Japanese Beech Forest

[barrosinc]

Thay are also difficult to air layer. Even speaking with the likes of Michael Hagedorn will tell you the same. I have currently two large pieces of stock that I am air layering. Yesterday I saw a few roots on one poking through the sphagnum moss. That is great to see! But... now we'll see if I get them developing all around the trunk. Cross fingers!

difficult but not impossible... took me two years https://www.bonsainut.com/threads/european-beech.25717/page-2#post-574626 first year I only got one root.
just add some mach5 pixie dust and you will already have a perfect nebari

 

[papymandarin]

Thanks, interesting they seem even more touchy than european beeches (who react rather well to defoliation)

 

[Dav4]

This planting looks sooooo good... in leaf or in winter, it doesn't matter.

 

[MACH5]

difficult but not impossible... took me two years https://www.bonsainut.com/threads/european-beech.25717/page-2#post-574626 first year I only got one root.
just add some mach5 pixie dust and you will already have a perfect nebari

Thanks for sharing. I missed this. Great work! I was prepared to wait another season to complete my air layers if necessary. I am on my 9th week on my first and 8th on my second. If you can find this "MACH5 pixie dust" that you speak of please let me know.

 

[MACH5]

Thanks, interesting they seem even more touchy than european beeches (who react rather well to defoliation)

I'd say so. Also defoliating a young Japanese beech may be very different than doing it on an old one. They are to a degree vigorous but in my experience not so predictable. European beech seems to be a stronger species.

 

[Don Blackmond]

I'd say so. Also defoliating a young Japanese beech may be very different than doing it on an old one. They are to a degree vigorous but in my experience not so predictable. European beech seems to be a stronger species.

On older trees, cut the leaves in half, across the leaf, to thin density and allow light and air to the interior.

 

[MACH5]

Autumn update. Coming along.

 

[JudyB]

That thing is getting serious.

 

[Shima]

Coming along.

Indeed!

 

[dirk hoorelbeke]

Looking back at the photos from page one the flow created it marvelous...

 

[LanceMac10]

Glorious...………..

 

[petegreg]

Hmmm, what to say. I don't know how you can create so many believable trees that look like brought from mother nature. When I look at trunks, canopy, and especially at visible branches I can't even name a feeling this little complex evokes.

 

[MACH5]

Thanks guys for the comments! Soon I will defoliate it and see where I am and what I need to do. Definitely lots more but happy with its progress thus far. They can be tough and stubborn at times and slow!

 

[Adair M]

Autumn update. Coming along.

Sergio, it looks really good! I like it better without the distraction of the little azaleas.

I’m wondering about the apex and movement. To my eye, the strongest, most dominant trunks are more to the center. Yet the apex of the foliage is to the left of them. In fact, it looks like the apex of the foliage isn’t over any particular tree. There seems to be a gap in the center dividing the clumps of trunks. A larger number of trunks on the right that includes the larger trunks, and a smaller clump on the left, with smaller trunks. And yet the apex of the foliage appears to be over the left side.

At least, that’s how it appears to me. In person, they always look different, better!

It’s a terrific forest which continues to improve each time I see it. (Or pictures of it.)

I can’t wait to see what you’re going to bring to Kannapolis!

 

[MACH5]

Sergio, it looks really good! I like it better without the distraction of the little azaleas.

I’m wondering about the apex and movement. To my eye, the strongest, most dominant trunks are more to the center. Yet the apex of the foliage is to the left of them. In fact, it looks like the apex of the foliage isn’t over any particular tree. There seems to be a gap in the center dividing the clumps of trunks. A larger number of trunks on the right that includes the larger trunks, and a smaller clump on the left, with smaller trunks. And yet the apex of the foliage appears to be over the left side.

At least, that’s how it appears to me. In person, they always look different, better!

It’s a terrific forest which continues to improve each time I see it. (Or pictures of it.)

I can’t wait to see what you’re going to bring to Kannapolis!

Thanks Adair. Yes I agree. When I took the photo I was apparently off center. The apex resides with the tallest and thickest tree and has a leftward movement. Below a slightly older pic where one can see the structure and movement and greater number of trees to the left of the main trunk.

 

[barrosinc]

Thanks Adair. Yes I agree. When I took the photo I was apparently off center. The apex resides with the tallest and thickest tree and has a leftward movement. Below a slightly older pic where one can see the structure and movement and greater number of trees to the left of the main trunk.

That explains a lot. But i agree with Adair, with leaves it looks off.

 

[Adair M]

Thanks Adair. Yes I agree. When I took the photo I was apparently off center. The apex resides with the tallest and thickest tree and has a leftward movement. Below a slightly older pic where one can see the structure and movement and greater number of trees to the left of the main trunk.

Yep. Photos can be deceiving sometimes!

 

[0soyoung]

Yep. Photos can be deceiving sometimes!

On the other hand, maybe the canopy is too dense.

BUT deciduous are about the winter image - right @MACH5?

 

[MACH5]

On the other hand, maybe the canopy is too dense.

BUT deciduous are about the winter image - right @MACH5?

I always strive for best winter image. Although beautiful, leaves are just but a fleeting element in nature. Here today gone tomorrow.

 

[MACH5]

Below are some detailed photos of various tasks I typically perform in autumn in order to keep this forest developing and looking its best.

As the leaves turn bronze in autumn, I take each leaf and gently pull them back. This usually releases the leaf from the tree. For those stubborn ones that cling on tightly, I use a pair of scissors to cut through the short petiole. Much care must be exercised in order to not damage the buds in the process.






After the entire forest has been defoliated, the next task is to clean thoroughly the trunks as they tend to get dirty with algae during the growing season. With a soft toothbrush the trunks and branches are all washed using plain water to bring out their bright white bark.








I carefully inspect all trunks and branches and remove all unnecessary buds with scissors.






In order too keep developing the ramification and better distribute the trees' energy, all congested areas and the strongest shoots are removed. Ideally all areas should be more or less balanced in terms of bud density and size.








Here is an example of a before and after on thinning a strong branch. Afterwards, if necessary, wire can be applied to correct the direction of twigs. A small stub is always left after pruning.








Here is the forest showing off its bright white winter silhouette. As spring gets closer, a bit of wire will be applied to make directional adjustments on some of the secondary and tertiary branches. Notice how the apex is now denser and much rounder than it was two years ago.