That has to change!
It's ugly, no ID...
As long as it doesn't have giant roots going into the ground...
I'd get it. Or try to get it...
For closer to $50 than $300..
Though it may be even easier to lower the price of it is into the ground. Cuz cutting them further decrease chance of survival.
It's already in a pot.
I personally think you have an eye that would/could make something out of this.
There are a lot of good eyes here...
But yours is more appropriate for this task.
IMO...
Any problems as previously discussed can be overcome.
It's ready in a pot.
Maybe
@wireme has some photos or thoughts about this tree.
From a style perspective...
He has a different eye, but similar in that his eye succeeds outside of traditional.
It's already in a pot.
Some of the issues brought up are still "what ifs".
Many can become "it is" with a little shuffling of weeds, digging, and maybe a couple better pictures.
For the Record.
You Can Not make A decision based on "what ifs"...
And forgive me...
But it is foolish to make that decision when the "what ifs" are so easily converted to "it is".
Does the low foliage branch come from below the suspected graft?
Quite a few worst case scenarios....
How bout best case scenario.
It's not grafted....or if it is it is acceptable.
Or unnoticed because of the montrous tree.
It has loose duff in the top half of the pot, no roots in the ground, an amazing flare, and the bottom half of the pot is filled with excellent feeder roots.
Use Your eye, and please understand, though I have confused you with
@Jeremy , because of the Avatar, he has a similar eye too, I am not saying this just to convince you to buy the tree...and I do not have this confused....
Your talent begs for this tree.
I'm going to take some pictures of mine..
We are still after a proper ID.
If it is NON dwarf Alberta.
I don't think there is enough experience with them to discard.
I still say what is left of it is excellently healthy. Though the needles are a little off color...the buds, sometimes 3, look good.
Coming back...
That interior die off is what these do.
But if you look at the growth and ramification, you can see how pruning and wire can keep it healthy and viable as a bonsai.
Did I mention it's already in a pot!?
Sorce