bonsaiTALK Community - View Single Post - Problem tree: shimpaku prebonsai

Well, Mike (mfp1028) got me thinking. Always a dangerous thing.

I flipped to Naka's book as suggested, and there were some good pictures about how to make a nice bend in a trunk that didn't have that rainbow shape.

The key was to cut the little wedge on the inside of the bend. This is not a technique I've ever tried before, so I figured now, and with this tree, was as good a time as ever.

The basic styling idea was make pretty a compact little shohin with a powerful dynamic base and shaply bent down crown, looking as though it's been heavily battered by the mountain snows.

Here's what I did (see picture below). I cut the wedge, bent the tree into shape by hand, and tied it off in a bend using some strong rubber reenforced with #5 wire. I got exactly the kink that I was looking for, right where the nick was cut. (Without the nick, I got a rainbow arc.)

It ain't pretty at the moment, but I actually like the direction that it is going.

So thanks to Mike, this problem tree is at worst an interesting learning experience that will croak on me in a few weeks, and at best a tree with a future plan.

I'd love to hear your comments and suggestions. I haven't decided yet whether to tempt fate by creating and posting a virtual for the new shape. Soon as I do that, the tree is sure to die.

Cheers,
Old Mister Crow