Holly rescues

[ForThemWhatCare]

I was pruning a holly that I planted 8 years ago and found these two branches had rooted so I decided to check out their root and plant/feed them to see how they would do separated from the main (original) branch that got covered in mulch. It's been 3 weeks and the straight one has had some minor die back but is showing new leaves. So now that they are living do I:
a) leave them alone for a year (or two)
b) cut them back even further and hope for new lower growth, or
c) practice air layering (because I read Holly is a good candidate for that)

Also, I guess the d) choice could be throw them away or don't consider them for Bonsai period. Honestly, I'd be kind of happy just finding that I can separate growth like this and not kill it (I'm so new to this). For size context those are reused pots my azaleas came in and the straight one is probably 3' tall. the curved one slightly shorter.

 

[TimberLakers]

a = good choice to gain some girth in the trunk
b = you don't need lower growth, you need trunk taper and movement
c = practice is always good, but all you're going to get is another couple thin, straight, taper-free trunks

If you do end up chopping, I'd wire one of the low leaders upward and let it grow.

Can't tell for sure from your post, but if this was recently rooted/potted this Spring - I'd probably not chop hard this year.

 

[ForThemWhatCare]

Can't tell for sure from your post, but if this was recently rooted/potted this Spring - I'd probably not chop hard this year.

It was (three weeks ago). I'll let it rest for the season, Thanks!

 

[TimberLakers]

If you want to setup for a chop next spring - you can get a little head start this growing season:

* when you prune, you can reduce new growth on the tree back to 2-3 nodes
* leave the potential new leaders alone
* apply wire to leaders to get some movement in what will be the trunk down the line

 

[Paradox]

My answer is leave them alone and let them grow before you do any of the other things