Advice on styling apex

[bben03]

Hi all! First post. I’m brand new to bonsai and think I started with a hard one. Could someone share advice on which if any branch can be used as the apex? I know it looks bad but I’m considering it my practice run . Thanks for any advice.

 

[Eckhoffw]

Can you take some photos from viewing level?

 

[bben03]

Can you take some photos from viewing level?

Like this?

 

[Eckhoffw]

Like this?

Yep. Take a few more, like from each side. It will make it easier to figure out options.

 

[bben03]

Yep. Take a few more, like from each side. It will make it easier to figure out options.

Thanks

 

[bben03]

 

[bben03]

For anyone else in a similar situation, I found these two vids that I learned from and found inspiration

 

[Potawatomi13]

Questions for you:
1.Location? Please add to profile if wanting good advice.
2. Did you repot recently?
3. Is bigger trunk desired?

 

[bben03]

Questions for you:
1.Location? Please add to profile if wanting good advice.
2. Did you repot recently?
3. Is bigger trunk desired?

Thanks. Updated my profile.
1. My zone is 9b.
2. Yes I repotted recently.
3. Bigger trunk would be don’t feel strongly.

 

[ShimpakuBonsai]

The question should be which branch to use for the trunkline because the tree doesn't have an apex yet, it needs to be developed in the coming years.

 

[Eckhoffw]

An idea since you have some branches without foliage anywhere near the trunk……..
Make some Jin from those and train the left side into a semi cascade. After /if it regains vigor, repot in small pot.
That’s the most instant option I got.

 

[bben03]

An idea since you have some branches without foliage anywhere near the trunk……..
Make some Jin from those and train the left side into a semi cascade. After /if it regains vigor, repot in small pot.
That’s the most instant option I got.
View attachment 470670

Thank you. Had to look up Jin lol. Found this:

 

[Potawatomi13]

Having just repotted should let tree grow/recover w/o fiddling a year or more. If wanting bigger trunk need to allow free growth of sacrifice trunk directed upward until size desired achieved. When tree recovered from current repotting(indicated by strong long shoots)should be moved to bigger growing container or in ground for grow out.