Need bad bonsai pics

[M. Frary]

there may be 4 trunks but this is still aesthetically pleasing, perhaps this is 2+2 style, 2 is ok

Four is a big no no in bonsai. Bad,bad,bad.

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

Another. Japanese white pine; not mine, but I worked to nurse it back to health for s couple seasons. Really ugly tree.
1. Reclining base, which makes it appear very weak, under a very tall tree.
2. First branch appears toward the front, interrupting the trunk line. In reality, the branch just below the "3" should be the first branch on this tree.
3. Very long, straight section of trunk. Incongruent with the lower, curvy trunk. It also has no branches for a long span.
4. Not labeled, but notice how all the growth is getting further and further away from the trunk? The wrong solution is to wire a ton of unnatural movement to tighten the pads. The right solution is to get the tree growing strong again (in the case of a JWP, prepare to allow 5-6 years for this), then begin selectively pruning away the outer growth and force the tree to develop interior shoots. Grafting is also a good solution in this instance.

Notice the ground cover? Too wet. If weeds are taking over JWP, it's getting too much water. They need to stay on the dry side.

Yellowing needles need to be removed too.

Finally, the twisted guy wire at the bottom right is aluminum. Never use aluminum for guy wires. It stretches. At least, use copper. Pros in Japan have gone to steel; picture frame wire works.

 

[jk_lewis]

A long stick with a black rubber tip and a chalk board, right?

Flip charts.

 

[Adair M]

Here is an Itoigawa juniper that has been sheared. Notice the brown tips and juvenile foliage:






The lady photo shows the growth created (forced) by repeated shearing. Weak growth comes from a crotch, over and over. A dozen little spindly shots from the same spot. Which also produces a knob on the branch.

 

[Alain]

Does not have to be your own trees. Can be ones you have seen in shows or online.

I know, I was joking and I actually did post a pictures below my 1st post

 

[M. Frary]

Pretty much speaks for itself. Nasty exposed root. No branches on one side and the branches it does have are bar branches. Still probably the shortest needles you will ever see on an Eastern White Pine.

 

[Cotyledon]

Bam!
My first juniper
I keep it excuse it won't die

 

[Cadillactaste]

For starters...the branch that crosses behind the left front branch...and those roots! Luckily for me...an angle change when repotted...removing that branch and sticking it into a fairy garden and having the fairy block those roots. Make it look much more pleasing to look upon. I actually am starting to like this tiny tree. It almost makes me pondering chopping some early spring and correcting those roots.

 

[Chad D]

Thanks everyone! Great examples to teach from. I really appreciate it. I'll contribute one of my own Chinese Elm with a crossing branch (that will be removed), trunk bulge on the lower 1/3, and key hole root/trunk that I hate

My presentation is not until this evening so keep them coming!!

 

[ColinFraser]

Here's a "fantastic" trunk for ya'

Taperless and uninteresting - a winning combo

 

[Vin]

Here's a "fantastic" trunk for ya'

You should think about air layering it here:

 

[M. Frary]

You should think about air layering it here:

View attachment 79680

Then chop it 2 inches above the soil.

 

[amcoffeegirl]

Then chop it 2 inches above the soil.

It's only funny cause it's true.

 

[amcoffeegirl]

How did the presentation go?

 

[michaelj]

View attachment 79635

Prune away the straight part of the trunk and it looks like a preacher leaning back saying "Can I get an 'amen!'?"

 

[Cadillactaste]

Prune away the straight part of the trunk and it looks like a preacher leaning back saying "Can I get an 'amen!'?"

lol...like I said...angle change when I potted it.
http://bonsainut.com/index.php?threads/you-were-right-jim-jkl.19938/

 

[Chad D]

How did the presentation go?

It went very well. Thanks for asking. Sorry, I've been busy lately and have missed out on bonsai nut fun for a while. It's good to be back.