Please help me

Macross

Hey guys!!
I have bought a Hinoki Cypress and don't know where to start? Alot of the brances come from the base and I don't know if I should chop'em or not?
I am a little terrified! Please help me.
The tree is about 14" or 36cm tall and almost the same in Diameter.
I am reasonablly uneexperianced in such tings and would really appresiate some guidence.


Thanks sooooo much
Macros the Black

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Macross

Also here is a link to the Pic of the tiny monster.
http://pictures.bonsaitalk.com/showphoto.php?photo=5095


Thanks again
Mac

ElGringo

I know that if you leave branches near the base, it can help to quickly thicken the trunk. When you're satisfied with the result (in a few years), then chop 'em to give the tree it's final shape. Try to find where the major branches are, this will give you some idea of what style you can develop. How does the trunk look? If its quite straight, then go for a more formal style.


All I can tell you is plan what you want to do in advance, the tree will look better in the long run than if you just rush in there with a pair of pruners!

Gringo ^_^

lehket

It's hard to tell from the photo. I'd follow ElGringo's advice and try to identify the major branches. Try to find the best front for the tree based on rootage, the movement of the trunk, and where the best branches are. It's possible to change the front later if necessary, but I've found that identifying the front before doing too much cutting helps to guide the cutting.

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soonami

you should use the gallery only for "finished" or show quality bonsai...

That said, you will need to look at the tree from pot level and pick out the trunk line

Macross

Thanks for the help,
I'm sorry about the photo, i wasn't sure how to post it properly.
My main problem is that I have read alot on the subject, but none of the books show in a simple way how to achive an atractive design.
For me as a fairly new starter to bonsai, and the gardening world, I find some of the terms confusing.
I feel a bit dence, but I'm not exactally sure what "movement" is, and I also have trouble finding the front, or the best front.
My father always told me when I was a kid that a dog always poops at the back of a tree? Maybe I'll put it to the test?
If any of you can advise me in a way that a dence, wet behind the ears, beginner can follow I would be eternally gratefull.


Reguards
Mac

Bentreemin

I think you dad was refering to a movement LOL

But seriously, movement in bonsai is usually concerning the trunk line and its twists / bends / turns in relation to the form of the tree. The term movement is borrowed from the art of painting in 2D relating to how an image suggests flow or naturlism or action, etc EG: in simple terms if a tree is heavy on foliage to right then you would want movement of the trunk to the left to balance up or a left branch to do the same. In practicality you would engineer this vice versa if you see what I mean.
It is a difficult term to explain in words as it relates to composition, visual input and ones impression of the illusion achieved to an extent. Its also confusing for new people to bonsai as trees do not tend to move too quickly unless bent with wire or stolen!

My advice is lighten up and try to achieve attractive designs, or better still, from what I hear, attend a workshop with someone skilled as your mentor.
My 2cents