I’ve been working on a root over rock black pine for the past two years. The tree was created by Eric Schrader (phutu.com) and is thirteen years old.
Root over rock black pine
The basic branches are set, but need refinement, and the new apex needs to thicken.
To improve the branch structure, I thinned areas where more than two shoots emerged from the same spot. I also thinned the large sacrifice branch (currently the top half of the tree) as I want to encourage the future apex to grow larger.
Here’s the tree after cutback.
After thinning
And here’s the tree after wiring the main branches.
Styling complete
Although it’s easy to see the future silhouette, the apex will need to thicken before I remove the main sacrifice branch.
Close-up of the future tree – 14″ to top of new apex
The work on this tree will be similar for the next few years – cut back, wire, repeat.
For those who are interested, Eric sometimes sells trees online – you can see them at phutu.com/trees-for-sale.
Daisaku Nomoto Coming to Northern California in January
Japanese bonsai professional Daisaku Nomoto will be visiting the Bay Area next month from January 15-26th. If you’re interested in working with Daisaku, he’s available for workshops, club programs, or client work including wiring, styling, and consulting.
Feel free to call or write me with any questions or to book time with Daisaku (contact info at bottom of page).
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