Hornbeam - Fall 2007

CScott

Hi Tom,

I have a few suggestions for your tree, and don't get me wrong, I really like it or I wouldn't have bothered to go through the effort. It reminds me of a tall canopy deciduous forest tree. Serene, quiet, shady.

It is good to see that you have eliminated (or moved?) the small tree branch crossing the main trunk, but the angle that the smaller trunk leans out is too severe now. Can you pull it at point 1 in the photo? If it brings it in too close you can prop the trunk out at point 2. I still would like to see a branch at point 3. With Hornbeams an approach graft should work. Number 4 isn't a big deal, but if you could slowly work towards lowering branches here, at least until the lower approach graft comes in, the right side of the tree would flow better. You still want that nice canopy look.

Last is area 5. The apex of the small tree is turned in and growing towards the main trunk, at least it looks like that in the photo. Trees tend not to do that, especially canopy trees where the goal is to search out what little light makes it through. Lean it out to the left.

You certainly don't have to follow any of my ideas, (but I guess you had to read them ). I think you are on the right path toward making this tree interesting and enjoyable.

Carmen

Attached Images

MM-hornbeam.jpg (71.4 KB, 37 views)

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PatArizona

Good suggestions, Carmen...

Now...if someone could put thos suggestions into a virtual...?

Pat

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mistermoyogi

Hi, Carmen:


Great suggestions, and I really appreciate them...I will post a revised photo. within a couple of days, and would appreciate your continued input. Thanks again. This is really helping me with this composition.

Best regards,
Tom

mistermoyogi

A few more short-term changes....I am going to try and implement more of Carmen's long-range design ideas. This is a good learning experience for me.

Tom

Attached Images

Hornbeam 003.jpg (53.6 KB, 21 views)

BarbaraM

That little mound of soil gives me watering anxiety. How often do you have to water it on a 90 degree day?

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mistermoyogi

Hi, Barbara:

Watering can be a bit tricky, however I have been utilizing an overhead misting system for several years that is automated...that, plus my ocd tendencies, pretty much ensures that even moisture levels are maintained.

Best regards,
Tom

ficusfanatic

hi i like the composition much better now. it is very natural, but the inward apex (carmen's #5) still bugs me a bit. but again great tree.

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mistermoyogi

I am a slow learner....I really appreciate all your input....here is yet another image....I think maybe a little more natural-looking....I will be making another container change as well....another poor choice, i.e. drab slab.

Regards,
Tom

Attached Images

Hornbeam 002.jpg (62.6 KB, 17 views)

valuehorse

i feel dumb saying this but i kinda miss the pot it was in. don't judge me.