BonjourBonsai's Little Christmas Tree

[BonjourBonsai]

I could not pass up this "mini" Alberta spruce from home despot. It was $4.99. I'm looking forward to working on it.
For now, I'll get it through the winter and see where we are in the spring.

 

[BonjourBonsai]

Also found this chamaecyparis for $8.49. Not sure if it qualifies as a Christmas tree but I liked the trunk and roots.
The needles are a little crispy so I hope it did not suffer too much.

 

[Warpig]

Not bad at all nice finds. Good luck

 

[canoeguide]

We've got plenty of false cypress and dwarf alberta spruce in the contest, so you're in good company!

 

[BonjourBonsai]

Very cool!

 

[BonjourBonsai]

I had some fun styling this little tree tonight. Admittedly a few points should be taken off for the wiring job but I'm pretty happy with the way it turned out.

 

[BonjourBonsai]

I started to dig into the chamaecyparis tonight. I've never worked on one before so I'm looking for some advice. I cleared a few branches and found a front that I like (shown). But what about the 2 small branches on the right? Should they stay or should they go? If they go there'll be no trouble. If they stay the trunk will double?

Sorry for the forced Clash nod.

They are too small compared to the big one on the left to be a permanent part of the design. I think I vote to remove them but wanted to see if the my esteemed bnutters had any thoughts. Thanks in advance.

 

[brentwood]

Shariah don't like them..... Rock your clippers, Rock your clippers...
I think you are right about their proportion, but I'm pretty new at this (but old at The Clash)...
Brent

 

[BonjourBonsai]

@brentwood, Nice!

 

[BonjourBonsai]

First styling on the chamaecyparis. Two lower branches may come off eventually.

 

[BonjourBonsai]

Time to root prune and repot or leave it till spring?

 

[BonjourBonsai]

I pulled the tree out of the pot and the mulch was a mushy mess. The roots were healthy so I lightly trimmed them and repotted it in a new wooden grow box. It'll get a lot more drainage this way. Fingers crossed.

 

[Forsoothe!]

Very Christmasy!

 

[cishepard]

We are coming closer to the end of the Little Christmas Tree contest. Final photos should be posted in your individual threads, and will be voted on by the general membership starting on April 30.

Time to start thinking about your repotting, final design, wiring, pruning and generally getting the trees in shape for the contest!