Ugly thorny misfit

greerhw

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With the tree tied in I could add the soil. The tree was watered in and I began pruneing the tree for shape. A few branches were wired and a few were cut off.

Did I improve the plant?
Asthetically as a bonsai I think so.

Will it ever be a great tree?
Hell no, but it was a great exercise in seeing if I could radically remove such a terrible root base on a tree. This technique could be used to help a really good tree with a poor base.

What does the future hold?
Well as I see it....I think there may be two really good trees here. A slanting shohin with the dead wood on top useing the straight portion of the top after the trunk thickness change.

And a more upright shohin tree with the base. The base will need some carving with maybe a hollowed trunk to induce better taper.

Time will tell on both these projects till the tree recovers and shows strong signs of growth.

To a happy winter, Al


Lovely ! What else can I say.

keep it green,
Harry
 

Decoy Octopus

Yamadori
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Smoke, I'd love to see the progress you've made in the last two years with this tree. Pyracantha have always reminded me of my favorite climbing tree when I was younger, the American Mountain-Ash. I miss Michigan summers... One day I will bonsai that species!
 
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It's a shame the roots weren't just a little less outragous... I'm fond of crazy root systems... they have character that appeals to me. But you made the best of a bad situation for sure.... it just took something of the spirit away as well.

I'm not as impressed with the tree as I am your skill... which is considerable. Well done.

Hugs,

V
 

edprocoat

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Okay, where you incised the tree roots for layering, I suppose after the root establishes fine roots you will cut off the bottom? I guess this will not affect the roots beneath the soil, or maybe I am asking how you remove the bottom part, will it be intertwined or attached to roots beneath the original soil line.
The final pic of it looked like a great start though. Another question I am not familiar with growing roots in the medium you used. I have seen several different types that look similiar , like fine gravel in different colors, is the advantage quicker root growth, better drainage or maybe both?

Well I did not see the second page before I posted this and you answered the question I had about removing the large roots and the roots beneath the soil line. This is amazing to me and I would never have considered it being workable.! This method has left you with a mature looking trunk and very fine roots and seems to have many applications, thanks for sharing this.

ed
 
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