Shohin Olive

[Grant Hamby]

Just wanted to start a thread to track this little guy's progress. This is my first olive. I got it today. I put a little wire on it and slipped it into a pond basket with zero root disturbance. I already like the basic size and structure of the tree, I'd just like to refine it. (I know my wiring job isn't top notch, I only watched the Colin Lewis video last week!)



Anyway, I'm always open to stylistic suggestions and constructive criticisms, it's the only way I'll get better!

 

[Vin]

I would think about removing the two bottom branches on the left and the small one above them that's pointing upward. The big branch shown in red is going to have to go at some point in time so it may as well be now. It has some nice taper and branches in really good places. Good work!

 

[Grant Hamby]

Thanks, Vin! I think you're right. Your virt really highlights the taper and seems to give the tree more movement.

 

[Vin]

Thanks, Vin! I think you're right. Your virt really highlights the taper and seems to give the tree more movement.

It's only one suggestion. Other may have some ideas that are better. Wait a bit to hear from them.

 

[aml1014]

I like Vins virtual, it has the branches starting about 1/3 up the trunk, and really highlights taper and movement. The branch he put a red line on is to thick for its placement in the tree and it's an eye poker from this view, I'd remove that also as he suggested. I might also cut the apex back a smidge.
Great little start! I love me some olive trees lol

Aaron

 

[Grant Hamby]

I haven't touched it yet. My nishiki willow autumn death chop taught me patience. Haha.

 

[aml1014]

I haven't touched it yet. My nishiki willow autumn death chop taught me patience. Haha.

Well that's good! We've been chilly here for a bit already so my olive has already gone through the dormancy I allow for it, it's already tucked in the greenhouse growing like a weed again lol

Aaron

 

[Grant Hamby]

Well that's good! We've been chilly here for a bit already so my olive has already gone through the dormancy I allow for it, it's already tucked in the greenhouse growing like a weed again lol

Aaron

Good to hear! Our nights are just starting to dip into the 40's, so I plan on leaving it out a little longer.

 

[Vin]

If I may add, you really need to get some knob cutters and clean up the trunk. The little details is what really makes the difference in making a small tree believable. Also, once it gets going again you'll need to continue to remove leaves that appear on the bottom of branches. It's a never ending battle but that's what it takes to do well in this hobby.



I agree with Aaron's comment on the apex needing to be just a tad shorter and your sentiment about patience.

 

[Grant Hamby]

I do have some knob cutters, those were leftovers from the cuts made by the guy who sold me the tree. I agree it needs cleaned up, but I figured I'd wait until I made the suggested structural improvements. And thanks for the tip about downward leaves!

 

[JudyB]

Good start, and Vin's suggestion for it are spot on. Do know that olives can take very heavy root work. You can take almost all of them off, and it may not even notice. Not that this is what you want or need to do, just a bit of info here.

 

[Grant Hamby]

Good start, and Vin's suggestion for it are spot on. Do know that olives can take very heavy root work. You can take almost all of them off, and it may not even notice. Not that this is what you want or need to do, just a bit of info here.

Good to know! The roots are already quite shallow as it was shipped in a cheap bonsai pot. I do have a nicer pot set aside for it. At this stage of development, is the pond basket unnecessary?

 

[JudyB]

Depends on how big you want the finished tree to be. I find mine puts on plenty of wood in a pot. If you are aiming for a small tree, you could go with a pot, maybe just go a size bigger than you'll want on the finished vision.

 

[Grant Hamby]

Gotcha! With olives, do you repot in the spring with the others?

 

[aml1014]

Gotcha! With olives, do you repot in the spring with the others?

Any time during active growth, kinda like tropicals.

Aaron

 

[JudyB]

I wait till the weather is HOT. That's when they repot without skipping a beat.

 

[Grant Hamby]

Cool! I want to thank olive you for the great advice.

(Couldn't help myself)

 

[just.wing.it]

Very nice little tree!
I agree with Vin's assessment.
Great taper!

 

[Grant Hamby]

Very nice little tree!
I agree with Vin's assessment.
Great taper!

Thanks! I'm excited to see it develop.

 

[sorce]

Nice!

If you do take it to this place...

Consider moving that branch down, it will better match that side and give that new bud it's place to grow.

I'm not against Vins idea...but it seems most of the 3d is in those removed branches.

I wonder if you couldn't eventually chop it down to that red branch.

You're safe letting it grow for a while anyway.

Great grab!

Sorce