Help with Bald Cypress

[Sekibonsai]

I use the "massage method" for green shoots - as I walk down the bench picking at things- especially to get the shoot base at a good angle. Eventually you hear that gentle crackle from the branch lignifying and you know its taking... I follow up later with wire.

 

[Cadillactaste]

I use the "massage method" for green shoots - as I walk down the bench picking at things- especially to get the shoot base at a good angle. Eventually you hear that gentle crackle from the branch lignifying and you know its taking... I follow up later with wire.

You don't get this kind of movement doing that do you? It's set early on, or so I've found on this small of a tree. Thus why I removed all the branching and redeveloped it once I understood this is a tree you can't allow to run ahead of you. At least for this size...I have to keep on it and focus. I'm excited to finally understand it...and yet again, made a slight change with guidance from Mike Lane. Which had me reducing the branching in the canopy this past spring. But...Sometimes you have to take a few steps back to move forward properly. Finally...the tweaks worked out...and moving forward. Feels great.

I recall ones talking of the massage method...I guess, I just feel with a small tree...It expects more from me...Or I it. However you wish to look at it. I must say...I can NOT imagine tackling a larger tree of this species... because they are aggressive growers. Just watching it for a couple years...it got so unruly...it was crazy pathetic. Not worthy of the trunkline.

 

[Sekibonsai]

You don't get this kind of movement doing that do you? It's set early on, or so I've found on this small of a tree. Thus why I removed all the branching and redeveloped it once I understood this is a tree you can't allow to run ahead of you. At least for this size...I have to keep on it and focus. I'm excited to finally understand it...and yet again, made a slight change with guidance from Mike Lane. Which had me reducing the branching in the canopy this past spring. But...Sometimes you have to take a few steps back to move forward properly. Finally...the tweaks worked out...and moving forward. Feels great.

I recall ones talking of the massage method...I guess, I just feel with a small tree...It expects more from me...Or I it. However you wish to look at it. I must say...I can NOT imagine tackling a larger tree of this species... because they are aggressive growers. Just watching it for a couple years...it got so unruly...it was crazy pathetic. Not worthy of the trunkline.

View attachment 378534

No, it is best for getting a good base angle and starting a natural "droop". Not going to get you a "weep". As I move through my benches, doing the meditative nip and tuck thing, its just another little maneuver that gets me ahead. Sometimes when you try and correct a base with wire, the shoot will tear right out. Then you have to wait a year for a re-pop and extension. Best suited for upright styles I guess. I would use them for these types of branches. Ones on the right are more ideal, ones on the left might take several sessions.

 

[Cadillactaste]

No, it is best for getting a good base angle and starting a natural "droop". Not going to get you a "weep". As I move through my benches, doing the meditative nip and tuck thing, its just another little maneuver that gets me ahead. Sometimes when you try and correct a base with wire, the shoot will tear right out. Then you have to wait a year for a re-pop and extension. Best suited for upright styles I guess. I would use them for these types of branches. Ones on the right are more ideal, ones on the left might take several sessions.

View attachment 378547

Gotcha...most BC don't weep. But seen John G has a weeping BC as well. Pretty sweet with a carved hollow base.