Old Yamadori Larch

[Marco M]

This is the developement of an old Larch from the Alps. It was collected about 20 years ago. 2007 was a first styling. On the photo the tree doesn`t looks bad but has a big issue. The Apex is not coming towards the viewer but is leaning backwards. Turning the tree counterclockwise will solve the problem with the apex, but the Nebari gets worse. So, in 2009 I started a longterm-projekt with the goal to get a good tree with no compromises. A small and flexible branch from the backside was bent to the front to build a complete new crown. This took about 10 years, but I think it was worth it.
The Tree is in a primitive pot by Derek Aspinall.

 

[hemmy]

This took about 10 years, but I think it was worth it.

Amazing transformation. Well done!

It looks like it stayed in a bonsai pot during the crown development and I don’t see any obvious sacrifice branches. So was the thickening of the new apex just done by adding branches and needle mass or were there times of sacrifice branches extending from the current silhouette?

Cheers

 

[Yamamomiji]

Magical, bravo to your dedication. It really paid off!

 

[Marco M]

Amazing transformation. Well done!

It looks like it stayed in a bonsai pot during the crown development and I don’t see any obvious sacrifice branches. So was the thickening of the new apex just done by adding branches and needle mass or were there times of sacrifice branches extending from the current silhouette?

Cheers

During the period from 2009 - 2016 I worked with sacrifice branches (mainly free growth of the top apex branch). From 2016- 2021 the tree could grow free during the saison and was cut back only one in the autumn/winter. Now , as the apikal dominance is becoming more evident, the apex is pinched whereas the lower branches can grow free during the saison.
The larch was only repotted once last year.