Ohmy222
Shohin
# 3 go with the best front and make it work best you can.
This, I was thinking the same.Never define the front of a bonsai by the apex
The first photo (of the tree from the side) should be your front. NOT because of the apex, but because of the nebari and the trunk line. All you have to do is wire up a new apex to the left and forward, and develop your branches a little bit more on the left than the right and voila! It is a pretty subtle informal upright, but I think it has very pleasing lines. To me that would be an exhibition tree.
Option 3 and repot on a Jan Culek or similar style slab.Here’s a bit of a challenge. I have this Green Atlas Cedar, that’s been a bit neglected for a while. I’ll share it’s story in a follow-up post. But, I now have it at home where I can take the time to study it to figure out how to improve it.
First off, let’s take a look at it from the side:
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It’s about 22 inches tall, the nebari is 8” at the soil, the trunk is 5 inches across.
See how the trunk at the apex moves to the right at the top? Hmm... That suggests the right side of this tree should be the front. Right?
Ok, let’s look at it:
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Ok. Not bad, huh? But, something’s not right. This “feels” like it’s the back of the tree. There’s lots of branches obscuring a good view of the trunk. The trunk is pretty straight from this view, which is ok since it’s basically a formal upright. But it still has the juvenile bark of a young tree. (These thinks are like JWP... they take decades to develop flaky, fissured, mature bark). The trunk has very few visual scars. The branch structure is pretty symmetrical.
Now, let’s look at the other side:
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Hmm... better view of the trunk! The branching is more open and asymmetric. Some mature bark is developing diwn low. The scars and wrinkles of the trunk add visual interest. Unfortunately, up near the top, there is a pruning scar that still needs healing, which the tree is doing, but it will take it a few more years.
But the biggest issue is, the apex moves away. It’s not noticeable when viewed from afar, like 15 feet or so, but you do notice when you inspect it up close.
So...
What to do?
Some options I’ve considered:
1) Restyle the tree to use the side where the apex moves forward as the front?
2) Live with it?
3) Change the potting angle a bit, and try to move the apex with wire?
4) Sell it on eBay?
What would you do?
Thank you, we're well but cold! I don't like this time of year, have to dream of spring to keep going.I’ll have to go look more carefully! Thanks, Zach! I hope you’re doing well.
I hear ya. I brought my olives in for a couple days.Thank you, we're well but cold! I don't like this time of year, have to dream of spring to keep going.
I don’t think slab is right for this one either.Curled makes great slabs, for sure. I don’t think a slab is a good match for this tree.
Great minds think alike! I was looking at it today considering that option. I have not decided on a plan of action.Hey Adair,
How's it going? I recently acquired a very nice multi trunk atlas cedar I will repot and style later in 2021. It's also a green.
As you mention it's hard to gauge the tree strictly from photos. I take your word for it that the current "back" is the better front--it is more open and I like the subtle movement. In the side profile of photo one, the nebari is more powerful but branches are more obtrusive and front facing in addition to the movement being something to be desired. Perhaps there is a compromise with slight angle rotation from the new front that would showcase a slightly bigger nebari. Of the current 3 photos I do like your choice the best.
Is it not possible to place a rebar along the trunk and pull the apex towards the new front? In my limited experience of wiring some atlas cedars so far, they seem very pliable and soft to bend.
Great to see! Normally I'm not on forums so much anymore, but I was tested positive for covid and had to quarantine! I had just received the results of a second confirmation test today that said the result was negative . Not sure what to make of it, but more time inside than usual.Great minds think alike! I was looking at it today considering that option. I have not decided on a plan of action.
Meanwhile, does this tree look familiar?
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