Liquidambar #4

[Cmd5235]

Starting a specific thread to document this tree. I've posted it in other combination posts- please ignore. This tree has survived two years post collection, so I feel comfortable with logging ongoing styling. This thread will serve as an ongoing journal, as well as for input.

I'm really conflicted if I should go broom-ish style, a Walter Pall natural style, or a formal upright.

 

[Cmd5235]

This was last summer:

 

[Leo in N E Illinois]

I like this one

 

[Cmd5235]

I like this one

I’ve got to reduce the number of branches, since most points have two or three branches from the same location on the trunk. I’m planning to wire what’s left down, but I’m going back and forth between a semi-broom by cutting each remaining branch back to work on ramification, or a more informal upright. Thoughts?

 

[Leo in N E Illinois]

I’ve got to reduce the number of branches, since most points have two or three branches from the same location on the trunk. I’m planning to wire what’s left down, but I’m going back and forth between a semi-broom by cutting each remaining branch back to work on ramification, or a more informal upright. Thoughts?

Go broom, it is how they actually grow in the wild. They do an informal broom. The pattern is 2 to 4 to 8 to 16 to 32 branches. This is different than the formal broom, where you have a cluster of 8 or more branches all at one spot. They way a pollarded tree grows or some elms. What you have here is a hybrid between the two and that is fine. Reduce the number of branches at the chop to just 2 or maybe 3, and carve the flat stump to a 'V' or a 'W' to make the transition look more natural.

 

[Cmd5235]

Update:

 

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[michaelj]

Your root progress is fantastic. Getting a ramified canopy takes forever with sweetgum, though. Despite that, I love this species. It's the most reliable source of fall color where I live.