European yew #2

River's Edge

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Wonderfull progression.

I understand that this particular tree is well into refinement.. with graceful "naturalistic" wiring, and a wonderful pot, in my opinion. Although there is one rather straight branch in the upper left that seems to be filling some more graceful branches come along.

If I may venture a few questions:

I would imagine that this species would be amenable to "hedging" as it is sometimes used literally as hedging material.. But are there any timing nuances that would be notable for generating back buds in developing material? I.e. let it grow all season and then cut back in the fall or, let it be for the growing season, but cut back in the winter or early spring?

Also, I noticed that after the first repotting there was some browning of foliage. Was that a (lost branch)response to the repotting or a fungal issue. Just curious if it was a concern at the time and if so how it was dealt with?

Great work and thanks for sharing!
 

Walter Pall

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Wonderfull progression.

I understand that this particular tree is well into refinement.. with graceful "naturalistic" wiring, and a wonderful pot, in my opinion. Although there is one rather straight branch in the upper left that seems to be filling some more graceful branches come along.

If I may venture a few questions:

I would imagine that this species would be amenable to "hedging" as it is sometimes used literally as hedging material.. But are there any timing nuances that would be notable for generating back buds in developing material? I.e. let it grow all season and then cut back in the fall or, let it be for the growing season, but cut back in the winter or early spring?

Also, I noticed that after the first repotting there was some browning of foliage. Was that a (lost branch)response to the repotting or a fungal issue. Just curious if it was a concern at the time and if so how it was dealt with?

Great work and thanks for sharing!

This kind of tree is used as hedge in Europe since ever. It will readily back bud when cut back ruthlessly. Hedge pruning helped to get this tree to the state that it is in now. I do spend more time now in the final refinement stage, cutting every single breacher with scissors. The result is similar to hedge pruning only looks more like nature did it and not like someone with a machine. I let this species grow out in spring for six weeks. it looks a bit untidy then. and I cut back strongly. Then again around beginning of August and a last time is end of September, beginning of October if very vigorous. if not I wait until April.

The brown foliage was the result of an explosion. I burned the deadwood with a big flame. The flame went out because the tank was empty. After changing gas tanks I managed to set fire on the old one which vigorously went berserk. It burned half of the tree and otherwise did not harm. I am so happy that no one knows about my idiotic experience and ask you to not tell anyone. I did leant my lesson though. The fire improved the tree indeed.



.2012-03-R_R2C0141x.jpg2012-03-R_R2C0142x.jpg
 

Fonz

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Love the pot! The tree isn't that bad either :cool:

I've got an old Taxus Baccata hedge myself, maybe it's time to do some digging. Not sure the wife will appreciate it...
 
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Thanks for posting, and for sharing your experience. This makes me appeciate respect for time and attention to detail that my own young tree will need.
 

Bananaman

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I especially like the explosion story....very entertaining..

Tree looks great..
 

Paulpash

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I believe that is how the bonsai ancients learnt the blow torch technique on deadwood - exploding gas can technique :) It's Ok your secret is safe with me

#WalterNapalmsHisTrees

Very nice Yew and thanks for sharing your experiences - better that the tree got burnt than you!
 

grouper52

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The brown foliage was the result of an explosion. I burned the deadwood with a big flame. The flame went out because the tank was empty. After changing gas tanks I managed to set fire on the old one which vigorously went berserk. It burned half of the tree and otherwise did not harm. I am so happy that no one knows about my idiotic experience and ask you to not tell anyone. I did leant my lesson though. The fire improved the tree indeed.

Given that trees often incur such insults and misfortunes in nature - for instance in wildfires, farming mishaps, wars, etc - I believe this styling maneuver, which I will refer to as "The Flaming Pall Technique," is very much in keeping with the "naturalistic" styling approach.
 

grouper52

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Walter, I just want to add that this tree - besides simply being drop-dead gorgeous - is perhaps the most "soulful" and deeply moving bonsai I have ever seen. Kudos, and thanks for posting the entire progression, and for all you've done to bring such artistry to the bonsai world over the years.

Will Hiltz
 

MichaelS

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Nice tree Walter but looks a bit like a bonsai!? :eek:
I hope you're not becoming influenced by the European exhibitions!
 
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Aeast

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Beautiful work, it almost makes me like yews.
 
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