FredL

Rene, it seems to me that any tree that attracts your attention is worth the effort. I think this tree is interesting, indeed. And, what I'm really interested in is how the charactaristics that Matt lists for us might be created in this particular tree.

I wonder if the first two don't require similar treatment, chopping somewhat lower and working with the new leader that emerges. Then, after the new leader has grown vigorously for a couple of feet, chopping again. Perhaps changing the attitude (angle to the ground) each time the trunk is chopped. My experience with fast growing specimens is that they can be chopped a couple of times during each growing season, allowing the trunk to add a couple or three inches each time. It appears to me that the lower trunk develops in an interesting way as a result. When the lower trunk has been developed for awhile, the leader can then be wired to provide movement in the upper trunk.

I am doing this to some Hackberries and Hornbeams and I'm sure I can see the trunks developing.

I am trying to develop the roots in a similar way, with repeated pruning of the roots to try to create a shallow root system which I increasingly expose at the surface. I think the roots react to repeated pruning in a way similar to branches, which will ramify over time.

My reading indicates that branches are the last thing to worry about, but the quickest to respond to the usual techniques of pruning and wiring. I will worry about them when the time comes. Bark will, I think, take care of itself. It's like our human skin. Just try to stop it from looking old after a few years.

Now, I doubt that I've said anything that you are not already well aware of. Don't mean to insult your intelligence. But from everything I've seen myself and read about in books, it is perfectly feasible to develop this tree into a credible bonsai. Just takes the desire to do it. As for the time, that's like worrying about whether a romance might take too long. The process is enjoyable........the longer, the better!

Best regards, Fred