Ligustrum Japonicum Help

[Firstflush]

This is finally recovered following reduction from a 20 gal pot over a year ago. Perfectly recovered but stopped growing as it has run out of container space. I understand they stop growing when root bound. It was about 3x4 originally. Reduced the roots and foliage by about 95%.

The large trunk chop was cleaned up with a dremel but the sharp cut edge sucks. Maybe air layer just below the first branch, however, it has a nice fat base and movement. Maybe hollow out the trunk there or hide with a branch.

I would appreciate your ideas with the base, another trunk chop, future potential (if any) etc......
The project is a playground and nothing very serious. I was seeing how much of a reduction this tree could take. Tough as hell.

 

[leatherback]

Pot size should not be limiting.
Are you watering enough?

 

[Firstflush]

I read it somewhere...maybe Kuromatsu I think. It flushed back, sent out it’s length then stopped.

Plenty of water. The substrate is cactus mix, plus pumice and a pinch of compost. It retains moisture. Here in southern cal it’s getting water about every three days and is still slightly moist on day three.

 

[leatherback]

water about every three days

That is odd. In my summers all my trees get watered at least once a day. And I would guess you have hotter and drier climate?

 

[Firstflush]

Ok, maybe I’ll water a little more and see how it goes. Could be the container, which is a little big, retaining extra water.

 

[Firstflush]

Any other ideas?

 

[Firstflush]

No one, no love?

 

[Firstflush]

Do you hate wax leaf privets?
Do you water in assless chaps when no ones looking?
Hahahah....sorry in advance.

 

[Leo in N E Illinois]

I did not comment, for 2 reasons, one is I have never grown a Ligustrum of any type. Second I am not familiar with your growing environment. So I was waiting to see if others more familiar with the species and more familiar with your climate would comment.

I like the "fat base", I would not air layer the top off, as the wide base is the best trait of this tree. The flat surface of the cut is a visual problem, but the key cure for this at this point is let the tree grow. By letting the branches grow, and extend more fluids, water and sugars will move through the living veins of the bark, the cambium, and the bark will swell and begin rolling over the flat part of the deadwood. It is very probable that you will have to do additional carving but not now, let the trunk begin to heal so you can see where the live veins are. In 2 or 3 years you will be able to dress the wound again and get a more natural looking edge to the healed part, and then you can create a more natural looking hollow. So that the trunk looks like a hollow tree in miniature.

 

[Firstflush]

Appreciated.