Shohin Maple repotted

[MACH5]

Thanks guys for the nice comments and observations! I always do appreciate them no matter what.

The bottom right branch is not really coming off the inside of a bend but rather from the side of the trunk before it makes a turn towards the right. If one were to move that branch about a cm up, it would indeed make for an awkward exit point inside of that first bend not to mention a bad bar branch effect. The shohin game is of cm not even inches. Very small measurements of space. Tiny spaces that have huge consequences in the design. Could this bottom right branch have had a lower exit point? Sure! But, as is now, I must say the tree feels well balanced and not exactly "off" to me.

Ultimately, and to a certain degree, we all perceive things a bit differently so I respect the observation. I will have to politely disagree here.

 

[MACH5]

Late fall update

2013 late fall update.

 

[cmeg1]

Excellent!

 

[MACH5]

Let me ask you guys. If you notice, there is a root on the right separated from and forming a negative space within the nebari. Would you cut it or leave it? I have also thought about filling the space with some soil and moss as a possibility? But other times I look at it and I am ok with it as is.

 

[misfit11]

I say leave it. It adds interest and gives the tree a more "realistic" feel to it and stability to a tree that is leaning to the left. As it matures and thickens it will demonstrate this more so. I know others would recommend its removal due to the fact that it originates too high on the trunk to be considered part of the nebari.

Yet another awesome maple, MACH5!!

Cory

 

[Dan W.]

I agree with Cory. It gives the tree some unique character.

 

[MACH5]

Ok thanks guys for your input. Let's keep it for now then

 

[lackhand]

Let me ask you guys. If you notice, there is a root on the right separated from and forming a negative space within the nebari. Would you cut it or leave it? I have also thought about filling the space with some soil and moss as a possibility? But other times I look at it and I am ok with it as is.

To me, unique features like this really make a tree. It looks random like in nature, which I love.

 

[barrosinc]

nice tree Sergio!

Just a small question, hoe would one achieve a trunk like that?? How many trunk chops are necessary? Any ideas where the trunk chops where made?

Thanks

 

[Neli]

Only a person who has tried mame can appreciate what you have done with this tree!
Fantastic!

 

[MACH5]

nice tree Sergio!

Just a small question, hoe would one achieve a trunk like that?? How many trunk chops are necessary? Any ideas where the trunk chops where made?

Thanks

Thanks Barros! Not sure and all are different. Generally you create these but grow and chop method. Typically folks initially grow them in the ground to bulk up the trunks and then chop them back. Others grow them entirely in pots for many, many years. I have several shohin works in progress that every year I let them grow unchecked and easily put out shoots that are 2 and 3 feet (or more) in length even in pots. Rinse and repeat as necessary

In this particular tree you can see some remnants of chops made long ago.

Only a person who has tried mame can appreciate what you have done with this tree!
Fantastic!

Thanks Neli! Unfortunately the old adage "nothing is forever" applies here. Kiyo Hime have the annoying tendency to brake out of dormancy very early even when outside temps are 20F. This year was no exception and saw the buds swelling ever so slightly in late Frebuary. In order to delay bud brake I placed the tree along with some other shohin in a fridge I have in my garage. I have done this before in past years. However, this year due to the prolonged winter we had, it sat inside the fridge for almost 3 weeks. I watered as necessary during this time and sat inside with temps in the mid 30s.

One day I took the tree out to check for moisture and noticed immediately something was not right with the way the buds looked. In short, I almost lost the entire tree. Most branches died back and I was left with a sad looking stump with a few short branches. It was clear that something had gone wrong inside the fridge. I have done this in the past but for shorter periods of time. It is unclear to me what exactly happened. I made sure the tree was watered when necessary so it was kept hydrated all during the 3 week period.

Another shohin suffered minor damage and everything else was fine. This is the second time that in an attempt to delay bud brake I have almost lost a tree. The other one was my Kashima maple a few years back that I'm now in the process of rebuilding. I guess a way for Mother Nature to tell me she makes the calls… not me!

I am now left with a sad looking tree. I'm happy that at least I did not loose it but basically I am back to square one with this little maple. I have left it alone this year and probably for the next few to allow it to grow and then I'll see what I can do with it. Sigh!

