Trident leader selection

[Doogliebop]

I recently bought a trident that's actually a workable size and started selecting branches and wiring. Branch one, easy. Branch 2, no problem. Back branch,got one. Now the selection of which leader to go with.. I initially want to go with the smaller of the 3 because it's in prime location. And it's more malleable but I'm only 2 years in to bonsai and 1 year obsessively, so I'm still learning from mistakes mostly. Also this is my first attempt at wiring so please excuse. I'm just glad I didn't snap anything off.. any advice or criticisms are appreciated. Thank you for viewing.







After some wiring..

Preferred viewing angle

 

[Hack Yeah!]

In a few years you may prefer going lower to find your new leader

 

[Doogliebop]

In a few years you may prefer going lower to find your new leader

View attachment 484429

So you would just let the top go rn?

 

[Hack Yeah!]

I would cut it straight across about 1" above the branch I indicated for the new leader now. Let it gain strength this year and then 45 degree cut it next to the new leader next year

 

[Tieball]

I would cut it straight across about 1" above the branch I indicated for the new leader now. Let it gain strength this year and then 45 degree cut it next to the new leader next year

I agree…as difficult as it might be to chop all the upper trunk away. Then concentrate on growing out that branch at the chop with wiring to build it on a more upward path. Not totally straight up though as some curving as it thickens will create interest. My thought would also be to eliminate that really low branch on the right in the photo. The lower trunk above the roots looks so clean now and a small scar like that will disappear rather quickly (it will take time, it will disappear though).

 

[Doogliebop]

I agree…as difficult as it might be to chop all the upper trunk away. Then concentrate on growing out that branch at the chop with wiring to build it on a more upward path. Not totally straight up though as some curving as it thickens will create interest. My thought would also be to eliminate that really low branch on the right in the photo. The lower trunk above the roots looks so clean now and a small scar like that will disappear rather quickly (it will take time, it will disappear though).

I'm not really trippin about a scar. Imo they give the trident it's characteristic look. Although I am apprehensive about chopping bc it was field grown and lifted this season. The guy told me to take it easy on it for a season. Should I wait or is it alright to preform this suggested chop now?

 

[Shibui]

I tend to agree with the others about a lower trunk chop. That's a long, vertical trunk with no bends and no taper so no real interest but others may find that OK.
The first branch is also way low! When it thickens a little that might even touch the ground. How many old trees do you see where the first branch runs right along the ground?
Using that 2nd branch will add a nice bend, good taper and make a shorter, fatter trunk. All usually wins for good bonsai.

Agree with your grower. Let the tree grow for at least 3 months, possibly a year if it is not real strong. Depends how severe he was with the root pruning but always best to allow good growth to drive good root regrowth before making further chops.

 

[Tieball]

I'm not really trippin about a scar. Imo they give the trident it's characteristic look. Although I am apprehensive about chopping bc it was field grown and lifted this season. The guy told me to take it easy on it for a season. Should I wait or is it alright to preform this suggested chop now?

Let it grow this entire season. No chopping. The tree should have some recovery time after just being dug up and root pruned. I agree with “the guy”.

 

[Doogliebop]

Alright, thank y'all for the time and instructions y'all were kind enough to share with me. I appreciate that greatly.
@Hack Yeah!
@Tieball
@Shibui

 

[Hack Yeah!]

That lowest branch is well placed to train for a thread graft...

 

[Tieball]

That lowest branch is well placed to train for a thread graft...

That could be an excellent option and reason to keep it healthy. Good thought sharing.

 

[Doogliebop]

That lowest branch is well placed to train for a thread graft..

Brilliant! I'll let it regain it's vigor this season.