The
Virtual Bonsai tool had me thinking about how we might be able to use it to discuss pruning a real tree.
We discovered in a
previous thread how bad online forums can be at TEACHING. It's time to find out how good they can be!
In this lesson you'll learn some of the terminology used to discuss branches and problem branch formations. You'll also learn a bit about how a tree grows and the system of balances that keep these problems in check.
Soon, we'll have an assignment and a test, so stay tuned!
Here's our test subject: Sharpen your virtual concave cutters, and we'll begin!
STUDYING THE TRUNK
In practice, the overall review begins with identification of the primary trunkline. The trunk of an informal upright ideally shows both movement and taper. This Virtual Bonsai tree, by design, has a rather obvious trunkline and with mild taper. We would inspect the tree from various angles and choose the potential "front" that offered the best compromise of the following:
1. Root display
2. Rise (angle) and taper of the lower trunk from the soil
3. Movement of the trunk along the existing (or potential) trunkline
4. Arrangement of branches
We'll assume for now that we have identified the view below as the "front" with the most immediate potential. Later, you will be able to use information in this article to identify and correct problems in the branching, and this will contribute to your skill in selecting the "front" of a tree.