New shohin trident stock

[bwaynef]

So you think definitely shorter I take it ?

I'd definitely make it shorter, and I think you'd have a better tree. Consider it and the possibilities the shortened trunk and more dramatic taper will afford you. Weigh that against what you think you can get out of the trunk as is. Then consider which would benefit your collection more. You've got time to decide anyway, as I think this kind of chop is best done in late winter anyway.

 

[Jason]

Why does it have to be a shohin? It's already been whacked back severely, you have some nice branches starting, the original trunk chop may already be healing a bit, you even have a start on the next section. These are part of the attributes that make it good stock.

If your bent on shohin and you want to play by the rules, then do another trunk chop...otherwise develop what you already have. Having lived in St. Paul for a number of years I bet it will take you 2-3 years to get back to where you are now if you do another chop (provided it makes it through the chop).

Its really all about what you want your final tree to look like. Probably you already knew that...

 

[nathanbs]

Why does it have to be a shohin? It's already been whacked back severely, you have some nice branches starting, the original trunk chop may already be healing a bit, you even have a start on the next section. These are part of the attributes that make it good stock.

If your bent on shohin and you want to play by the rules, then do another trunk chop...otherwise develop what you already have. Having lived in St. Paul for a number of years I bet it will take you 2-3 years to get back to where you are now if you do another chop (provided it makes it through the chop).

Its really all about what you want your final tree to look like. Probably you already knew that...

It's all about what bwaynef said. Taper. Your trunk diameter dictates your overall heighth. By reducing the tree down to the lowest branch not only will you gain much more powerful taper but you can also dictate some movement into the otherwise somewhat straight trunk. I have never seen a trident not survive a chop especially when it's only an inch or so thick

 

[Jason]

It's all about what bwaynef said. Taper. Your trunk diameter dictates your overall heighth. By reducing the tree down to the lowest branch not only will you gain much more powerful taper but you can also dictate some movement into the otherwise somewhat straight trunk. I have never seen a trident not survive a chop especially when it's only an inch or so thick

I agree that they are usually tough trees and almost always survive trunk chops. However, this one was just trunk chopped and likely underwent some root reduction before getting stuffed in this pot for resale. So if you do that two years in a row, and you live in St. Paul.....It's gonna take a while for the tree to recover. That's all I meant to say.

 

[Jason]

It's all about what bwaynef said. Taper. Your trunk diameter dictates your overall heighth. By reducing the tree down to the lowest branch not only will you gain much more powerful taper but you can also dictate some movement into the otherwise somewhat straight trunk. I have never seen a trident not survive a chop especially when it's only an inch or so thick

This little trunk has some decent taper too. It won't be a sumo but if your looking for a 1:6 or 1:8 ration it's very doable (wait doeable, do-able....is this a word ).

The nebari look to be about the diameter of the soda can (around 2.5 inches). So the finished tree could be about 15 inches....but each successive trunk stage could be a little shorter than the first...maybe 12 inches altogether. Plus you'll get a little girth while your growing out the trunk (not much, but some) That wouldn't suck. (2.5-3 inch trunk and 12-15 inches in overall height...respectable kifu)

Anyway, follow your bliss...to Shohin or not to Shohin....that is the question (insert drumroll)

 

[Smoke]

Height size in Japan for Shohin is 21 centimeters.

 

[nathanbs]

John Wang says they will sometimes make exceptions up to atleast 30cm

 

[nathanbs]

This little trunk has some decent taper too. It won't be a sumo but if your looking for a 1:6 or 1:8 ration it's very doable (wait doeable, do-able....is this a word ).

The nebari look to be about the diameter of the soda can (around 2.5 inches). So the finished tree could be about 15 inches....but each successive trunk stage could be a little shorter than the first...maybe 12 inches altogether. Plus you'll get a little girth while your growing out the trunk (not much, but some) That wouldn't suck. (2.5-3 inch trunk and 12-15 inches in overall height...respectable kifu)

Anyway, follow your bliss...to Shohin or not to Shohin....that is the question (insert drumroll)

Definitely not saying its a bad idea

 

[Jason]

John Wang says they will sometimes make exceptions up to atleast 30cm

Don't mess with the Duke

 

[Don Blackmond]

This tree is 6" tall. It has a 2" trunk with 3.5" flair.
It was reduced Spring 2012 and can be reduced this Winter or coming Spring with no ill effects.
I suggest growing it at its present trunk height for a season or so to see how it develops and how you really feel about it. You can reduce the trunk height again later, if you feel that you need to. But once its done its done...

 

[berobinson82]

I sometimes see acclaimed artists get away with thinner trunks on species like larches, hornbeam/beeches, and of course junipers. The trees still look amazing. The guideline for trunk width to height seems to be breakable when done properly. Would y'all agree?

 

[JudyB]

I do, and that's how I approach my trees. I utilize the best assets the tree has to offer. If it needs chopped for the tree to work, I'll do it, but sometimes the "rules" decide for people what they do instead of the eye.
And I dig a well done feminine tree.

 

[nathanbs]

I sometimes see acclaimed artists get away with thinner trunks on species like larches, hornbeam/beeches, and of course junipers. The trees still look amazing. The guideline for trunk width to height seems to be breakable when done properly. Would y'all agree?

Its 100% up the the viewer on whether they like it or not. I don't like thin, curvy trees as they just don't do it for me. I like feminine trees but when I say feminine i'm talking about flowers, or lacy leaves not thin trunks. I happen to like the most extreme, radical sumo trunks that a lot of people think are cartoonish.