove it completely and maybe make another uro at that point as well. This could be a very interesting tree by the time this year is finished. I already have a nice pot to put it in next spring and I can't wait to do so.
Good luck with yours.
Tom
As for that branch stub, I will reduce it as much as possible and post a pic to see what you think and then if it still doesn't look right I will remove it completely and maybe make another uro at that point as well. This could be a very interesting tree by the time this year is finished. I already have a nice pot to put it in next spring and I can't wait to do so.
I think this tree may just be an exception. My other box has just begun to show buds and unfortunately not where I was hoping, its still early though. It may also be the warm weather we had but this tree is extremely healthy. I'm not sure what I did but whatever it was, it worked .My Boxwoods (at least the two that are growing) are just getting started.
Good luck with yours.
Tom
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Here's a new pic after reducing and partially jinning the top left branch and using a guy wire to pull down another branch. I reduced the stub as far as possible without removing the bud that I want to keep. I'm still not too happy so I may be removing it completely in the fall. I will create a uro out of this as well. There are a couple cuts in the back that I could do this too as well but I don't want to do too much so it will be a little at a time.
[url=https://img72.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc01737vd2.jpg][img]https://img72.imageshack.us/img72/7333/dsc01737vd2.th.jpg[/img][/url]
Tom
[url=https://img72.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc01737vd2.jpg][img]https://img72.imageshack.us/img72/7333/dsc01737vd2.th.jpg[/img][/url]
Tom
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I decided to do some more work on this tree today. Already, sphagnum was placed around the nebari to induce new roots to grow and improve its look in the long run. There's one before pic and then the after pics rotate from front around counter clockwise. I tried my hand at carving for the first time. Its not the greatest job but its a start and as it rots it should look better. I will apply some sort of wood hardener down the road.
I keep giving up on this tree thinking it will never be anything but for some reason I keep going back to it. I'm starting to like it again.
[url=https://img375.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc01863ri1.jpg][img]https://img375.imageshack.us/img375/7061/dsc01863ri1.th.jpg[/img][/url][url=https://img119.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc01864vm0.jpg][img]https://img119.imageshack.us/img119/1938/dsc01864vm0.th.jpg[/img][/url][url=https://img509.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc01865ia3.jpg][img]https://img509.imageshack.us/img509/9961/dsc01865ia3.th.jpg[/img][/url][url=https://img93.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc01866mp9.jpg[URL=https://img165.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc01867mr2.jpg][img]https://img165.imageshack.us/img165/636/dsc01867mr2.th.jpg[/img][/url]
[url=https://img530.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc01868du9.jpg][img]https://img530.imageshack.us/img530/9728/dsc01868du9.th.jpg[/img][/url][url=https://img393.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc01869fp0.jpg][img]https://img393.imageshack.us/img393/3093/dsc01869fp0.th.jpg[/img][/url]
Tom
I keep giving up on this tree thinking it will never be anything but for some reason I keep going back to it. I'm starting to like it again.
[url=https://img375.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc01863ri1.jpg][img]https://img375.imageshack.us/img375/7061/dsc01863ri1.th.jpg[/img][/url][url=https://img119.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc01864vm0.jpg][img]https://img119.imageshack.us/img119/1938/dsc01864vm0.th.jpg[/img][/url][url=https://img509.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc01865ia3.jpg][img]https://img509.imageshack.us/img509/9961/dsc01865ia3.th.jpg[/img][/url][url=https://img93.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc01866mp9.jpg[URL=https://img165.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc01867mr2.jpg][img]https://img165.imageshack.us/img165/636/dsc01867mr2.th.jpg[/img][/url]
[url=https://img530.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc01868du9.jpg][img]https://img530.imageshack.us/img530/9728/dsc01868du9.th.jpg[/img][/url][url=https://img393.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc01869fp0.jpg][img]https://img393.imageshack.us/img393/3093/dsc01869fp0.th.jpg[/img][/url]
Tom
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Tom,
The uro looks good and as you say it will change over time. WRT to the wood hardener, I recently read somewhere that Walter Pall is opposed to the use of Lime Sulfur and feels that nature should be allowed to take its course. I know the two are not the same but the concept still applies.
Don't give up on it you have a lot of time ahead of you. Every year it seems I give up on something but that is usually because it is not doing well. This one seems healthy so far. Instead be on the look out for urban yamdori, I have decent Box stump that was removed from someones landscape and given to me.
Norm
The uro looks good and as you say it will change over time. WRT to the wood hardener, I recently read somewhere that Walter Pall is opposed to the use of Lime Sulfur and feels that nature should be allowed to take its course. I know the two are not the same but the concept still applies.
Don't give up on it you have a lot of time ahead of you. Every year it seems I give up on something but that is usually because it is not doing well. This one seems healthy so far. Instead be on the look out for urban yamdori, I have decent Box stump that was removed from someones landscape and given to me.
Norm
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I read the same thing in a thread on BT. My plan is to let it weather and maybe even rot to the point where its color has evolved more naturally. Then I will apply the wood hardener, which doesn't change the color, to seal in the color. Although I may not harden it at all.I recently read somewhere that Walter Pall is opposed to the use of Lime Sulfur and feels that nature should be allowed to take its course. I know the two are not the same but the concept still applies.
Tom
Ps. I just did a little more extensive work today. I realize my guy wiring skills are little to none and I'm hesitant to post a pic but here it is anyway. I think with thinner wire this would be much easier.
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