Newbie gets a Hinoki Cypress

[Drewski]

So, I’ve been lurking for a while and doing a lot of reading and watching a lot of videos. I’ve already done more than I should with a few trees before I learned better. I was glad to hear it’s a common mistake. I’m hoping to avoid this mistake in the future. So I come here seeking some advice. I bought a Hinoki at a local nursery and would like to hear what you guys think of it, and also hear any suggestions you might have. Here’s a few pics....

 

[Crazy Diamond]

Nice tree, the problem with those grafted Hinokis its that they develop bulky trunk bases almost like a ginseng ficus

 

[bwaynef]

That second photo is where I'd begin working from. Preserve every bit of interior/low growth until you're absolutely sure you don't need it. Most report issues getting them to backbud, at least in the traditional sense.

 

[sorce]

Welcome to Crazy!

Sorce

 

[Bonsai Nut]

Preserve every bit of interior/low growth until you're absolutely sure you don't need it. Most report issues getting them to backbud, at least in the traditional sense.

^^^ This is critically important! You have to keep the exterior foliage opened up so that light can reach the interior, or you will lose all your interior growth and it is extremely difficult to replace. Hinokis, when healthy, tend to want to grow like topiary (with balls of foliage at the ends of branches) and you can't allow this.

 

[Drewski]

I’ve read about the issues with lack of back budding, and I’m going to be pretty careful when it comes to removing branches. The only one I’m eying so far is the large branch you can see easiest in the first pic. It’s the biggest one and goes off to the left. It has two small secondary branches halfway up, and then the rest of its foliage is out at the end. But I’m going to spend a while looking it over before I make up my mind.