Self Critique, Mas Ishii Kishu

[Tidal Bonsai]

I have posted about this tree previously, and received a lot of constructive criticism from the members here. From what I was told, it's over 30 years old and most likely San Jose grafted with Kishu. This is definately something worth keeping and continuing to develop.

After the change in pot and styling, it has taken a dip in health. We have been having an unseasonably wet Spring/Summer so it has not been growing as well as I had wanted. This season, and most likely next season will be dedicated to growth before any more work will be done.

The left lowest branch needs to be removed eventually since it's too thick and has too much energy directed towards it. This will be kept for now for health reasons. I am hoping for a bud at the base of the branch to replace it with something finer. If not, it may be due for a graft. I need to get the right side of the tree and the apex to grow more and fill in. This continues to be the weak side, even though the styling/movement calls for it to be stronger. I would also like to connect the top and bottom Shari to visually continue the line.

This pot made my Suthin's wife is the best pair I currently have, but not a final pot. Even though I fought the wisdom of other members at first, an oval is the best match. I will continue to hunt for the perfect pot.

Thanks to all for the constructive criticism! I would not have grown as much as I have without it!

 

[Tidal Bonsai]

PS I know the wiring was horrible on this tree. It has all been removed, so these old
pictures are the only evidence of it, haha!

 

[Mike Hennigan]

Really awesome material, the thing that seems the most off to me is the apex. I think I don’t like it because it is so straight that it seems like it belongs to a different tree. It doesn’t reflect the amazing movement of the lower trunk.

 

[Mike Hennigan]

The just don’t seem to jive together

 

[Tidal Bonsai]

The just don’t seem to jive together

Thank you for the visuals! I was so focused on other parts of the tree, I didn't even notice that.

 

[River's Edge]

View attachment 204323
I have posted about this tree previously, and received a lot of constructive criticism from the members here. From what I was told, it's over 30 years old and most likely San Jose grafted with Kishu. This is definately something worth keeping and continuing to develop.

After the change in pot and styling, it has taken a dip in health. We have been having an unseasonably wet Spring/Summer so it has not been growing as well as I had wanted. This season, and most likely next season will be dedicated to growth before any more work will be done.

The left lowest branch needs to be removed eventually since it's too thick and has too much energy directed towards it. This will be kept for now for health reasons. I am hoping for a bud at the base of the branch to replace it with something finer. If not, it may be due for a graft. I need to get the right side of the tree and the apex to grow more and fill in. This continues to be the weak side, even though the styling/movement calls for it to be stronger. I would also like to connect the top and bottom Shari to visually continue the line.

This pot made my Suthin's wife is the best pair I currently have, but not a final pot. Even though I fought the wisdom of other members at first, an oval is the best match. I will continue to hunt for the perfect pot.

Thanks to all for the constructive criticism! I would not have grown as much as I have without it!

Is the left lowest branch part of the original tree with grafts, or is it a graft itself?
Have you considered removing the large branch as suggested, bringing the current apex around counter-clockwise for the left side. Then using the top right branch to create the apex?
The current branch sizing should work for those positions, as well as the current grafted foliage. The apex bend would likely require a channel carved to get the right position from a sharper bend. Just a random thought.

 

[Tidal Bonsai]

Is the left lowest branch part of the original tree with grafts, or is it a graft itself?

I am not sure, the tree and the grafts are so old I can not even tell. It definately is the same foliage type.

 

[Mike Hennigan]

Thank you for the visuals! I was so focused on other parts of the tree, I didn't even notice that.

I feel ya. Bonsai tunnel vision is a commmon affliction, I suffer from it myself at times ?.

 

[River's Edge]

I am not sure, the tree and the grafts are so old I can not even tell. It definately is the same foliage type.

I was just wondering if a bud back would produce the same foliage close to the trunk?

 

[Tidal Bonsai]

I was just wondering if a bud back would produce the same foliage close to the trunk?

Only time will tell, if nothing happens by this time next year, it will be grafted.

 

[Adair M]

I think the tree is too tall, and I agree, the apex is too straight up.

And, then, we see the trunk exposed all the way from the roots to the top of the apex. Sure, we want to see the trunk, but it’s ok (even preferable) to hide it a bit here and there.

Happily, there’s an easy fix! Instead of running the straight apex up, bend it down, directly in front. This will lower the apex, turn what was the straight apex trunk into a branch, which can hide the trunk a little, and bring the apex forward which adds depth. The tree will grow new stuff to help round out the apex, which was too pointy anyway.

If you haven’t watched Colin Lewis’ tutorial on wiring at www.craftsy.com, you should. It’s free once you register. Highly recommended.

 

[Tidal Bonsai]

If you haven’t watched Colin Lewis’ tutorial on wiring at www.craftsy.com, you should. It’s free once you register. Highly recommended.

I wired the tree about a year ago (if you call that wiring!). I have had a lot of practice, and have improved a great deal since then. I appreciate the tip!