Considering using this rock

[Wulfskaar]

I am considering using this rock in a ROR composition. I would like to use one of my 3 year old JBP's.

1. The rock cracked and split along it's original plane of deposition as I was hammering on it. I think it looks pretty cool. Will this cause issues down the line?
2. Is the pictured 3 year old JBP too small to start this process? I have a couple that much larger than the one pictured, but I do like the one pictured for something like this.
3. The rock will need a smaller one to lean on, as it's not balanced at the angle I want it to be in. Is this a problem as well?

I would like to plant so the trunk is basically in line with the cracks, as I think that has a good flow artistically. I have aligned the JBP so the right branch is in line with the cracks. I can make a vert if needed to see where I want to go with this. The tree will sit on the "step" above the shorter rock and have roots going down both sides.

Any other input is greatly appreciated!

 

[Weta]

My 2cents would be use the roots to bind rocks together and plant moss in the cracks.
Have fun

 

[Wulfskaar]

My 2cents would be use the roots to bind rocks together and plant moss in the cracks.
Have fun

Thanks! That's exactly what I was thinking, along with rounding out those edges between the cracks to look more aged.

 

[Shibui]

If the rock has split once it will split again with weathering. Takes years to develop good root over rock but those years are wasted when the rock disintegrates and you are left with root over nothing. I try to avoid sedimentary rocks for ROR these days.
You may be able to wrap existing roots around the rock to try to hold it together but more roots will penetrate the cracks then thicken and push the cracks wider and wider. That may look OK? if the rock doesn't completely fall apart.
Another option to hold rocks together is glue. Epoxy glues work well and last years. The putty type epoxies are suitable to fill larger cracks and hold together.
Some of the outdoor rated construction adhesives are also suitable.

 

[Wulfskaar]

If the rock has split once it will split again with weathering. Takes years to develop good root over rock but those years are wasted when the rock disintegrates and you are left with root over nothing. I try to avoid sedimentary rocks for ROR these days.
You may be able to wrap existing roots around the rock to try to hold it together but more roots will penetrate the cracks then thicken and push the cracks wider and wider. That may look OK? if the rock doesn't completely fall apart.
Another option to hold rocks together is glue. Epoxy glues work well and last years. The putty type epoxies are suitable to fill larger cracks and hold together.
Some of the outdoor rated construction adhesives are also suitable.

Thank you for you excellent advice as usual, Shibui. The rock is very solid and only split as I pounded on it with a rock hammer. I have no freeze/thaw cycle here, so I'm not too worried about it weathering in my lifetime. However, the point about the roots entering the cracks is well taken. If I end up using this rock, I'll make sure to take steps to prevent that.

 

[gooeytek]

 

[Weta]

I was amazed by how bitumen was used in ancient times as a mortar with examples surviving today.