Originally Posted by bwaynef

I'm surprised by the feedback I'm receiving on the crape. The opinions stated herein haven't changed my opinion of it yet though. It certainly needs work, and possibly some drastic work. I'm contemplating still.

As for the anorexic pine, I agree that this isn't the typical masculine jbp. The branches just aren't there to fatten it up either. I've considered letting those main branches have an "escape" section to thicken the trunk a little, but I doubt very seriously that it'd make much difference (though its still a possibility).

I find its shape and size pretty pleasing. Granted some more girth would only help, but being realistic, theres not a lot more growth that I can expect from this tree without getting lucky with some buds popping pretty low on the trunk. Now, had the branch that was growing at the bottom right of the trunk been there when I got this tree ...it would've been the perfect trunk-thickening branch. (You can make out where the scar hasn't healed yet.)

I think I'm stuck playing the hand I was dealt.

As for the technique you mention, and S. Pilacik uses (who apparently gives a workshop yearly <10 miles from my house....) I'll be using it on another jbp whose trunk has some potential to thicken up still.


(Stupid time change: it'll probably be the weekend before I have daylight enough for any more pics.)