Me VS. Buckthorn
- Thread starter Eckhoffw
- Start date
Eckhoffw
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The big stump I dug up early this spring, still has not pushed a bud in an area I desire.
Lots of suckers, with a couple nice branches on the same side.
This one is just getting over a brutal attack by aphids. The leaves are shriveled, and the color is pale. I think I’ve taken care of them though!
Here’s my question. Would you allow this recently collected tree to send suckers to help with recovery?
Would you cut them off to redirect more energy to places you want it?
Thanks!
Lots of suckers, with a couple nice branches on the same side.
This one is just getting over a brutal attack by aphids. The leaves are shriveled, and the color is pale. I think I’ve taken care of them though!
Here’s my question. Would you allow this recently collected tree to send suckers to help with recovery?
Would you cut them off to redirect more energy to places you want it?
Thanks!
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Eckhoffw
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Buckthorn number two -little stump, got a haircut today. I was letting it run wild for a bit.
This is the healthiest this plant has been, so I felt OK about cutting it back.
Did a little deadwood stripping as well. So satisfying!
I plan on cleaning the wood around the hallow soon.
This is the healthiest this plant has been, so I felt OK about cutting it back.
Did a little deadwood stripping as well. So satisfying!I plan on cleaning the wood around the hallow soon.
Eckhoffw
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This one continues to run. The most vigorous it’s been since I collected it 4 years ago.
I’m becoming more convinced that buckthorn could be a decent species for bonsai training.
It’s not amazing, but oh so available. No permission or permit needed.-unless on private property of course. Then you just ask if you can remove some buckthorn from their property.
I hope to thicken the transition between the last chop circled in red.
Later this fall I’ll chop that sacrifice leader to about purple line.
I’m becoming more convinced that buckthorn could be a decent species for bonsai training.
It’s not amazing, but oh so available. No permission or permit needed.-unless on private property of course. Then you just ask if you can remove some buckthorn from their property.
I hope to thicken the transition between the last chop circled in red.
Later this fall I’ll chop that sacrifice leader to about purple line.
Eckhoffw
Masterpiece
Over 3 foot extension. Healthiest this turd has ever been. 
Eckhoffw
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Buckthorn #2 got chopped a week ago.
I spun around “big buck” to let the other side get more light.
All the folliage/shoots @ low-left are root suckers. So not a ton to work with.
With the branches at the back, I think I can make something out of this if I don’t get more branching. We will see!
I spun around “big buck” to let the other side get more light.
All the folliage/shoots @ low-left are root suckers. So not a ton to work with.With the branches at the back, I think I can make something out of this if I don’t get more branching. We will see!
Eckhoffw
Masterpiece
Buckthorn #2
Early spring photos:
It’s Becoming a dramatic little stump.
Early spring photos:
It’s Becoming a dramatic little stump.
The Warm Canuck
Chumono
Looking good!
Eckhoffw
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This one didn’t mind the crappy repot one bit.
I believe this one is at year 6 in a pot.
I believe this one is at year 6 in a pot.
Eckhoffw
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This one is Showing a nice flush of growth and smaller internodes and leaves after the repot. 
Eckhoffw
Masterpiece
In comparison, my other one -buckthorn #2- looks like this; 
this one has not been repotted or trimmed.
this one has not been repotted or trimmed.
Eckhoffw
Masterpiece
Today I found myself thinking, “these buckthorn are not bad!”.
They have pretty quirky growth patterns, but are also pretty cooperative.
I’m surprised I haven’t seen more decent examples
This one is getting closer.
Starting to ramify, and leaves reduced.
The big stump has a looooong way to go but is showing me a suggestion of what it could be
They have pretty quirky growth patterns, but are also pretty cooperative.
I’m surprised I haven’t seen more decent examples
This one is getting closer.
Starting to ramify, and leaves reduced.
The big stump has a looooong way to go but is showing me a suggestion of what it could be
Eckhoffw
Masterpiece
There is a cool mushroom scene developing on the big buckthorn. 
Overall, the tree has grown well this season.
Just letting the new leader run.
Overall, the tree has grown well this season.Just letting the new leader run.
Eckhoffw
Masterpiece
This one is starting to make me smile.
So far, I’ve learned that buckthorn can tolerate some serious abuse, but are tricky when it comes to directing growth.
It will take pruning OK except for it Doesn’t always respond the way you’ve planned.
Generally, if a branch is very vigorous, you are safe to prune back and will get new growth from the cut point or behind.
It gets dicey when you’re doing some general shaping. Sometimes when you cut a branch back, it just dies off. I’ve learned to take it slow when trying to compact a branch.
They are pretty tolerant of soil conditions although I found they prefer to be wetter than dryer.
I’m still growing out the leader on this one to try and improve the transition between the shop and the trunk.
Maybe by next season I’ll be able to focus on ramifying branches.
So far, I’ve learned that buckthorn can tolerate some serious abuse, but are tricky when it comes to directing growth.
It will take pruning OK except for it Doesn’t always respond the way you’ve planned.
Generally, if a branch is very vigorous, you are safe to prune back and will get new growth from the cut point or behind.
It gets dicey when you’re doing some general shaping. Sometimes when you cut a branch back, it just dies off. I’ve learned to take it slow when trying to compact a branch.
They are pretty tolerant of soil conditions although I found they prefer to be wetter than dryer.
I’m still growing out the leader on this one to try and improve the transition between the shop and the trunk.
Maybe by next season I’ll be able to focus on ramifying branches.
Eckhoffw
Masterpiece
The rotting stump has been left to grow!
I’m not sure what I plan to do with this thing!
I’m not sure what I plan to do with this thing!
Eckhoffw
Masterpiece
This one got a treatment.
After a few beers, things got a little interesting.
I cut 5 feet of the top leader off and started carving into this dead trunk.
maybe like this 
Looks like some sort of Sci-Fi Star Trek base with invasive up top.
Possible just chop it back and change the angle.
As I continue to carve, this is probably where we will end up anyway!
After a few beers, things got a little interesting.
I cut 5 feet of the top leader off and started carving into this dead trunk.
maybe like this Looks like some sort of Sci-Fi Star Trek base with invasive up top.
Possible just chop it back and change the angle.
As I continue to carve, this is probably where we will end up anyway!Similar threads
