Wild Plum

[LanceMac10]

Right branch gives balance and stability to the tree. Many people like that sense of balance.
Removing that branch will give dynamic tension and a completely different feel to the whole tree. I think the powerful uro and shari in that area attract enough attention without needing foliage there as well.

Either way you will have a nice bonsai plum.

Meh. Definitely keep the branches


View attachment 260978

...thanks for the virt , @Atom#28 nice job....


...you can see what @Shibui is getting at with the above image....orientation of the branch in question doesn't seem to jibe with most of your other branching...

...nice tree, be glad to have with/without the branch!!!!!

 

[misfit11]

Meh. Definitely keep the branches

Wow! Thanks for the virt, Atom! It really illustrates how necessary that branch is to the design.

 

[Woocash]

Mirabelles are prunus domestica subsp, syriaca. Got them growing like weeds all over near us. Leaves look similar but new growth and bark has more of a red tinge to it so I’m not sure this is the same thing. Really nice tree though. I like the scar, a prunus with similar deadwood isn’t uncommon around here in the wild.

 

[GGB]

Really loving that tree. Looks good with the branch kept as opposed to virt

 

[misfit11]

Update. I wired this guy out after leaf drop. I hope to do a thread graft to fill that gap on the upper left. My teacher liked this as the front as opposed to the other side with the carving. What do y'all think?

 

[misfit11]

Which front do you like?

 

[Maloghurst]

I would have to go with the new front. The branches are better positioned and better balance,
The old front nebari and trunk look better though.

 

[Leo in N E Illinois]

I like the first image. The scar adds interest.

The second image the trunk needs to be planted deeper to bury the gap between the roots. The trunk is more plain.

Both sides are acceptable. It is really up to you.

 

[penumbra]

Fabulous tree and one to be very proud of. I too like the first picture with hollow in front.

 

[AlainK]

I like the first image. The scar adds interest.

Ditto.

Very nice tree.

 

[Hartinez]

First image. I like the scar and the root base and nebari flare better. Though I dont know that you go wrong with either being the front.

 

[Shibui]

I still love the scar as a feature but it appears the lower branch might be just a little too far back from that angle? A small change of angle can sometimes make a big difference in such cases as can wiring and pruning to bring the bulk of the branch structure further forward. The scar side also has the advantage of a rear branch to give depth. Again it is hard to pick out 3D in photos but depth seems to be something the alternative front lacks at the moment. That 3rd? branch seems to be coming directly toward the viewer from that new front.
As mentioned earlier, Either both these fronts are great and you are lucky to have such a dilemma. Use whichever appeals to you now. Most decisions are reversible if in future your preferences change.
BTW I don't think there is a 'gap' upper left. Spaces are essential in most bonsai. Spaces are one of the things that differentiates bonsai from topiary. When there are leaves on the tree I don't think the space will even be noticeable and the existing branches will inevitably grow and that space will soon disappear.

 

[james]

Way cool tree, really nice work

 

[misfit11]

I still love the scar as a feature but it appears the lower branch might be just a little too far back from that angle?

Yes. That is the issue with having the front be the side with the carving. The first branch eminates from the other side. Typically you want the first branch coming more from the front. I like the side with the carving better but I think my teacher chose the other side because of that branch.
Thanks for your comments, Shibui!

 

[misfit11]

I would have to go with the new front. The branches are better positioned and better balance,
The old front nebari and trunk look better though.

That's my dilemma too.

 

[just.wing.it]

I like the original front as well. More interest and better looking taper.

Coming along nicely!

 

[Sno]

A round pot gives multiple viewing angles . when it flowers you can choose the view to best suit . really nice plum .

 

[Leo in N E Illinois]

Yes. That is the issue with having the front be the side with the carving. The first branch eminates from the other side. Typically you want the first branch coming more from the front. I like the side with the carving better but I think my teacher chose the other side because of that branch.
Thanks for your comments, Shibui!

There are times it is appropriate to disagree with your teacher. Who is watering the tree after all? Of course be polite, just say "no thank you".

There are a number of world class bonsai that the first branch does not start on the left or the right, but rather in back and comes around to where it is needed. Not ideal, but if the other strengths of the front with the scar & uro is good enough, one can forgive a less than ideal first branch placement.

 

[just.wing.it]

I think if branch placement is to be regarded over then look of the trunk ...the new front causes a new problem....an eyepoker that crosses the trunk.
Double no-no....

 

[misfit11]

One lonely flower. The others of this variety in the wild are completely covered in flowers right now, but with no leaves.