Chinese Hackberry

[JudyB]

Thanks for those shots Don. I had forgotten how much I've reduced this back from then! But you have to crack those eggs to make the omelet.
Knowing the tree as well as you do, please jump in if you have any suggestions.
I really really really love this tree.

 

[JudyB]

Did a bit of wiring on this one recently and a bit more carving. In the photos, it doesn't look like as much of a difference as it does in person. But moving the right branch down, and the apex to the right, really sets the course for the finish line for this tree. Still have a way to go, but the framework is almost there.

 

[tmmason10]

Looks great Judy, you're nearly there. Keep up the good work.

 

[JudyB]

an update

Here's an update for this tree, it grew well this year. I let it get a bit shaggy as it retains the smaller twigs better thru winter if you don't prune past July I've found. Canopy is coming along, I'll address the carvings again next year.

 

[davetree]

It looks like it's starting to age in the pot. I think it's going to be a great tree someday. Lots of character.

 

[JudyB]

And an update on this in it's winter form. A bit hairy right now, as I don't prune hackberry in my climate after mid-late summer. Too much fine twig die off if you do late pruning.... I see that I need to solve the left apex, too complicated up there, need to resolve that. Thoughts are welcome...

 

[tmmason10]

Judy do you not prune hackberry back after leaves drop, like you can on Maples?

 

[JudyB]

I don't. If I knock some off when wiring, oh well. But I don't cut any fine branching off in the winter, I do it in the early spring. I have done branch cutting in winter, I'm just talking about fine twigging. Otherwise you loose ramification back, and have to start over. At least that's what I've found.

 

[bonsaibp]

Sweet tree. Coming along very nicely.

 

[fore]

And an update on this in it's winter form. A bit hairy right now, as I don't prune hackberry in my climate after mid-late summer. Too much fine twig die off if you do late pruning.... I see that I need to solve the left apex, too complicated up there, need to resolve that. Thoughts are welcome...

Looking very nice Judy! Have you thought about starting a root graft in the front left? The stability would be greatly improved imo. Thanks for the update!
Chris

 

[JudyB]

Chris, I had not thought about that, I'll have to look... thanks for the idea.
BP, I still have a lot to do on it, but you're right, it is coming along. Winter photos tell all... Now I see that some things are not as good as I thought they were, some parts must go, and some start over I think. The middle left branch still bugs me... Maybe just chop it in half and get better movement. I may do a large scale cut back on some other branches as well.

 

[JudyB]

I am considering cutting off the top portion of the apex on the left trunk. But I can't make up my mind...I think it's too heavy, but I fear I'll miss it...
Cut it or keep it??? What would you do?

 

[Jacos]

i would think eventually you will have to do it anyway.
If you don't you will lose taper in the apex, imho.

BTW this is a very strong and old looking bonsai congrats !

 

[sorce]

I think leaving it for this year will help make your taper transitions better.

But the left branch is too heavy IMO.



It is looking good!

Sorce

 

[Dorian Fourie]

Beautiful Tree. Love the work that you have done on it.

 

[Dorian Fourie]

Cut it or keep it??? What would you do?

Cut it.

 

[JudyB]

What I did was a compromise, and cut it back hard up there. Now the buds are popping, I can take a look and see if I can go further without loosing all the height. I think the height of that apex helps the overall image of the tree. Better taper appearance, and as the left trunk becomes taller and more dominant, it looks better to me. Thanks Dorian!

 

[JudyB]

Here is the tree in full summer garb, I am cleaning this one up to send to the CBS show next month. I fairly pleased with the overall shape, will still do a bit of fine wiring that will be removed before the show.

 

[sorce]

Can't wait to see it this winter!

Sorce

 

[LanceMac10]

Great leaf size! Photo makes it seem kind of "bushy". I imagine "in-person", the eye sorts all that out. Love my eyes!! Lottsa' twigs too...probably makes it look a little heavy in summer.

winter!

Sorce

Yep! Nice tree.