Backwards Mugo1

[Backwardsvg]

I am goin to use this as a place to document my journey with this Mugo pine. First picture is when I bought it at a nursery and did a slip pot/ light prune at the INCORRECT TIME which I later learned. This was in March 2022. From then on I have not touched it and had it in full sun etc. I did have some saw fly larva that I cut out and burnt.

 

[Backwardsvg]

I began fertilizing a few weeks ago with just a normal miracle grow crystal fert. This is an update on how the needles are extending and looking. It seems as though my initial slip pot/ prune did not kill it yet. Might have gotten lucky there. My plan is to keep it happy and alive until next summer where I can do a next pruning picture 5/16/22

ideas sprouting of a future trunk line

 

[Backwardsvg]

Had a few ideas come from the all aboard Mugo train thread this was one persons thoughts @Japonicus on where to do a reduction next year and I do like it. Which got me thinking I need to start envisioning a rough ending for these trees to know what I’m working towards.

now of course this will change with time and skill and the trees reactions but it made me start sketching some possible ideas of outcomes. I would love feedback! Option 1 or 2 or maybe you see something else?
Please excuse the terrible drawing skills these are just very rough end games I could see

 

[Paradox]

I would be afraid that #2 will not have enough foliage to support the tree

 

[Potawatomi13]

Also is any consideration given to size of trunk? All trunk little foliage either design needs bigger trunk.

 

[Backwardsvg]

I would be afraid that #2 will not have enough foliage to support the tree

Yes very good call. It was more the idea I can always have other branches stay as well. I have those 4 main branches coming off the trunk I’m trying to decide what the final will maybe look like

 

[Backwardsvg]

Also is any consideration given to size of trunk? All trunk little foliage either design needs bigger trunk.

Yes very true that is where the long term comes in. Won’t happen for a very long time hah

 

[Backwardsvg]

Had a few ideas come from the all aboard Mugo train thread this was one persons thoughts @Japonicus on where to do a reduction next year and I do like it. Which got me thinking I need to start envisioning a rough ending for these trees to know what I’m working towards.

now of course this will change with time and skill and the trees reactions but it made me start sketching some possible ideas of outcomes. I would love feedback! Option 1 or 2 or maybe you see something else?
Please excuse the terrible drawing skills these are just very rough end games I could see

@Vance Wood any input on what you would do/ timelines? This year I slip potted and did a bit of pruning this early spring which I now know isn’t the most ideal time.