Japanese Yew

[Driver170]

Hi i got this Japanese Yew from my local Bonsai club.

As you can see its growing really vigorously i know autumn is the best time to hard prune. But can anyone give me any feed back in a design that i should approach this yew?

Just unsure but i was thinking small foliage pads going up the twist of the trunk

 

[just.wing.it]

That's just plain cool man! Great trunk movement, and I dig the dead wood!
How about an eye level view of the front?
And you should update your profile to show your location, people will be able to help better.
Welcome to crazy!

 

[Driver170]

Ok just updated some details and my Avatar!

Yeh no problem i will take a picture tomorrow as its late here.

 

[just.wing.it]

Ok just updated some details and my Avatar!

Yeh no problem i will take a picture tomorrow as its late here.

Nice....

 

[Driver170]

I hope this helps

 

[sorce]

Great trunk!

Welcome to Crazy!

Sorce

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

Consider emphasizing the trunk, and frame it with foliage. Pull the foliage mass in close to the trunk and compact the design overall. Not a bad tree as it is, I'd just like to see it compacted.

On photographing: position yourself lower so your lens is about even with the lower trunk. Ideally you won't see the back edge of the pot. Then, make sure you get the whole tree in the frame. You included a lot of photos, so I get the idea, but none are good enough of the whole tree to do a virt.

Welcome, too. My MIL has traveled Europe quite a bit and has said Edinburgh is one of her favorite places.

 

[Dav4]

This tree, with the trunk being relatively thin and with some movement, has a literati feel too it. I'd want to reduce the canopy significantly and rebuild it with a few main branches to highlight the trunk movement.

 

[dirk hoorelbeke]

It is a nice silhouette. From the interior photo's it is clear that the tree is styled and maintained for the "green ball" looks. The question is, how experienced are you for reworking a tree like this. The best thing would be to select the most beautiful branches and rework the basic structure. It is an elegant trunk, don't put to much green on it.

 

[ColinFraser]

I agree with the guys - there is way too much foliage for that thin trunk. It looks top heavy and unstable right now. Significant thinning and compacting is the way to go.

 

[Driver170]

I have never pruned or styled any tree before so its my first.

I'm watching Ryan neils videos on his website that i've signed upto he explains alot about pruning and pinching etc for all types of species.

But i do agree the foliage has to be reduced. I'll
Start at the bottom first and work my way up and applying the techniques I've learnt from Ryan neil. But its my first and very scary to start cutting away and even trying to make it look good.

 

[Driver170]

Before and after guys. Not sure if thats a pine or a yew?

But obviously mine needs reduced like this to show the trunk and define the foliage into pads.

 

[ColinFraser]

But obviously mine needs reduced like this to show the trunk and define the foliage into pads.

Sort of. Your trunk is a very different style from this. Go look at pictures of bunjin and literati Bonsai to get some inspiration.

 

[dirk hoorelbeke]

This is a taxus with a massive trunk. The pruning done to this one is just shortening current years growth. There are no changes in the basic structure. You can do this now (cutting back and leaving a few new needles). This way you will allow light in the tree AND more important, you will get to know your tree. Look at the structure. Look at the structure of nice trees or nice bonsai in your part of the world. If you restyle yours, do it in fall. And do ask a pro!

 

[ColinFraser]

I have never pruned or styled any tree before so its my first.

You'll definitely want some advice from someone working with similar trees in a similar climate.

 

[Driver170]

Sort of. Your trunk is a very different style from this. Go look at pictures of bunjin and literati Bonsai to get some inspiration.

Just looked it up. Very think and slender trunk with little foliage!

 

[ColinFraser]

Just looked it up. Very think and slender trunk with little foliage!

And little to no foliage in the lower 2/3 of the trunk - like yours.


Even if you like the green dome look, there are ways to do it that still highlight the trunk.

 

[Driver170]

Thanks alot. I know

This is a taxus with a massive trunk. The pruning done to this one is just shortening current years growth. There are no changes in the basic structure. You can do this now (cutting back and leaving a few new needles). This way you will allow light in the tree AND more important, you will get to know your tree. Look at the structure. Look at the structure of nice trees or nice bonsai in your part of the world. If you restyle yours, do it in fall. And do ask a pro!

Thanks, i know its alot to think about and consider. I might email a bonsai club member and ask for guidance.

 

[Driver170]

And little to no foliage in the lower 2/3 of the trunk - like yours.
View attachment 149733

Even if you like the green dome look, there are ways to do it that still highlight the trunk.

That's exactly what style i'm wanting. You can see on my picture the bottom branch scoops and curves around

 

[Driver170]

Guys when i'm pruning back hard can i prune off all the new growth?