Ponderosa styling

[jimib]

Looking for some advice or ideas on this ponderosa. Originally I was thinking of jinning one side and trying a literati style, however that would require removing 50% of the foliage on side or the other, and I’m not sure how detrimental to the tree that would be. I’m going to keep looking at it, but if anyone has any ideas or advice I would appreciate it. Thanks

 

[0soyoung]

I may be mistaken, but I do believe that ponderosa stems remain flexible for quite some time. Right now your tree makes me think of a cheerleader shaking her pom-poms above her head. I would put some wire on and move the foliage down and nearer to the trunk - one side lower than the other, like one hand on a hip, the other about shoulder or head high. Then fashioning it into a scalene triangle shape, of course.

Other thoughts are that trunks/stems become more interesting with a bit of foliage crossing them. Is that bit of shari your focus? If so, frame it with some low foliage. The trunk tends to zig-zag as opposed to gently curve. The branches should also zig-zag for a harmonious (masculine) composition. And, of course, at least the apex, if not the upper trunk as well, 'must' move toward the viewer (front).

Lastly, literati is always an option, short of just tossing it. But, maybe using it for free-scion grafting practice is one last idea.

 

[jimib]

Thank you for your comment. The branches are still incredibly flexible..I was hoping to get this kind of input. There are several places on the upper branches that appear to have buds...hopefully this will help fill out the foliage in time

 

[Potawatomi13]

Suggest to let grow another year see what buds develop and added possibilities present self. Fertilize well for best budding/development.

 

[Leo in N E Illinois]

Right branch or left branch, one will be the apex. The other should be wired to more horizontal. Style by wiring, not by pruning. Keep it growing. In the next 3 to 5 years back buds will form, only then prune to shorten the branch side of the 'Y' branches. Keep the apex more vertical. As mentioned earlier, go with zig-zag shape.

 

[Mike Corazzi]

 

[Shogun610]

I would do is wire that baby up, pick an apex , and set it for future development. Don’t trim anything off as you’ll need it for photosynthesis, back budding and building that trunk base. Can’t really pick a style yet but apex dominance will play a good role if it’s wired since it currently has 2.

 

[jimib]

thanks for the comments. I'm not touching it yet, just getting a few ideas. I'm in no rush......