Big tree wiring

[bonsai-novice]

This isn't strictly a bonsai question, but I think that the principles are the same, so I'll ask anyway and hope this is the right place.

In my garden is a large lilac tree hidden behind the garage and you can't see it from the kitchen, but as I was sitting in said kitchen I thought it would look nice if the trees branches were pulled over so it looks like it is partially visible.

Does anyone know whether proper trees can be trained (in a fashion) so that I may see it sort of cascade from behind the garage. The trunk is way too thick to do anything with, but the branches are rather supple.

If I used guy ropes or the like to pull the branches into view, would they eventually set into that shape, or is a fully grown tree not really able to respond to that sort of intervention?

 

[BrianBay9]

Yes, you can. In Japanese gardens it's called niwaki. Only difference between bonsai and niwaki is that trees are in a pot, or in the ground.

 

[rockm]

Niwaki: Pruning, Training and Shaping Trees the Japanese Way: Hobson, Jake: 8601200424867: Amazon.com: Books

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Also several groups on Facebook for Niwaki and similar techniques

 

[bonsai-novice]

Ah, thanks for that. Shows how much I know XD

 

[Wires_Guy_wires]

I directionally pruned a linden to wrap around a corner. Cool long term project that I plan to do without wire.

 

[Shibui]

Many gardeners use strings, wires, weights or sticks to change the shape of branches. Branches and trunks can be pulled down, pushed sideways or pushed/pulled up. All growing wood will set in whatever position it is held in after a give time. Thicker branches may take a little longer to set but it will definitely happen.

 

[ShimpakuBonsai]

Watch the video and you can see that even very thick branches can be bent by splitting the branch.

 

[dbonsaiw]

If I used guy ropes or the like to pull the branches into view, would they eventually set into that shape, or is a fully grown tree not really able to respond to that sort of intervention?

The age of the tree shouldn't affect the suppleness of newer branches - these can of course be held in position to set. I would also second what Shibui said. I was able to use ropes and weights to put some bend into a 1.5" thick JM trunk. I would go slow or you will snap the branch.