MissRomsMami “this is not a contest” tree(s) entry

[rockm]

The biggest problem the OP has with the boxwood is inverse taper--where all the branches (trunks) emerge higher on the main trunk. That will not get any better and it a common problem. I wouldn't have chosen this particular tree because of that--well maybe I would have, but done so knowing that deadwood would have to be in its future. That inverse taper should be substantiall reduced. can't tell exactly what it attached above it, but I would choose the best nebari angle, then select a single leader up to continue a smooth trunk line. I would chop the swelling back and carve it out to make the transition smoother.

 

[MissRomsMami]

The biggest problem the OP has with the boxwood is inverse taper--where all the branches (trunks) emerge higher on the main trunk. That will not get any better and it a common problem. I wouldn't have chosen this particular tree because of that--well maybe I would have, but done so knowing that deadwood would have to be in its future. That inverse taper should be substantiall reduced. can't tell exactly what it attached above it, but I would choose the best nebari angle, then select a single leader up to continue a smooth trunk line. I would chop the swelling back and carve it out to make the transition smoother.

Which boxwood were you referring to? The first one in the first page or the second?

 

[rockm]

Which boxwood were you referring to? The first one in the first page or the second?

I think its the one from Maruyama bonsai nursery. Its got multiple upright leaders that come off of one place high on the trunk...

 

[A. Gorilla]

Phew! This was tough. There were spiders. Spiders are my boogeyman. I probably would have gotten deeper in... but there were more spiders.

So this is what it was before..

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And then after...

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The most glaring thing is this huge stump.... I don’t know what to do with it, cut it out or try to make some kind of deadwood feature? Can you do that on a hornbeam? Hmm...

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What do you guys think? Any advice on branches to keep or wire?

Boxwoods like that capture the spirit of oaks better than oaks do, imo.

 

[MissRomsMami]

Boxwoods like that capture the spirit of oaks better than oaks do, imo.

My thoughts exactly! I’ve been debating whether to style it after an old oak or olive...

 

[MissRomsMami]

I think its the one from Maruyama bonsai nursery. Its got multiple upright leaders that come off of one place high on the trunk...

I went back out and studied it for a minute... I never really noticed the inverse, or more like it never struck me as bad as far this tree is concerned. But I see what you mean now that you’ve said it. Maybe I can pick your brain for a second? I took some more pictures, hopefully better ones. Maybe you can tell me which, if any, you would take out?
So here’s the front, and some up close to see where the trunks diverge. There were a few substantial branches coming off the thick middle trunk, you can still see the two stubs on the side of it. Itll definitely be nicer cleaned up more.


Here’s a look at the trunks from the top angle



Here’s the left side view of trunks...



Here’s the right side view of trunks...



And the reason I had to get it was because I just personally loved the nebari....



The thickest trunk, that ends in deadwood, I’ve been playing with the idea of jinning it, I feel like it would add more to the composition than taking it out would. I like the idea of deadwood peeking out from the middle of the canopy versus on one side or another. I feel like, with all the trunks intact, it’s balanced, so with jin coming out more or less in the middle with foliage all around it... I don’t know it’s kind of growing on me but I’m not 100% sold yet.
I honestly don’t know which trunk would get the chop if I went that way....
Anyway, I’d love to hear your thoughts?