I agree with that assessment, almost considered going toward literati with it because of that lack of foliage.
How can I chase it back, besides growth and feeding?
I don't think it was ever trimmed, just ignored for years...
Brent
Exactly, a common occurrence in our hobby! I am currently working on one that was let go for seven years. The foliage on the outside looked fantastic, the branches inside were bare for long stretches.
The process requires growing out, fertiliser and then major cutback to induce budback and interior branching or lower branching in some cases.
Any other work that you do at the same time is likely to weaken the tree and delay the process. You may have to do this more than once to get the desired outcome. The alternative would be grafting branches in desired locations. This is faster initially but the overall outcome is not as satisfactory! Due to weakness of grafted branches, and time it takes to conceal grafting. ( unless scions)
When i know that a long process is in order, the first thing i recommend is repotting to the best available substrate! This sets the tree up for success and speeds up the process! Continuing to work the tree when in nursery soil just slows the process and the development of a suitable rootball for Bonsai purposes.