Thought it was worth noting that this tree as it stands now has had so far 3 trunk chops done.
One when I picked one of the new leaders in the second photo.
Two, when after this new leader had been allowed to grow to thicken up. I chopped right above the first branch on the right. Wired up a new leader to change direction back to the left.
And the third, yesterday to replace the existing trunk from there on up, which is apparent in the first photo, in favor of a new leader with very tight internodes. I chose to go ahead and bring this down into a small pot at this time, to not only try and slow the growth of the tree down considerably, so I can keep the nodes on the tree nice and tight, but also to make sure I could get it into the size pot that would work with the design of the tree. If not the design would have had to be scaled up in size.
I had forgotten that I had done my homework on this tree, and was great full that I had. I will explain...
When I got this tree it was part of a 30 minute styling competition at Wigert's Bonsai. Now in 30 minutes one is not going to get a lot done, however you would be surprised how much actually does get accomplished... and how doing such an event keeps you on your toes!
Now obviously, one does not want very complicated or amazing material for this type of event... sticks in pots, such as could be found at a big box store is what is called for.
This year I didn't win... I really didn't know what direction to take the tree, and it showed. Besides, I think it was the first time I had ever seen a premna and knew nothing about them!
So, I brought it home, stuck it in a corner if my yard and great fully I neglected it, didn't even water it... next thing I knew was that it had sent out roots through the bottom of the pot and into the ground, and within the year, it had grown from a 3/4" inch trunk to the 5 1/2 " base that it is now.
So, I learned the first rule regarding premnas, that they can put on alot of bulk in a very short time! I then cut it loose, cut all of the trunks down, then removed the pot and literally cut straight across the base of the bottom of the trunk, right below where the main roots flared out.
No use doing any further work on the tree if it was to die from such drastic pruning. For I saw an incredible sumo shohin in it's future, which could not happen if the tree was unable to fit into an appropriate sized pot.
So, it's critical that you do your homework on the material and try and save yourself the trouble of having to go through this stage at a later time, once one has time invested and has worked your tree, only to put the the tree's life in jeopardy. Better it die before.
