Here is a project tree that, frankly, I regret buying. At the time I overlooked or minimized a lot of flaws that I am not sure I can overcome. But I am going to make the best of it.
Here is the tree more or less as purchased.
At the time, I think I was enamored with the lower trunk, the bark, and all the pretty, flexible branches. Now all I see is inverse taper, terrible scars, and that stovepipe upper trunk section. Oh, also, this rotted out hole in the trunk at the base of the stovepipe, visible from the backside.
I debated making the hole a feature and carving it. But I really don't like that look, so I am going to attempt to heal it over. I also decided to remove the stovepipe, which I will do in stages.
So, I made a wedge cut into the base of the stovepipe last summer, and this spring I cleaned out all the rotten wood and filled it in with kwikwood epoxy (mixed with ink to match the bark). Here is the result:
I will let it grow freely now in the hopes of getting good callusing. If this operation fails then I will have to consider a trunk chop, which will cause it's own problems, and start over.
Here is how the tree looks today from my chosen front.
And a virtual of where I hope to take it (final height will be approximately 3 feet).
Here is the tree more or less as purchased.
At the time, I think I was enamored with the lower trunk, the bark, and all the pretty, flexible branches. Now all I see is inverse taper, terrible scars, and that stovepipe upper trunk section. Oh, also, this rotted out hole in the trunk at the base of the stovepipe, visible from the backside.
I debated making the hole a feature and carving it. But I really don't like that look, so I am going to attempt to heal it over. I also decided to remove the stovepipe, which I will do in stages.
So, I made a wedge cut into the base of the stovepipe last summer, and this spring I cleaned out all the rotten wood and filled it in with kwikwood epoxy (mixed with ink to match the bark). Here is the result:
I will let it grow freely now in the hopes of getting good callusing. If this operation fails then I will have to consider a trunk chop, which will cause it's own problems, and start over.
Here is how the tree looks today from my chosen front.
And a virtual of where I hope to take it (final height will be approximately 3 feet).