Maintenance clip and grow salicifolia

[MrFancyPlants]

Before and after first major haircut since repotting. I did previously chase back the top hoping for a new apex and in the last photo on the right, I think I have a new lead. It is towards the front and the kinks seem to mellow over time. I may run a sacrifice or two off of the top to thicken the top section and make the taper more even.

The first photo has an awkwardly straight branch on the left but there is a back-bud coming in real close to the trunk that should be able to take over in time. I’m real pleased with the ramification and strength of the first branch on right... I just need the rest of the tree to catch up now.

 

[MrFancyPlants]

This one stayed sting on the transition to indoor. I think I gave it a bit of a cutback when I brought it in. I’ve been looking for a new more compact leader to take over, but not sure it is there yet. A bit of a waiting game for hear in getting new branching or leaders, but they do happen from time to time.

 

[MrFancyPlants]

New leader? New front? The old from was based on the roots making the base appear larger, but this is approaching sumo/potato over time, so no need to exaggerate the base.

 

[luvinthemountains]

I think maybe a lower, rounder canopy would look nice. Lop off the top at my red line, and keep the sprouts right there very short while developing ramification.

 

[MrFancyPlants]

I think maybe a lower, rounder canopy would look nice. Lop off the top at my red line, and keep the sprouts right there very short while developing ramification.

View attachment 464296

I think you may be on to something there. And, your red cut mark is right where the proposed new leader is. The scar would be visible from the proposed new front, but developing the upper branches for the more rounded canopy will hide any scars pretty well.
I just need to develop and grow out some of those upper branches I just cut back. More ramification is better though and it isn’t a race.

Thanks for the input!

 

[MrFancyPlants]

Repotting from 3 years. I’d been eyeing this new front for a while and I think a big improvement. I took some chunks off the bottom/back to try and get it lower in the pot. And I used a chunk I took off as a shiv to protect the roots from the tie down biting in.
Any idea who the potter is? I always get tons of compliments on this pot. I think I bought from a Hazmo(?) on Etsy from California.

 

[MrFancyPlants]

Finished product. I am pleased with the progression and new front. It is leaning back a little bit, so not perfect, but maybe in another three years I will correct.

 

[Leo in N E Illinois]

I like it

 

[MrFancyPlants]

Nice.
It appears that the root base is getting a bit unruly.
Going after the gnarly look, or plans to tackle that nebari?

I was wondering who put it in my head to look for a change… I think it was your post.