Sharp’s Pygmy Big chop?

[acj990]

I purchased this tree from a local greenhouse back in September.

I did some initial pruning earlier in the fall and now with the foliage all gone, am looking to get some thoughts on if a big chop is necessary at this point to help it along the process of becoming a decent bonsai. I thought I’d found a front (picture 1) but now am not sure. Picture 4 has some pretty good movement.

I’m about 2 years into this and am looking to get some ideas where to go next. It’s still in the growers pot.

Give me your opinions. Thanks in advance.

 

[Hack Yeah!]

Maybe layer above the graft but I wouldn't chop this one.

 

[19Mateo83]

Maybe layer above the graft but I wouldn't chop this one.

This

 

[acj990]

Maybe layer above the graft but I wouldn't chop this one.

Sounds like a good idea. As far as a potential front, I could make that decision post layer. Any thoughts to wiring and bringing some of the branches lower now or also just wait until post layer?

 

[Shibui]

Any thoughts to wiring and bringing some of the branches lower now or also just wait until post layer?

Depends whether you want a stereotypical informal upright 'bonsai' shaped JM or a Japanese maple bonsai that looks like a Japanese maple. Personally, I'm aiming for ascending branches on JM to acknowledge the typical growth habit of the species.

am looking to get some thoughts on if a big chop is necessary at this point to help it along the process of becoming a decent bonsai.

Not sure of your definition of big chop. I would probably not chop way back to a single branch but, from what I can make out from the pics you will probably need to take out a few of the main branches to avoid over thickening from clusters of close branches and to remove some of the thicker branches at the top of the tree.

 

[acj990]

Depends whether you want a stereotypical informal upright 'bonsai' shaped JM or a Japanese maple bonsai that looks like a Japanese maple. Personally, I'm aiming for ascending branches on JM to acknowledge the typical growth habit of the species.


Not sure of your definition of big chop. I would probably not chop way back to a single branch but, from what I can make out from the pics you will probably need to take out a few of the main branches to avoid over thickening from clusters of close branches and to remove some of the thicker branches at the top of the tree.

I agree regarding the branch removal and over-thickening. As far as branch removal, is that something done usually now or after the layer?

 

[Hack Yeah!]

Sounds like a good idea. As far as a potential front, I could make that decision post layer. Any thoughts to wiring and bringing some of the branches lower now or also just wait until post layer?

You could pull some branches down if you want. Try placing it on a turntable a few times over the winter and rotating it around looking for the best angle to make your layer. The more growth up top the better your roots will start, so wait to reduce some of those thicker branches until after you separate it. It looks like you can probably ground layer directly in that nursery can. I generally start layers after initial flush of spring leaves harden.

 

[acj990]

You could pull some branches down if you want. Try placing it on a turntable a few times over the winter and rotating it around looking for the best angle to make your layer. The more growth up top the better your roots will start, so wait to reduce some of those thicker branches until after you separate it. It looks like you can probably ground layer directly in that nursery can. I generally start layers after initial flush of spring leaves harden.

Thank you both for your opinions and expertise. I think I’ve got a plan.

I’ll keep the thread updated as I go through the air layer, spring, etc.