Chamaecyparis - Looking for critique

node

Chamaecyparis - Looking for critique

This is a Hinoki Cyrpres I got from a run-of-the-mill garden center. I gave it a rough styling and potted it last year. It was wired it over last winter and refined it a bit more this spring.

I'm not totally unsatisfied with the way it's coming along, but would like to have a bit of input, and a general critique from this crowd, if you don't mind

Stefan

Attached Images

	Chamaecyparis_FRONT_1.jpg (47.1 KB, 204 views)
	Chamaecyparis_FRONT_2.jpg (41.2 KB, 57 views)
	Chamaecyparis_BACK_1.jpg (44.6 KB, 79 views)
	Chamaecyparis_LEFT_1.jpg (44.8 KB, 64 views)
	Chamaecyparis_RIGHT_2.jpg (43.8 KB, 36 views)
	Chamaecyparis_TRUNK_1.jpg (43.7 KB, 68 views)

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Aaron_K

Hi Node,

Nice start with this one. I like the trunk movement very much, and it does lead the viewers eyes on a gentle meandering path from the base of the trunk, up to the apex.

The only thing that I feel is unbalancing the tree at this stage, is the lowest two branches. I don't think they do anything to enhance the tree, and instead distract the viewer.

The top of the tree has a good start to it, with a nice triangle apparent. I've attached a couple of images below of what I mean.

Hopefully John Dixon will come along and spend some time doing a nice proper virtual.. cough*hint*cough

All the best,

Aaron

Attached Images

	Chamaecyparis_FRONT_2.jpg (29.1 KB, 91 views)
	Hinokitriangle.jpg (33.9 KB, 67 views)

tuckerg

or something like this with the branch arrowed allowed to grow out more.

Attached Images

Hinokitriangle.jpg (48.8 KB, 97 views)

node

One of the reasons for posting this tree are those two branches at the bottom. I wish they were about 2" higher up on the trunk, but alas.

I've been ready with the pruning shears a time or two, but hesitated until now.
Can't reattach them once they're gone, but I'm leaning towards loosing them as well...

Stefan

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Whenever you find that you are on the side of the majority, it is time to reform. - Mark Twain
Never let your sense of morals get in the way of doing what's right. - Isaak Asimov
The most savage controversies are those about matters as to which there is no good evidence either way. - Bertrand Russell

Alasdair

I don't like the bottom branches either. If you do decide to remove them, i'd go with a jin first. then you can chop it away if it isn't right.

The branch that tuckerg removed doesnt sit right to me either, its too straight as it comes away from the main trunk, and a wee bit naked.

I think that lowering the foliage on the left at the top might help a bit.

On the whole i like it, plenty of potential and i'd love to be working on it myself!

Al

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TreeBay

Hmm maybe plant it on a slab and wire the first branch upright as a sort of second trunk. better a high trunk than a low branch...

Regards,

Matt

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node

I don't quite agree with the first part of your statement, I do like that branch as is, but I agree that it might need a bit more on the left to balance it out.
Pinching that right hand branch a more heavily, and letting the left side grow out a bit, should let me achieve this.
The Top of the tree is still mostly wired anyway, I'll try and move the top left branch down a bit on the morrow and I'll make a virt along the lines of your suggestion.

Something like this (see virt)? Maybe I'm misunderstanding what you are trying to tell me, but if I move the lower branches to a more upright pointing position, the angles in relation to the other branches seem to clash a bit. I realize it would need to grow out some more, but I don't really see those two branches ever achieving much girth, they are kind shaded out as it is at the moment.

Stefan

Attached Images

Chamaecyparis_VIRT_1.jpg (38.8 KB, 94 views)

__________________
Whenever you find that you are on the side of the majority, it is time to reform. - Mark Twain
Never let your sense of morals get in the way of doing what's right. - Isaak Asimov
The most savage controversies are those about matters as to which there is no good evidence either way. - Bertrand Russell

mike_p

Geez Matt, I dunno. I don't see how either a low branch or a high second trunk will enhance this tree. I say lose the low branches and start thinking more toward bunjin.

Mike

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rutledge

Stefan,

I believe that if you can straighten the trunk, you can keep the lowest branch (as in the image below). If not, which I suspect is the case, you should probably remove the lowest branches and reconfigure the trunk and foliage (as in the second image).

I hope these quick sketches help to show what I'm talking about.

Kind regards,
Andy

Attached Images

	chamchokk.gif (18.8 KB, 107 views)
	chambun.gif (19.1 KB, 130 views)