First Trident

[HotAction]

Well, the leaves have dropped, and I'm just getting my first look at this tree. It's my first and only trident and was looking for opinions and/or advice about where you nuts might head with this if it were yours. I've been doing bonsai for just over a year, and this fall marks the end of my first full growing season. The first set of pics are from June when I got it, and just before the leaves fell.
I'll post a set of 8 in the next two posts showing the tree at 45 angles rotated clockwise. Thanks.
-Dave

 

[HotAction]

First set...

 

[HotAction]

second set...

 

[R_F]

I think this tree has potential. Keep us updated

 

[Bonsai Nut]

Top of the tree is unworkable (scars, reverse taper that will just get worse, etc). I would trunk chop it in the early spring when the buds are just starting to swell. DO NOT do anything to the roots at this point (repot, etc). Cut it, let it regain its strength. Wire new branches while they are young (less than 6" long). Trunk as I show it has a lot of promise. I might even cut the top back down another couple of inches and start a new apex (instead of keeping the leader I have in the photo).

 

[jjbacoomba]

I agree with the chops Bonsainiut drew for you. Its gonna be one heck of a nice looking tree when it grows back. Keep us posted. My Trident hasnt even changed color yet. Looking forward to it. Rock On!!

 

[crhabq]

Yeah, I agree w/ bnut. I think you got some good advise there to come up with the best tree possible. If you do the chops advised then I think that within three years you'll have a tree that has nice taper and is ready to go for a nice refined bonsai.

 

[GOZTEK]

good for you mate i can't grow those here its too hot yesterday i got 2 new large thuja, 1 picea abis, 1 enourmous euonymus i will post some pics soon

 

[rockm]

Nut's plan is a good one, I think. The top of this is pretty much unworkable

 

[HotAction]

Yeah nut, I like it!!! I am thinking of performing layers to have more material. Then i started thinking cuttings may take also. either way a reduction is necessary. Thanks all.

dave

 

[rockm]

don't bother with air layering. Nothing above the chop marks is really worth it or would yield anything worth the time and trouble. Focus on the main tree.

 

[HotAction]

Did I mention this was $20

 

[Yamadori]

When you chop, make it a bit concave so the scar will heal by allowing the bark to grow (roll over) the cut. Some say put cut paste on larger chops/cuts. Some say don't bother. I happen to have some, so I use it. I figure if it keeps the cut edge from drying out, and if it might improve healing, why not. It sure isn't harmful.

 

[noissee]

I think you should go ahead and layer. Maybe the top is ugly, but since this is your only Trident, the top portion will give you something to play around with. You can observe the way tridents grow and practice some more aggressive techniques on the layer since it is bad material. It's also good to get comfortable with performing layers.

 

[Smoke]

I think you should go ahead and layer. Maybe the top is ugly, but since this is your only Trident, the top portion will give you something to play around with. You can observe the way tridents grow and practice some more aggressive techniques on the layer since it is bad material. It's also good to get comfortable with performing layers.

There is no such thing as "bad material"

There is such a thing as "lack of vision".

 

[greerhw]

There is no such thing as "bad material"

There is such a thing as "lack of vision".

How about POOR material and ROSE colored glasses.

keep it green,
Harry

 

[Rick Moquin]

Harry now I have to go change

 

[HotAction]

The growing season here is roughly starts around the middle of may-early october. Is this going to allow for layering. When would be a good time to start and remove? You "left-coasters" and sunnysiders are like cheaters w/ that 11.5 month growing season

 

[HotAction]

OK, so the buds started to swell and I think it might still be too early in the season for work. Freezing night time temperatures can often (and do) occur into May in my neck of the woods. It's been in the unheated garage all winter and still is. I'd like to avoid the inevitable inside/outside bonsai dance for as long as possible.

The buds are a very pale green (barely recieves any light atm) and most no larger than a 1/4 inch. I've didn't have this last spring and I'm curious how much swelling will occur before bud burst. All the other plants I've wintered in the garage are showing signs of life as well. On the other hand, the trees that slept outside aren't quite as quick to wake.

If there's anymore votes for the option to layer, speak now, because I'm getting an itchy trigger finger and I've yet to try out my new knob and branch cutters.

Thanks for your time and imput.

Dave

 

[HotAction]

Also, if i were to chop like this am I gonna have a major taper problem down the road?

Dave