Originally Posted by Carl Bergstrom

Mike,

Can you explain the new planting angle shown in the second picture?

To me, the original angle was perfect or nearly so. The current angle is static, its right angles jar against the twisting sinuous lines of the live veins and gorgeous shari, the base has gone from beautifully flared to nearly reverse-tapered, the full composition seems badly off balance, and the trunk no longer harmonizes with the foliage mass.

(On the positive side, it's a nice illustration of what a few years of good soil and fertilizing technique can do.)

Best regards,
Carl