Hinoki Styling Help

[MSU JBoots]

I purchased this tree in October 2022 and initially did a light outing to open it up some and preserve interior foliage. Here it was as purchased.

Here it is today. Perhaps I thinned it too much but what’s done is done unfortunately. The real questions is what to do with this swelling at the top whorl.

Option 1 is the wire down the competing leader and cover the inverse taper as pictured below.

Option 2 would be to cut the entire apex off and wire up the tip branch to be the new leader. I consider this the best option because that branch seems too thick and long that high up on the tree.

Here’s a view of the whole tree as it currently sits.

Ive considered that large stub to be a future Jin but smaller than it is now. I hope to develop one of the small branches in my left hand to fill in that large empty space one the left. Any input is welcome. Thanks in advance!

 

[PeaceLoveBonsai]

How large (or small) of a tree is your goal?

 

[MSU JBoots]

How large (or small) of a tree is your goal?

I would like to keep it roughly the size it is. Maybe 6 inches taller at most. At this time I don’t plan on having many very large trees. I just don’t have the space for them.

 

[PeaceLoveBonsai]

I would like to keep it roughly the size it is. Maybe 6 inches taller at most. At this time I don’t plan on having many very large trees. I just don’t have the space for them.

First, I wouldn’t be too worried about that whorl. You can cut off what you don’t want and the tree is young enough to overcome that in time.

Second, if it was my tree, I’d cut all the lower stuff and cut that vertical gin pretty far back. (But not all the way, leave a short stub).

Identify your primary first branch and build the tree from there.

It’s a small tree, and I’m assuming this is one of your first Hinokis, so I’d focus on a basic design.

First branch, back branch, side branch, etc.

Wire for some movement and downward.

In TN, this is a good time to do this work, btw.

My 2 min sketch

 

[MSU JBoots]

First, I wouldn’t be too worried about that whorl. You can cut off what you don’t want and the tree is young enough to overcome that in time.

Second, if it was my tree, I’d cut all the lower stuff and cut that vertical gin pretty far back. (But not all the way, leave a short stub).

Identify your primary first branch and build the tree from there.

It’s a small tree, and I’m assuming this is one of your first Hinokis, so I’d focus on a basic design.

First branch, back branch, side branch, etc.

Wire for some movement and downward.

In TN, this is a good time to do this work, btw.

My 2 min sketch
View attachment 504041

Thanks for the help! I appreciate the quick virt too. It is indeed my first hinoki. I tried to use a couple I had by my driveway but they didn’t survive the collection. I’ll also take this time to say I appreciate your blog. Keep up the good work!

 

[MSU JBoots]

This tree grew well after the semi repot this spring so I went after it. Early on in bonsai journey I was very hesitant but I’ve found lately I likely have gotten too aggressive. I reduced it far more heavily than planned. Hopefully it bounces back well. Here it was prior to the work tonight.

Here it is after.