I will try to find and post the last photo I took of it before I had to cut most of the branches off.

 

[barrosinc]

bummer! my favorite pigmy maple shohin.

i am just starting and dont really recognize a trunk chop.

 

[MACH5]

bummer! my favorite pigmy maple shohin.

i am just starting and dont really recognize a trunk chop.

In a well done shohin all scars must eventually become invisible. Otherwise at that scale they will be very distracting. I recommend "Bonsai with Japanese Maples" by Peter Adams and also specifically for shohin maples "Mini Bonsai" by Kyosuke Gun. Fantastic book on shohin design. I highly recommend it!

 

[barrosinc]

thanks! I never stumble upon that website mini bonsai! awesome.

 

[Neli]

Thanks Barros! Not sure and all are different. Generally you create these but grow and chop method. Typically folks initially grow them in the ground to bulk up the trunks and then chop them back. Others grow them entirely in pots for many, many years. I have several shohin works in progress that every year I let them grow unchecked and easily put out shoots that are 2 and 3 feet (or more) in length even in pots. Rinse and repeat as necessary

In this particular tree you can see some remnants of chops made long ago.




Thanks Neli! Unfortunately the old adage "nothing is forever" applies here. Kiyo Hime have the annoying tendency to brake out of dormancy very early even when outside temps are 20F. This year was no exception and saw the buds swelling ever so slightly in late Frebuary. In order to delay bud brake I placed the tree along with some other shohin in a fridge I have in my garage. I have done this before in past years. However, this year due to the prolonged winter we had, it sat inside the fridge for almost 3 weeks. I watered as necessary during this time and sat inside with temps in the mid 30s.

One day I took the tree out to check for moisture and noticed immediately something was not right with the way the buds looked. In short, I almost lost the entire tree. Most branches died back and I was left with a sad looking stump with a few short branches. It was clear that something had gone wrong inside the fridge. I have done this in the past but for shorter periods of time. It is unclear to me what exactly happened. I made sure the tree was watered when necessary so it was kept hydrated all during the 3 week period.

Another shohin suffered minor damage and everything else was fine. This is the second time that in an attempt to delay bud brake I have almost lost a tree. The other one was my Kashima maple a few years back that I'm now in the process of rebuilding. I guess a way for Mother Nature to tell me she makes the calls… not me!

I am now left with a sad looking tree. I'm happy that at least I did not loose it but basically I am back to square one with this little maple. I have left it alone this year and probably for the next few to allow it to grow and then I'll see what I can do with it. Sigh!

I will try to find and post the last photo I took of it before I had to cut most of the branches off.

I know what you mean....I put my trees in a deep freezer...to get winter dormancy...when I came back from London...I found 1 white pine and my only yezo spruce dead...My best umemodoki...is still inside...but have no idea if it is alive ...plus several more trees...probably all dead...I dont know what they did while I was away.

 

[MACH5]

Sigh... sorry to hear Neli. I hope you can salvage them.

Well at least I know of one other crazy BNut that refrigerates their trees! After this experience however I will try it no more. I paid my price

 

[JudyB]

At least you still have the trunk, and your skills, I'm sure you'll remake it even better than before. (cue the Steve Austin music...)
Too bad though, it was a very cool little tree. Now just time.. again

 

[MACH5]

Thanks Juds for the encouragement! I definitely need it. This one was a real heartbreaker for me. If any of you around the northeast thought you heard someone screaming one day last March... well it was me! Now you know you weren't imagining things

 

[barrosinc]

hopefully you get it back in shape in a couple of years!
Would love to see the progression. You certainly are a skilled maple artist.

 

[Neli]

Sigh... sorry to hear Neli. I hope you can salvage them.

Well at least I know of one other crazy BNut that refrigerates their trees! After this experience however I will try it no more. I paid my price

Thanks,
What my foreman told me is that they lifted the cover of the deep freezer...The door, and there was clear plastic on top...the sun came up and created green house effect...and electricity went off (Africa) made the deep freezer very hot inside...boiling hot...so I am not sure any of thm remaining inside are alive.
After I took the picture I added some more trees.
I loved that umemodoki.