Here's the pine after the work.
+ The two problem branches have been turned into
jin.
+ The messiest branches have been given a bit more of a strict form.
+ Some of the upper branches have been shortened (but then wired to extend them, making some seem longer than before).
No, this one is not "there" yet, but it is on its way. The needles are quite long this year because I did not bud cut this summer. I let it grow freely to regain some vigor. When the needles are of the appropriate length (later this year), the canopy will appear to be of better proportion. It is, however, still too big; too voluminous.
The tree is beginning to show more age - important for
bunjin, but it is still too young looking. Over the next few years I'll address the apical region (need some backbudding first) and probably eliminate one or two more small branches up there.
Kind regards,
Andy Rutledge
www.andyrutledge.com/palaver/main.htm
zone 8, Texas