Need a virt/branch selection

Aeast

Shohin
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I collected this american beech going on 3 years ago, she's had a fresh repot and now I need some advice on styling.

20170326_115800.jpg
 

Aeast

Shohin
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That is source. Now the question is, when to cut??
 

Aeast

Shohin
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Has decent roots, but it was just repotted. Didn't know if that would be to many insults at once?
 

Steve Kudela

Shohin
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I always do cutback before repotting, might be best at this point to leave it be and let it grow the rest of the year. You don't want it jiggling around after repotting. All the while planning for next year. I asked about the rootage because the front and shape is usually determined by the rootage and lower trunk. I see a nice curve down low but would like to see how the rootage comes off of that . That's usually where I start the shaping process.
 

Aeast

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It actually has pretty decent nebari with the front show. That's why I think k that should be the front, plus it accentuates the curve.
 

Adair M

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Shorten all the branches. Cut back to a bud pointing in the direction you want thebranch to go.

Remove branches that are larger near the top than the branches near the bottom.

Remove bar (opposite) branches by removing one or the other.

Otherwise, let it be.

I wouldn't do a trunk chop. They don't like it. Maybe a light trim to shorten it a little.
 

sorce

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Shorten all the branches. Cut back to a bud pointing in the direction you want thebranch to go.

Remove branches that are larger near the top than the branches near the bottom.

Remove bar (opposite) branches by removing one or the other.

Otherwise, let it be.

I wouldn't do a trunk chop. They don't like it. Maybe a light trim to shorten it a little.

If he's gonna be left with a stick in a pot...

Might as well cross fingers and sharpen saw blades!

Sorce
 

Potawatomi13

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Beech easy to grow many new roots by ground layer. Can pick any front desired. IF wishing bigger trunk should let grow freely with minor pruning/wiring only for keeper branches;).
 

Adair M

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If he's gonna be left with a stick in a pot...

Might as well cross fingers and sharpen saw blades!

Sorce
No, leave lots of branches. Just remove excess and poorly placed ones.
 

MichaelS

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If he's gonna be left with a stick in a pot...

Might as well cross fingers and sharpen saw blades!

Sorce
Yes. There are no usable branches here. I would go further. come on now people! Lets go for good stuff. Life's too short.
Unless you are in your early twenties, this material should be rejected. Trust me!!!

bee.JPG
 

Aeast

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Thanks all for your advice and criticism. But is it really wise to cut it back that hard? From what I've seen they don't react well to such drastic chops.

MichaelS, I know this will never make it into an exhibition, but I like it, and to me that's all that matters.
 

Waltron

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if healthy, instead of trying to defoliate to improve ramification, you can de-bud american beech instead, remove the buds.
 
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