Dwarf Hemlock

[fourteener]

I acquired this dwarf hemlock from a mom and pop nursery going out of business. The tree was growing unchecked in the ground for 25-30 years. It is 48 inches tall, soil to tree top.

Living in some debate as to chopping/leaving same height. It's taper is natural. Also leaving the flame shape but trying to narrow it over the years or moving all the branches like a normal conifer and making it even more narrow.

It obviously back buds profusely, but growing out new branches like a trident is unrealistic in my lifetime. I'm currently in process of getting the soil into a good bonsai mix.

 

[aml1014]

Absolutely gorgeous tree! I like the height it's at right now, it's natural and it looks natural too. I think you have the right idea to only narrow the profile a bit and clean it up to create some nice "clouds" of foliage.

Again, very very nice tree.

Aaron

 

[GrimLore]

Looking at the first picture by opening it up and expanding it a bit it looks darn nice - very natural Honest I would not mind having it myself and if I did I would only open it up a small amount and clean of some back budding... I really think that is all it needs! Nice find

Grimmy

 

[Paulpash]

Hemlock is much underused in bonsai & makes a beautiful tree. I am very pleased you're still posting interesting stuff & producing quality trees. What silhouette are you aiming for - it looks very pyramidal at present.

 

[Guy Vitale]

Very nice Hemlock, I would just clean up the foliage a bit and tighten it up some. If it's a true dwarf, it might not grow back quickly so prune minimally and cautiously. I like it pretty much as is.

 

[ghues]

Nice one....now that's some serious back budding which is highly unusual..... especially for its western cousins (Western and Mountain). Looks like there are enough main branches to choice from.
Good luck with it.
G.

 

[MrFancyPlants]

Yowzers! I was searching trying to glean some more foliage management guidance on Tsuga and stumbled across this thread. Any update?