Pine Needs Styling

penumbra

Imperial Masterpiece
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I have had this JWP for probably 20 years or more. It has been in the pot shown and has been re-potted in a bonsai mix this past spring. It was leaning quite a bit more but after all these years I potted it more upright. It has never been wired, nor has it been pruned. Nearly every year I pinched out the long candles and trimmed the others. I am at long last ready to get serious about styling the tree and there is so much talent here that I thought I would ask opinions on styling it. Having said all of this I am now wondering if it isn't a Pinus flexilis. It is about 26 to 30 inches tall. I hate to sound so ignorant but I was pretty much out of bonsai work for over 20 years. IMG_0454.JPGIMG_0455.JPGIMG_0456.JPGIMG_0458.JPG
 

Forrestford

Shohin
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Im digging the lean on this tree. I see a literati style pine, get rid of the low branch and wire the others down. And lots of clean up. Nice tree you got there.
Something like this...
1559180443087.pngnot my tree, I pulled it off google.
 

Soldano666

Omono
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Just a good clean up and wiring down some branches could make a big difference. Nice tree. Excuse the poor virt but you get the idea. received_2345908142136959.jpeg
 

Japonicus

Masterpiece
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I would leave the lowest branch for now. Take it later after many decisions to come.
Heck you might use it to create the new apex!!!
There's a knuckle that needs dealing with. Do you graft? I have not but you'd appreciate @Adair M 's eyes on this...
 

Adair M

Pinus Envy
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It looks like a JWP to me!

Wire would certainly help!
 

Arcto

Chumono
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2nd JWP. I have a SWWP. Not the greatest specimen, but I’ll try to get a closeup pic of the needles tomorrow.
 

Arcto

Chumono
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Here in order are a Sw White Pine, Western White Pine and a Japanese White Pine. 7A275BB1-7FBF-4E3C-ADD8-6BA976540B35.jpeg 839F6398-ECAB-40CB-A77B-316417B55CEB.jpeg D9708796-A845-4FFD-A111-099C24A32013.jpeg Frankly, the SWWP has been planted on a rock for years and is pretty pale and stunted. Probably not the best example. Robust, healthy ones I have observed more closely resemble Eastern or Western White Pines than Japanese Whites.
 
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