Teach me how to Sumo

[KingJades]

Picked up this little willow leaf as I thought it would make a decent little sumo-type shohin.

I was imagining that the tree will have three largish branches when it's all done.

It also seems that the left branch already there is a second branch since it seems a little high on the trunk. I also think that what is already there is a bit thick and upward facing so I was going to cut the lowest branch on that side. It's a sucker below the current large branch.

I think I'm supposed to remove most of the smaller suckers that popped up and hope to pop a low right branch to use as a first branch.

 

[Ironbeaver]

I'd cut somewhere around here for a sumo.

 

[M. Frary]

You need to get yourself one of those little diaper things first.
Then come see me.

 

[Tieball]

What diameter is that trunk just above soil level?

 

[KingJades]

What diameter is that trunk just above soil level?

Approximately 2.25" at the current base.

 

[KingJades]

Can I branch select down to 3-5 branches and wire this now or am I supposed to wait? I have it under the grow lights and it's getting pretty shaggy with flushed growth directly off of the trunk.

 

[Leo in N E Illinois]

If you have active growth indoors, then the tree is being kept warm enough to not go dormant. Active growth is the key, or the green light. If the tree is just sitting there, wait until spring, or until active growth resumes.

 

[KingJades]

Here is what I did in November. Forgot to update you all. Just removed the wire about 3 days ago.



The branches I left still had quite long internodes, so I'll go back in for branch selection again with the new growth and shorter internodes. I have good buds close to the trunk that I can cut back to.

I'll post updated photos soon.

 

[KingJades]

From the photos, it's definitely time to let this little guy rest until the next growing season but I'm trying to make plans for when the time comes.

I think this will just be a traditional shohin with a decent trunk rather than a "real" sumo.

Have to pick the leader here. There's obviously the long branch to the top right but also a directly vertical bud coming from the shoulder of it. I think I'll leave this one.


And I'd like a better right facing branch lower on the trunk. All of the ones I have right now feel like they are too high up. That might feel better once I grow the apex and the tree is taller.



I also need to heal out the back so I'm letting some of the branches along the back go longer. I haven't carved out the trunk, but I'm not sure if I leave it and roll over or whether something like a carve and fill might be better. My concern is how that transition will look from the side once it heals.


Input and help appreciated!

 

[KingJades]

Double post. Sorry.

 

[Micci]

Do it!! Do the chop! I never regreted mine

 

[KingJades]

I sketched up a virt for my tree.