ID and styling advice please

[Dysfunctional Vet]

Ok, so here goes my first tree post. Go easy on me. Lol. Long time small tree in container grower and bonsai fan, but I am an no way a bonsai guy. This little guy popped up in my yard about 13 or so years ago. It grew a twin apex at one point and I hacked the larger of the two off. A few large branches were removed over the years as well. About 4years ago I had to remove it for a new flower bed. So in the middle of July out it came. At the time I thought it was a Leyland Cypress, which from what I read were trash for bonsai. So as a joke I planted it in a trash can lid. It’s been growing well and I’ve been tinkering with it because it grows fast so I pinch growth back to keep a shape, but in reality it’s just a Xmas tree in a trash can lid. Thoughts on what to do with it so it’s more interesting or better if that’s possible. It’s roughly 5 foot tall soil to tip. I have a few ideas, but I’ll leave it open. Yes I know a better pot would help. Hahahaha

 

[penumbra]

Leyland Cypress,

I think so.

 

[BrianBay9]

Start by growing the trunk size that you want. Then you can cut back to a trunk line. If you want a thicker base, best to just let it grow for a while.

 

[Dysfunctional Vet]

I think so.

That was my thought for a long time, until I was looking at leylands at a nursery and the foliage grows a little different. But I’m good with it being a leyland.

 

[Eckhoffw]

@penumbra , how did you come to that Conclusion? I’m not saying your wrong. Just curious. I have no clue. Just looks like thuja to my ignorant eyes. Perhaps the region?

 

[StarGazer]

Looks like Western red cedar, Thuja Plicata, or maybe Incense Cedar.

 

[NaoTK]

I determined from your beer that you are in the PNW and that was enough to know it is a western red cedar if it popped up in your yard

...does it have the white butterflies on the underside?

 

[StarGazer]

I determined from your beer that you are in the PNW and that was enough to know it is a western red cedar

That was an important piece of information.

 

[Dysfunctional Vet]

I determined from your beer that you are in the PNW and that was enough to know it is a western red cedar if it popped up in your yard

...does it have the white butterflies on the underside?

View attachment 456321

I figured the beer would be helpful. No butterflies, I really wish it was red cedar. I know them well, It’s on my hit list.

 

[Dysfunctional Vet]

Looks like Western red cedar, Thuja Plicata, or maybe Incense Cedar.

Incense Cedar has the right foliage.

 

[Dysfunctional Vet]

Close up of the bark.