Barberry, decision next spring

mholt

Mame
Messages
172
Reaction score
2
Location
Silver Lake, WI
USDA Zone
5
Here is a barberry I dug this spring. I would like to make a trunk line decision next spring and I'm torn between these two virtuals. The base is 4". Any input is welcomed.
 

Attachments

  • barberry_base.jpg
    barberry_base.jpg
    110.2 KB · Views: 234
  • barberry8_7_10a.jpg
    barberry8_7_10a.jpg
    126.6 KB · Views: 201
  • barberry8_7_10b.jpg
    barberry8_7_10b.jpg
    124.1 KB · Views: 220

John Ruger

Shohin
Messages
470
Reaction score
2
Outstanding material Matt! I'm jealous of it. As for the line decision, I like #3. The trunk movement is wicked and the prolific growers that they are, I think your artistic options are more numerous.

Keep us posted with the progress.
 

mholt

Mame
Messages
172
Reaction score
2
Location
Silver Lake, WI
USDA Zone
5
Thanks John! Wow!...now I am torn. The second pic is kind of the "obvious" trunk line but like you said, #3 could be more artistic. Either way, it'll kill me cutting off a lot of mature growth! I have 3 of these that I dug from my yard...all pretty crazy and unique but the corky bark is the best on this one.
 

davetree

Omono
Messages
1,556
Reaction score
848
Location
St. Paul Minnesota
USDA Zone
4
I like the second pic, there looks to be more movement in the upper portion than on the left trunk. Nice berberis.
 

mholt

Mame
Messages
172
Reaction score
2
Location
Silver Lake, WI
USDA Zone
5
Thank you for your opinion, Dave. It'll be a tough one to decide!
 
Messages
730
Reaction score
170
Location
Kentucky, USA
i like both ideas but have u also considered keeping both. you can always cut more in the future..
 

mholt

Mame
Messages
172
Reaction score
2
Location
Silver Lake, WI
USDA Zone
5
Thank you for the reply catfish chapstick. I have considered both but my dilemma is pulling it off without the visual tension between the two being the same size and looking like a sling-shot. Perhaps one can be much shorter than the other. I might take your advice though about being conservative now and not rush to lop one off come spring.
 

mholt

Mame
Messages
172
Reaction score
2
Location
Silver Lake, WI
USDA Zone
5
Spring work on berberis

This past week I chopped two large limbs and potted it in a cheap Chinese pot. I love the bark on this one, however I do not like the reverse taper created in the bulbous top half where one of the large limbs originated. I did some grinding to eliminate some of the bulge but kept it conservative as the wood is rather punky. I can picture this tree being shortened in half to eliminate this region and give it better proportions but I think I'll sit on this one for a growing season or two to see what comes of it. In the meantime I will be searching out a smaller and shallower future pot...perhaps a drum pot.
 

Attachments

  • barberry2_4_12_11a.jpg
    barberry2_4_12_11a.jpg
    101.2 KB · Views: 94
  • barberry2_4_12_11c.jpg
    barberry2_4_12_11c.jpg
    111.9 KB · Views: 76
  • barberry2_4_12_11d.jpg
    barberry2_4_12_11d.jpg
    99.6 KB · Views: 67
  • barberry2_4_12_11e.jpg
    barberry2_4_12_11e.jpg
    111.2 KB · Views: 76
  • barberry2_4_12_11f.jpg
    barberry2_4_12_11f.jpg
    134.2 KB · Views: 53

Jason

Chumono
Messages
502
Reaction score
148
Location
Western Oregon
USDA Zone
8
Nice plan. I would have kept that trunk too. Give it time. Eventually (once it back buds and is healthy)you can just eliminate the part with reverse taper on top. This tree has huge potential.:)
 

John Ruger

Shohin
Messages
470
Reaction score
2
Excellent plan, and with this species you know it is going to throw out shoots like mad. You really are going to have a load of decent options...I'm still jealous of it. I have one in the ground that was planted some years ago. I cut way back last season and waiting for options.
 

mholt

Mame
Messages
172
Reaction score
2
Location
Silver Lake, WI
USDA Zone
5
Thanks John! Yeah, I'm just leaving my options open with either trunk. No big rush. Good luck with yours. Post pics when you feel ready.
 

MattB

Yamadori
Messages
61
Reaction score
4
Location
Evansville, IN
USDA Zone
6a
How's this tree shaping up? I'm looking through the forums at all the barberry to see how they are progressing. Mine is a bit slower than I had hoped but its pushing buds at the right spots so I'm excited.
 

mholt

Mame
Messages
172
Reaction score
2
Location
Silver Lake, WI
USDA Zone
5
Never as fast as I'd like. We (as well as much of the rest of the country) have had a cold wet spring but it's getting there. Well fed, full sun, and letting it grow except for removing suckers that pop up along the base. I'll try to take some shots to post this weekend.
 

mholt

Mame
Messages
172
Reaction score
2
Location
Silver Lake, WI
USDA Zone
5
Pics today

Top will be reduced probably 1/3 next year. Just letting it grow this year after early spring work.
 

Attachments

  • barberry2_6_24_11a.jpg
    barberry2_6_24_11a.jpg
    182.6 KB · Views: 39
  • barberry2_6_24_11b.jpg
    barberry2_6_24_11b.jpg
    192.2 KB · Views: 38
  • barberry2_6_24_11c.jpg
    barberry2_6_24_11c.jpg
    183.5 KB · Views: 40
Top Bottom