Front Selection: Repotted Korean Hornbeam

lieuz

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I repotted this tree and couldn't get a clear reading on which could be considered a front. I know for sure the front or the back is the optimal directions to make my front. The tree does satisfy some textbook guidelines of front selection; however, there are some issues that arose during the repotting.

20160402_091747.jpg

Here is the aftermath of my repotting.

When I first bought the tree, the tree presented itself to me from this angle which I initially called the front. The tree does lean away from the viewer and has a major branch to start cultivating foliage to create depth immediately. The only problem is, that large root growth is a problem and I didn't want to remove it because I was afraid of the damage I could cause if I removed it. The trunk chop is also super apparent... Looking back, I think I could have gotten away from clipping those higher roots :/. Also the larger root could have been removed as well...

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The "backside" is a bit more natural hiding the trunk chop, the tree leans towards the viewer but I would have loved for that main branch to be behind the tree...

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Any feedback is welcomed! I thank you in advance!
 

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rockm

Spuds Moyogi
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Those high roots will have to go at next repotting. They are a major distraction. The last shot with the tree leaning towards the left shows what is probably the actual nebari. Korean hornbeam can develop multilevel root systems if they aren't adjusted as smaller saplings. That lead to what you've got here.

I wouldn't really worry all that much about branching at this point. You've got bigger fish to fry. This tree is also too tall. If it were mine, I'd take the trunk down by half, but not before tackling those roots.

Next year, I'd chop the roots away from the trunk seal the wounds and then just let the tree go for a couple of years at least. This would work even better in the ground. I'd let the tree go until the root pruning wounds healed. then I chop it to about 12-15 inches, or less. Grow out a new apex, then put it in a training container to work on the branching.
 

lieuz

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@rockm, thank you for that insight. I agree with your comments and I have thought about putting it into the ground; however, I don't have any space to do so :/. Chopping it down is also on my to do list as well.
 
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