Apple tree needs styling idea

Tieball · Aug 15, 2023

bonsai-max said:
No Idea about the roots conditions.

After a couple of good growth seasons you’ll find out about the roots. Apple trees around me are tough characters.

bonsai-max · Aug 15, 2023

Tieball said:
After a couple of good growth seasons you’ll find out about the roots. Apple trees around me are tough characters.

Yes, I can see from this plant

I am also thinking about a SABAMIKI

Tieball · Aug 15, 2023

bonsai-max said:
Yes, I can see from this plant

I am also thinking about a SABAMIKI

An interesting turn and possibility. Get solid good tree growth and stability first.

Tieball · Aug 15, 2023

bonsai-max said:
Yes, I can see from this plant

I am also thinking about a SABAMIKI

Cool. I didn’t know that had a name. I always just called it a hollow trunk. Or more fashionably said…..Wow! That’s a cool trunk.

Japonicus · Aug 15, 2023

I like this thread

Love the tree

The pic with the foot in it though, that's different size comparison object for sure ugh

bonsai-max · Aug 15, 2023

Japonicus said:
Love the tree

Thank you very much, I have no experience with caducifolious so the forum is a gold mining for me

And yes the foot is relaxing near the tree for comparison

bonsai-max · Aug 17, 2023

Just an idea

AshleyMammal · Aug 17, 2023

Whilst I think this tree will benefit greatly from some carving, I would advise; proceed with caution. I would create a series of smaller hollows rather than gutting the entire interior of the tree like your sketch virt. I think the secret is to create layers of depth of deadwood, achieved by differing depths of deadwood, hollowing bits out but still leaving some wood out front - easier said than done!

I went in all guns blazing on this privet and have regretted it ever since! I think I forgot that I couldn't 'add' wood back and it ends up looking grotesque!

Tieball · Aug 17, 2023

bonsai-max said:
Just an idea

View attachment 503374

I imagine it will be a very interesting day when in the future, once the trees continues healthy growth and foliage multiplies, when you uncover the roots. Seeing the root growth will help set-up options for tree tilting in a number of ways. And then when an angle of planting is determined you get to open up to new possibilities such as the hollow trunk idea. I think that I would work with the deadwood as it is right now and possibly, possibly maybe, carve a hollow in the future. Personally I like to work with deadwood areas for the natural beauty before digging in further. Once healthy and growing, angles of planting can be executed. The angles may suggest a different carving direction, if any. Perhaps a more subtle carving approach at first. I’m a little unsure about carving hollows right away. I would live with the tree I carved for awhile and see what’s needed in a future season. As @AshleyMammal says, once carved the wood cannot be reattached. I tend to study a tree over time to explore my own feelings on what would look really good. I don’t hurry carving. I find that once wood is exposed that nature begins to suggest proper directions for a natural beauty.

I think that you’ll fine out in time that the deadwood you have is beautiful and just needs some “enhancements “ put in place. Perhaps some age lines appear as the deadwood grays and you see a new option unfold. Once the deadwood turns a weathered gray color a new beauty may appear.

I also think that an angle of planting change suggested earlier by @AshleyMammal mighty drastically change a carving desire. I liked the angle change as it focused on the tree growing. The massive hollow just shouts hollow and the tree growth and survival takes a backseat and is forgotten.

Just my line of thinking.

Tieball · Aug 17, 2023

AshleyMammal said:
Whilst I think this tree will benefit greatly from some carving, I would advise; proceed with caution. I would create a series of smaller hollows rather than gutting the entire interior of the tree like your sketch virt. I think the secret is to create layers of depth of deadwood, achieved by differing depths of deadwood, hollowing bits out but still leaving some wood out front - easier said than done!

I went in all guns blazing on this privet and have regretted it ever since! I think I forgot that I couldn't 'add' wood back and it ends up looking grotesque!

View attachment 503376

I completely understand your feelings. Well….I think I do anyway. While the tree is beautiful, it just becomes a carving. The actual tree is somewhat forgotten.

bonsai-max · Aug 31, 2023

Just an upgrade after some days of sun and water

AshleyMammal · Aug 31, 2023

It’s really starting to weather nicely

Tieball · Aug 31, 2023

Looking good! Lots of worldly character.

bonsai-max · Aug 31, 2023

Tieball said:
worldly

?

Tieball · Sep 1, 2023

bonsai-max said:
?

The tree has lived in the world for a long time. A survivor really. And over that time has picked up creases, cracks, blemishes and numerous flaws. The tree as a result has a great deal of character…..worldly character. I suppose I could have said Earthy Character. But I just chose worldly at the time. That’s how I describe the tree.

bonsai-max · Sep 1, 2023

Tieball said:
The tree has lived in the world for a long time. A survivor really. And over that time has picked up creases, cracks, blemishes and numerous flaws. The tree as a result has a great deal of character…..worldly character. I suppose I could have said Earthy Character. But I just chose worldly at the time. That’s how I describe the tree.

Wow, you just gave a very nice description of the plant, I am touched...
Thank you very much.