There are a lot of buds, epicormic buds, that exist within the needle scars all along the trunk and branches. Often they will throw a bud from these locations that are very fragile and easily rubbed off. This is the major reason for the way we remove the candles in the early summer. I know this does not go according to the masters that say you cannot do this but I can,-- and have been doing it,--- for about forty years.
Hahaha!
I look at all the lines. It helps that it's against those lines of the paneling.
The bottom trunk is almost straight up yeah? I think you can go a little further, but it's quite a short distance till the top is straight up. I don't know if getting it right between that small margin of error is better than how it is now. Will also depend on where you can get the branch lines to then as well.
That light bit of arched root, kinda keeps the eye on that fert pile, halting progress up the trunk a bit. That line plays against the pot lines too, which keeps the eye there. Seems an easy fix. It's am excellent study of how 3 minor things can cause one big OUT. Darken it, not so bad. No bright feet, not so bad, different pot, not so bad. But with all 3, it's real bad. Good though, because it takes all that to see it and fox it, where of it was just one, it would still be a flaw, but harder to pinpoint.
I might think quick about ditching the 2 low branches, because they are quickly forcing their necessity, since when the difference in size of the bottom and top is any greater, it'll look crap without those branches. But I think those branches are kinda crap. Cutting them off soon will start to soften that change and the "next tree up" will have a chance.
If low branches are too leggy, I look to the next tree up. Your next tree up seems realistic. Sometimes there is no next tree up.
Great first 4!
Sorce
It's making some progress. This is a Sara Raynor Pot is it not? Personally I would spend more time with the design before thinking about a new pot.
It looks very much like Pinus Mugus Mugo. Can't be sure even if you get the tag with the tree, the nurseries don't know or care much either.
Not sure if you can see the bark on these to Mugos. I have six of this variety. Notice the bark doesn't have those little bumps on the newer branches and upper part of the trunk ? These were all purchased at the same nursery. So, I assume they are all the same species. But the first image I posted on this thread has a different bark. the needles appear slightly wider and it opens its candles differently than the others. Nothing urgent here. Just wondering if from the images provided anyone could identify either or both species. Thanks.
Did you only notice the bark after you put the wire on them? I have a couple of suggestions for you that might be helpful but I only offer, you will have to ask.
No, I noticed the bark after I removed unwanted branches and cleaned it up a little. I usually study them for a while to decide what I intend to do with them.
My plan is to watch, read and learn from various sources and experiment to see what works and what works best. I have only had these trees for about 7 months. They still possess sacrificial branches. They are all pushing candles nicely. I am getting quite a bit of back budding. they seem happy and healthy so far. I am employing many of the principals that Mr. Wood has presented here as well as others.
Repotted these on June 21 and they seem happy so far.
I agree with Sorce on this, concerning removing those branches being a valid option.
