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bonsaiTALK Master Craftsman
Join Date: Jun-2005
Location: Kentucky
Country: United States
Posts: 555
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Hinoki Thoughts?
When I purchased this Hinoki it was really overgrown. So, much so you couldn't make out any of the tree's structure. It looked like a hedge . There was some significant die back in the interior branching.
I have pruned out most of the larger thick branches and a significant percentage of the growth to open it up and let the light in. I pinched most of the longer and thinner shoots back as well.
Now that I can see what I have, I was hoping for some input about possible future designs.
For instance, I'm not sure I like the jin. It seems to have two possible fronts. The second primary branch droops significantly which I like, but the primary is bean pole straight. If I make them all droop then the branches are going to hang below the pot rim.
Also, what's old wood for a Hinoki? I'm trying to ascertain how old the wood has to be when it quits backbudding. The reason is that each of the branches are fanned out and shaped fairly well now, but much of the growth is out at the ends (I know the pictures doesn't show that well). Also, nearly every branch has some live, but weak inner branches and shoots. How reasonable is it to expect them to regain vigour? If they do, I expect over a few years that I'll be able to regrow the trees original density in better defined foilage pads.
Also, the tree could stand being repotted, lotsa of feeder roots are showing on the top of the soil. Would it be advisable to repot it considering I just pruned back at least 1/3 to 1/2 the trees growth?
I'd appreciate any general thoughts about the aesthetics of the tree as well.
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