Kifu Trident

Smoke

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This smaller trident is another project for this year to work on. I'm calling it a Kifu sized tree although right now it fits the shohin size requirements of under 8". I feel that as I grow a new top the tree wil probably finish out around 10 to 11 inches.

The trunk is just under 3 inches across at the base and about 2.5 at the waist (about 1 inch above soil line).
 

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Smoke

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At the base I have a portion with no rootage and a large root about an inch across going straight down. I have no idea how far it goes, but I know that I will have trouble later dealing with this root for potting.

What I have decided to do is to ground layer some roots in that area. I have had used this method before to obtain rootage where I needed it. I have opened a window in the area and applied rooting gel. UIt will be noted that the nabari to the sides of this area is pretty nice. Note also the position of the top of the cut. It is ion a position so that as the roots issue above the cut they will be in line with the other roots. The window can only be there, above is no good and below is no good as the roots will not be on the same plain unless the window is where I put it.


What I did next is just an experiment in trying to keep an aggressive species from bridging my cut with scar tissue. After the rooting gel I filled the cavity with cut paste. First it will keep the area from drying too fast and second I hope it keeps the scar tissue at bay somewhat untill it decided to issue roots. It was back filled at least an ince over the cut and a layer of moss aplied to keep it moist.

Now I just sit back and wait.
 

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Smoke

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It will be such a shame to remove so much of the ramification that has been done on this trunk. It has a good outline now but after the correct cuts and another four or so years I will have a really great tree.

Pruning decisions coming later this winter.
 

bwaynef

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Which is the front for the tree? I can't really judge how big the tree would be, but some aggressive pruning w/ image 4 as the front could yield a tree with impressive movement (with the apex in the blurry region at the back). My inclination is that it would be a shohin though, so I'm interested to see the kifu sized tree you're hiding in there.
 

Smoke

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Which is the front for the tree? I can't really judge how big the tree would be, but some aggressive pruning w/ image 4 as the front could yield a tree with impressive movement (with the apex in the blurry region at the back). My inclination is that it would be a shohin though, so I'm interested to see the kifu sized tree you're hiding in there.


Kifu is larger than Shohin. My first post says I will probably finish this tree at somewhere around 10" to 11" inches, which as about 3" inches taller than it is presently.

•Shito: Bonsai trees up to the height of 5cm come under this category. To 2"
•Mame: Bonsai trees with height ranging from 5cm to 7cm are called as mame bonsai. 2" to 3"
•Shohin: Bonsai trees with height up to 20cm in height are called as Shohin bonsai. To 8"
•Kifu: Bonsai trees with height ranging from 20cm to 40cm are called as Kifu bonsai. 8" to 16"
•Chu: Bonsai trees with height ranging from 40cm to 60cm are called as Chu bonsai. 16" to 24"
•Dai: Trees with height greater 60cm are popularly knows as Dai bonsai types. 24" to forklift

As far as a front, I have no idea yet, but I will soon!
 

bwaynef

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Thanks for the lesson. I only meant that the tree I'd spotted would end up being shohin, so if you had plans for a kifu sized tree, its probably different than what I'd seen.

Regardless, I'm sure you'll figure it out.
 

docs_bonsai

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Looking forward to another awesome progression, I’ll stay tuned for the next episode.
 

Smoke

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Winter work for the trident started today. since the bottom looks pretty good and since I am truying to grow some roots on the area lacking roots, I decided not to mess with the bottom this year. I did go ahead a do the chop back, so I can start to grow out the new branches and re make the canopy.

The red lines indicate where the trunk will be chopped for future trunk line.
 

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Smoke

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The large area on the right was chopped off and cleaned up with a scapel to heal. the smaller stub on the left was also removed as it grew in a direction off the trunk as a sub trunk. It would never look good. As to the rest of the uneeded branches were pruned away and the cut cleaned and sealed with sealant.

Now all I have to do is wait for spring.
 

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Smoke

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before and after.
 

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milehigh_7

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The large area on the right was chopped off and cleaned up with a scapel to heal. the smaller stub on the left was also removed as it grew in a direction off the trunk as a sub trunk. It would never look good. ASll the rest of the uneeded branches were pruned away and the cut cleaned and sealed with sealant.

Now all I have to do is wait for spring.

Al, a couple of questions:

1) Do you work roots this time of year also?
2) What do you use for sealant?
 

Smoke

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Yes I work roots as needed whenever they are repotted. Repotting will start right after the holiday...so around the 26th. I have to be done with the maples, elms, and hornbeams by Jan. 31. Right after that they start to open leaves. I have at least another month for junipers and pines, at least till the end of Feb.

As for sealant, the one I like for maples is the green snot in the green toothpaste tube. It works well, does not harden and is waterproof. It does have to dry before it is waterproof, as it will dissolve if wet before hardening.
 

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milehigh_7

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Thanks! I think we are pretty close to the same schedule with seasons. Al, I really do appreciate your teaching.
 

Smoke

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Added three approach grafts this afternoon. I have a big stump from the original five I bought in the chronical thread. This mother tree is one of them.

After the grafts take it will be chopped again and planted in the ground.
 

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riprap

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Added three approach grafts this afternoon. I have a big stump from the original five I bought in the chronical thread. This mother tree is one of them.

After the grafts take it will be chopped again and planted in the ground.
From the photo I can't tell how the scions are adhered to the trunk (and just what is the role of the pushpins).

This has probably been covered in another thread, in which case, could you please direct me to it? Thanks very much.
 

Smoke

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The pushpins are holding the grafts to the trunk. That is all.
 

riprap

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Simplicity itself! Thank you. I've got to try this.
 

cmeg1

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nice looking tree.Have you prepared a lot of your stock yourself,years ahead of time.I am wanting to start thread,but have no permission yet.
I seen some nice trees you have a picture of on another thread.
 

Alex DeRuiter

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That's a wonderful way to make approach grafts!! I never even thought of that. Very innovative!
 
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Very interesting way to hold the grafts in place Al. I've been using various tiny nails and this simple idea never occured to me. Never again will I go hunting for tiny little brass nails. Thanks for all your posts, they're always educational and interesting.
 
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