Big thuja.

[Eckhoffw]

I think I’ve come up with a plan for her.

I’d be stripping back the apex, and have a double top Jin.
Then lots of wiring.
I like the idea of shortening this one. It’s currently 4 feet tall from the soil line.


Thoughts?

 

[Eckhoffw]

Another option would be to remove this crossing branch, and perhaps eliminate the lower right pad.
Not sure. It’s reminding me of the space needle

 

[pandacular]

the virt looks excelllent! It looks like in that case there would be no live foliage on the center trunk? I would think that might present some problems for longevity.

 

[Cruiser]

My .02 cents.
That’s nice material. It could be transformed into an ancient cedar.


Identifying Mature and Old Forests in Western Washington. VanPelt

Shortening it is a good idea but maybe not quite yet.

Is there inner foliage closer to or emerging directly from the trunks? If not, I’d focus on cutting the branch ends back to promote that. Assuming the tree is vigorous.

Some of the branches emerge from the trunk at lateral ascending angles. I’d wire those more acutely to look like alternate trunks. Branches growing towards the eventual apex of the tree should also be wired upwards before stripping them if you plan on a candelabra top.

Large dead trunks, or parts of them, are a common feature on ancient cedars. You could embrace that with this tree.


10’ western red cedar. Skagit County WA.

 

[Dabbler]

I agree the tree has great bones!

 

[Eckhoffw]

My .02 cents.
That’s nice material. It could be transformed into an ancient cedar.

View attachment 533719
Identifying Mature and Old Forests in Western Washington. VanPelt

Shortening it is a good idea but maybe not quite yet.

Is there inner foliage closer to or emerging directly from the trunks? If not, I’d focus on cutting the branch ends back to promote that. Assuming the tree is vigorous.

Some of the branches emerge from the trunk at lateral ascending angles. I’d wire those more acutely to look like alternate trunks. Branches growing towards the eventual apex of the tree should also be wired upwards before stripping them if you plan on a candelabra top.

Large dead trunks, or parts of them, are a common feature on ancient cedars. You could embrace that with this tree.


10’ western red cedar. Skagit County WA.
View attachment 533720
View attachment 533721

Thanks for the great pics. Yes this is what I will try to emulate. Branches grow straight up with just the fine foliage feathering out.
Your right tho. I think I will wait a bit longer to do anything radical.
It’s been in this recycling bin for a few years now. I think I’m just getting antsy to move it forward. I think I will just keep chasing foliage back for another year or two and see what develops.

 

[Eckhoffw]

 

[Eckhoffw]

the virt looks excelllent! It looks like in that case there would be no live foliage on the center trunk? I would think that might present some problems for longevity.

These 3 branches are from the middle trunk.
The virt would remove the lower crossing branch.

 

[Frozentreehugger]

just found this thread . Nice tree if you don’t mind I’ll play devils advocate . For some alternate ideas . As like myself you live in thuja occidentalis native range . These trees often form a candelabra. Style growth when stressed . Most bonsai people consider it a negative . For a quality tree . But a positive is . They have arguable the most rot resistant wood in north east America . Possible the complete east . With that in mind . The smallest trunk that starts out of the other trunk . Is your largest negative . It needs extensive small trees grafted to it to creat a better base . Or it’s got to go . Leaving a twin trunk with very similar trunk sizes . But dead wood will add age . Consider killing the top with a dead wood idea to shorten the live part of the finished tree . Unlike a chopped top tree where . That dead wood is hiding the fact . Your tree has a living top . These trees make . Exquisite fine branch detail Deadwood . That will last . Just some ideas you may not have considered . I see tall not necessarily feminine. And soft elegant . But strength determined to grow straight against the elements of time . Possible a mild windswept design . That has paid the price .

 

[Eckhoffw]

The smallest trunk that starts out of the other trunk . Is your largest negative . It needs extensive small trees grafted to it to creat a better base . Or it’s got to go .

Thank you.
Red arrow or purple arrow?

 

[Frozentreehugger]

Red

 

[Frozentreehugger]

trying to help bro . It’s not your only option . But that trunk is largest flaw . It sucks becouse if the size differ . If roots were grafted to it you could keep it . And possible have a better twin trunk . Or at least more conventional. Using it and the largest trunk . Myself I’m not there yet skill wise so I would get rid of it . With it gone you need to distract the eye from the 2 trunks being so similar. Size .but it’s doable . Make other stuff more appealing to look at

 

[Eckhoffw]

Red

Thanks I appreciate it!
Yes. That one was in question from the beginning.
In my mind, I was hoping those roots would bulk up into an interesting mass at some point.
That problem trunk makes up a lot of the foliage though. Making me want to reduce the top, and let things age for awhile.

 

[Frozentreehugger]

There very apical dominant. It’s hard to see in the pics . What is from foliage wise . From each if the 2 tall sections . These trees don’t back bud well . But they will bulk up foliage wise . And they desperately want a apical top . Trust me I had at one time a cascade. It needs to be healthy root wise . I say this from the experience of my Yamabeaver . Very long roots . Long struggle to get reduced . Healthy roots Are thirsty and force growth . Weak roots sulk . Get it healthy if it is not . Before removing the trunk . The tree will push the remaining tree . Plus think ahead . Dead wood wise . Wish I did once . If your going to kill the top . Wire and shape it . Then strip it when I position .

 

[Eckhoffw]

Sometimes it’s just nice to share images that made me smile.

Big thuja finally getting to wear snow.

 

[Eckhoffw]

This low crossing branch had to go. done. Lowest right branch was/is a sacrifice branch. Not sure when I’ll cut it off.