European Hornbeam direction help

[Scrogdor]

Got this back in July and finally got a good look at its branch structure. It’s about 27” tall and 1 1/4th” thick. I’m either thinking about air layering below that curve, or just growing it in this 5 gal container for a few more years and letting the trunk thicken up.


Curious on everyone’s thoughts.

 

[parhamr]

I vote let it be. Not every bonsai has to have amazingly complex curves and movement bottom to top.

This will still produce an elegant and naturalistic form.

 

[Scrogdor]

This is my first ever go at styling something and wiring (it’s my first fall). I did not shorten any of them even though I know many of them need to be shortened. I just wasn’t sure if it’s okay to do some medium pruning in the fall? Overall I was pretty happy with the outcome considering it’s my first time.

Here’s the front and the back. Let me know what you guys think/ which side you like more. Critique welcomed!

 

[Shogun610]

Just let it grow and uncover that base.

 

[Scrogdor]

Just let it grow and uncover that base.

I’ve gotten a bit twisted around on how nebari grow. Do they need to be covered with soil to grow? Or does uncovering them cause them to grow?

 

[Shogun610]

I’ve gotten a bit twisted around on how nebari grow. Do they need to be covered with soil to grow? Or does uncovering them cause them to grow?

Uncovering just reveals the base , to determine how it looks in order for your next decisions on how to develop it by numerous methods that can be found on here.