Feedback please

Frogboy

I am relatively new to bonsai and would just like some feedback on my initial outings. I will do them one at a time, though, so you won't get swamped. This tree was styled last week, so advice like "it needs to grow into its shape" is not really helpful. I am looking more for design and basic shaping critiques.


http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p...rightSpruce.JPG

Have at it!

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ninja

What I would do is remove the branches I like the least that are on the same level as others. Such as the two lowest branches, I'd keep one then remove the other(or possibly both). This is more appealing and prevents "reverse taper" that could occur. Oh, and I would also let the branches that I keep grow more to thicken up the tree

Jay

Frogboy, welcome to the forum. Remember you get all levels of knowledge and ability here, take opinions and weigh them as to their validity.

It would help if you were to fill in your 'User CP' on the top tool bar on the left. Make sure to fill in the profile...no personal stuff but it will help. Very often advice given for a tree in Vermont is not the same as you might get for a tree in Florida or Virginia or... you get the idea.

As for the tree you posted (And for the record, my level of knowledge is that of a novice... by means no expert), I would think about the height to trunk thickness. In this tree it is a bit too high. You might think about chopping the tree to a point and raising one of the branches to become the new leader, also the point made above about removing one of the bar branches is also a good thought.

Again, do not be in a rush...take your time, think about what you want to do and then think some more. Once you cut off a branch or trunk chop the tree it is done, no turning back.... make sure before you do.

my 2 cents
Jay

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cbobgo

At pretty much every level you have what are called bar branches - 2 branches coming out at the same level on the trunk. This is bad for 2 reasons. First, visually it causes the eye to stop at that level instead ov flowing up the trunk. Second, it will cause the trunk to swell at those locations, leading to knobbiness and likley reverse taper, which is also bad visually.

So, pick one branch at each location and remove the other.

Also, your first branches are probably too low given the overall height of the tree.

- bob

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imyerhukleberry

I agree with Jay here. I would chop this tree, more specifically to the second branches up from the bottome. Then take one of your branches there and train it up. Then let the tree grow and try to get some more branches into the picture. I don't know if a tree this age will back bud on the trunk.

I'm hesitant to say it, but I might even chop this tree right down to the first branches, that or create dead wood above the first branches...

obviously you want to see this tree fill out as well...

John Dixon

It's really rough, but here is my first virtual on ANY tree (don't laugh). This would be my initial shaping.

The branches that are left should be bent down to give a more "aged" appearance, then ramified. Also a shallower, but longer pot would be more suitable.

Just a quick attempt on my part.

John

Attached Images

1323748UprightSpruce.jpg (15.1 KB, 84 views)

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pootsie

This appears to be a Dwarf Alberta Spruce, and I can say from experience that it will back-bud like a mad mumba-fumba, although the new buds may not appear until a year after chopping.

pootsie

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Frogboy

Thanks for all the input, everyone. Yes, this is an Alberta spruce, so I'm not worried about back budding new branches off the trunk. I am a little afraid of chopping the trunk. It has such a perfectly even taper that I want to highlight it instead of minimizing it. It was my understanding that wild spruce grew into very tall and thin trees, so I wanted to replicate that.

I had planned on removing branches anyway, I just wanted to see what branches you all recommended removing. I was going to let it grow out some and see how the foliage reacted in the spring before I cut. Would it be better to prune those back now or in the early spring?

bonsaikc

I am wondering why you chose formal upright as the style for this tree. The obvious kink at the base makes it an unlikely choice. If you can find a way to produce a balanced nebari on this tree, you have a chance. Otherwise, some informal style would be better suited to it.

Chris

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