Semi-cascade Ondae cork bark Japanese black pine

[fredtruck]

I haven't posted anything on this tree for quite awhile. It is my semi-cascade Ondae cork bark Japanese black pine. It used to be a 2-line cascade. I tried to modify the apex, and the top portion of the tree went berserk. The needles were unmanageable.

Finally, I got tired of struggling with the tree and cut the top line of the cascade off, leaving what you see here. For about half a year, I tried to lower the cascading arm using wire, but felt I was getting nowhere. Eventually, I used my version of a method suggested by Bill Valavanis: make a cut where you want the bend, and then insert stones, filling with cut paste and masking with bark. I used a wedge of brick instead of stones. This worked well.

Now, the main project is reducing the needles. While this particular tree isn't as vigorous as some of my corkers, it isn't weak. Using a combination of needle clipping and de-candling, the needles will eventually reduce.

 

[edprocoat]

I love the trunk, the needles look odd somehow. You think they need spread out a bit more to show the branches?

ed

 

[fredtruck]

The needles were clipped just before I took this picture. They are a project in transition. I think it will look different when I decandle at the end of July.

 

[Neli]

Have you thought of something like that. You just wire some of the branches a bit up and the lowest down and horizontal.

 

[Adair M]

Definitely needs wire.

Don't cut needles. The needles will shorten over a couple seasons by decandling.

Properly wired and styled, this tree could be stunning!