Two more field grown Ume

[Dav4]

They’re going to look amazing Dave! I have 3-4 that’s I’m developing now too so I’ve been following your posts for ideas and directions.

I’ll say a prayer for your trees!

 

[SeanS]

@Dav4 I’d like to start doing some carving on my Umes but have no idea where to even start! Are there any considerations for “live veins” or pathways from roots to branches that need to be kept in mind when carving these trees? Or can one just go at it in any area?

 

[Dav4]

@Dav4 I’d like to start doing some carving on my Umes but have no idea where to even start! Are there any considerations for “live veins” or pathways from roots to branches that need to be kept in mind when carving these trees? Or can one just go at it in any area?

I've always assumed that too aggressive carving beneath a branch could compromise it so, if there's any question, I always start small and build on the work over time to allow the tree to develop new pathways for sap flow. Carve with the grain and don't be afraid to carve deeply if it's appropriate... fat trunks should have deep hollows, imo. I always start in one or a few places on the trunk(s) where I know I want a carved feature, then build on the work over several sessions over a season or three, studying what's been done as I go. I'm looking forward to seeing your work!

 

[SeanS]

I've always assumed that too aggressive carving beneath a branch could compromise it so, if there's any question, I always start small and build on the work over time to allow the tree to develop new pathways for sap flow. Carve with the grain and don't be afraid to carve deeply if it's appropriate... fat trunks should have deep hollows, imo. I always start in one or a few places on the trunk(s) where I know I want a carved feature, then build on the work over several sessions over a season or three, studying what's been done as I go. I'm looking forward to seeing your work!

Thanks @Dav4! I think I’m a little nervous about how and where to start the features, you mention knowing where you want a feature but I’m still a little unsure how to “know”
I’ve been studying high level Umes on Instagram as much as possible to try to get a feel for what works and what I should try on my trees, I’ll take the plunge this week and report back.

Thanks again, appreciate your input and admire your trees

 

[Dav4]

Now that the structure and branching is set, it would be great to see this one covered up in fragrant light pink flowers... but it's never flowered in a pot. Oh well.
I'm going to lay off the feed big time this year and only cut back the very strong runners, if any. Let's see what that'll do. I also moved it into a Dale Colchoy "dry river bed" oval I got from him close to 15 years ago. It's never been used but I wanted a smaller pot for this one (it's still 14 Inches wide but less deep than the Rayner pot) and thought the pairing would work.

 

[Paradox]

@Dav4
Looks good.
Did you do something to prevent rot in all those holes? How rot resistant are Ume?

 

[Dav4]

@Dav4
Looks good.
Did you do something to prevent rot in all those holes? How rot resistant are Ume?

I haven't done a thing to preserve the carved wood features, and so far, there haven't been obvious signs of rot. Ume wood is very hard and seems to resist decay as well as any hard wood deciduous tree I have.

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

Craggy! Love the movement in the trunk