crabapple -malus floribunda

simoncruden

Ive grown this tree from a seedling bought for $5.00 its been growing in a very large container for 5 years and ive just planted it into this more shallow container.Ithink it might be time to start the styling seriosely now -but not to sure which way to go .please can any one help this is a favorite of mine .
thank




simon

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crabapple.jpg (65.7 KB, 276 views)

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bwaynef

First tell us what you expect this tree to look like. Do you want an impressive giant of a tree, or a majestic in-the-hand little wonder? What you'd do now depends on where you see this tree going.

W

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simoncruden

I Was Thinking Of Something In Between Mid Sized -ive Been Growing In A Large Container To Get Some Girth-the Roots Are Great On This Tree ,thats Why Mid Sized.

Christiaan

My advice would be to re-plant this tree in that big container it was in before, and let it grow and thicken for the next 10 years or so.

This material is too young to start styling. Because of the slim trunk and it's young appearance you will not be able to get it to look like a mature tree after styling. Secondly, the taller you want to keep the tree the more emphasis will be laid on that thin trunk. To create an illusion of a thicker trunk, you will really have to make it a very short and compact tree. As you are aiming for a mid-size tree, I would wait a few more years and just let it grow and develop.

onlyrey

Hi Simon,

I was just looking at your gallery and saw some of your trees. By what I could see you have quite a collection. I could also see that you like the slimmer look than the 1:6 ratio. You also have been at bonsai for longer than the 1-1/2 years I've been at it, and respect that.

I actually like the way your crabapple looks with the slimmer shape. One of the things I've read is that it is difficult to get good ramification on these things. If it was me I would start developing the ramification on the branches by pinching... I would also pick a new leader (see pic) from that thin left branch close to the top.

Has this crabapple flowered yet? I have some crabapples in my possession right now and have read a little about them. Mine are in their very very early stages, they also have to survive being a USDA 4-8 and being moved to a 9a zone. Please keep us posted on its development.

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bwaynef

To me, mid-size is more than 12" and less than 24". Thats a pretty broad range, but I don't know if we're even on the same page. A good idea with crabapple is to have a fairly sizable tree since they're usually a little reticent to ramify.

Also, crabapples grow barrel-like trunks, so you'll have to chop them a few times if you want some taper. But wait 'til you're 2/3s of the way to the trunk size you want before you chop. Chopping slows down growth pretty quickly.

Now, following the 1:6 guideline (a better word than rule, less abrasive too), a 12" tall tree would need a 2" trunk to support it. Your tree looks like it has about 3/4" caliper right now. That'd be about a 4.5" tall tree.

The 1:6 ratio is not exactly arbitrary, but it is artistically (forgive me) sound. You can divert from that as much as you'd like. Its wise to consider why you are though.

A 1:<6 ratio makes for a really fat looking, near-view of a tree. These are often-times quite impressive, and most of the time very masculine looking. The extremes are sumo trees.

A 1:>6 presents a tall image. It can look like you've got a distant view of a tree on a hill. These appear feminine. 1:10 is approaching an extreme where the trunk doesn't look like it supports the foliage.

All that: I'd grow your tree out for a trunk. You'll have plenty of options to style the tree once the caliper is approaching 1.5 - 2 inches. Do everything you can to preserve those low branches right now, even if you don't think you'll use them in the final design. They'll really make that section swell. I'd suggest not even trimming them. In the meantime you'll probably be gifted with flowers to make it all worth it.

WF

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Brent

Another reason to take the long route with this tree is that you are going to be waiting fifteen to twenty years for it to flower and fruit. So, you may as well plan for a large trunk size training program to fit that time frame. This should yield an eight to ten inch caliper trunk if planted in the ground.

Brent
EvergreenGardenworks.com
see our blog at http://BonsaiNurseryman.typepad.com

IdahoBonsai

Are you sure you meant "seedling" or did you mean a cutting? There is a BIG difference as intimated by Brent.

If it is from a cutting you most likely would have seen flowers by now. Have you?

If from a seedling (grown from an actual seed) then Brent is the expert on time to flowering.

Additionally, you are now experiencing the difference between growin in a large container versus actually putting the tree in the ground. Ground growing, where the roots can run rampant and absorb all the nutrients Earth has to offer, will grow WAY faster than even in the largest of containers.

Some things to consider.

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Steven

South Central Idaho

simoncruden

Yep Ive Been Getting Plenty Of Flowers So It Must Be A Cutting Ive Been Giving This Tree A Bit Of Thought Latley And Think It Might Be A Better Canditate For A Smaller Style ,but Still Thinking And Can Take My Time With It As It Is Still Winter Here.
Thanks For All The Advise


Simon Cruden