I’ve had this ume bonsai for a long time. Several years ago, the tree lost all but a single branch due to fungus. The branch survived, and I’ve been letting the tree grow freely so it can regain some vigor. Now that the tree is strong again, it’s time for some cutback.
Semi-cascade ume
One benefit of the dieback is that there is now lots of deadwood on the tree.
Close-up of the deadwood
Looking closer at the branch structure, much of the foliage emerges from a single, straight branch with little ramification.
Straight branch – not good for the tree’s design
The simple solution is to remove the branch. Early spring is the best time for removing large branches on deciduous bonsai as the trees are generally growing quickly and can begin to heal immediately. Here’s the tree after making the cut.
After removing the straight branch
The removed branch
Some cutback of the remaining branches was necessary.
After shortening some of the remaining branches
The cutback encouraged me to take a closer look at the tree from the other side. As the deadwood is more interesting there, it may become the new front.
Potential new front
The tree still has a ways to go, and some wiring will be necessary to help set the main branches. For the time being, however, the goal will be to thicken the main trunk line and increase branch ramification.
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Scott Shatrowsky says
Very cool Ume! Not sure what it looked like before, but the deadwood definitely adds interest overall. Is this a white bloom or pink?
Also, you mentioned the near death experience with fungal issues being the main culprit. Do you mind elaborating on that a little more? Did the fungal issue run it’s course or did you have to take matters into your own hands (I imagine the latter but I had to ask).
Jonas Dupuich says
Here’s a pic of what it looked like before: https://bonsaitonight.com/2010/02/23/repotting-and-grafting-ume/
As for the fungus, I pretty much let it run its course as there was simply a season of dieback out of nowhere (several trees in the area suffered similar damage). I repotted the following year and used a dormant spray during winter and have been letting the tree recover ever since.
Scott Shatrowsky says
Thanks Jonas!
That old post was great! It’s really a shame to see how much work you put into that tree only to have sever die back change the tree entirely.
I must say though, the current design looks very promising.
Duncan says
Love the possible new front
Michael M says
Jonas, Looks like you never give up on a tree! 7 years ago you were working on a nice nebari. Now it is a cascade and the nebari is forgotten! Are you getting white or pink flowers on this branch? And will the wire wrapped branch be taken off later or will it be barked over?
Thanks for the inspiration.
Bruce Winter says
Ah yes, fungus. Since moving to fungus alley I’ve had to become pro-active about this problem. A lot of searches reveal cutting edge treatments but still It’s an uphill battle. Can’t grow ume to save my soul. I agree about the deadwood on the other side but The lower trunk on the current side seems more interesting. Either way it’s a chunky beauty!
Nate Lind says
Wondering what the ‘ dormant spray’ you used was? Do you not like it, is that why you’re not mentioning it by name?
Jonas Dupuich says
I only have a vague memory of what I might have sprayed as this was several years ago. It could have been lime sulfur or copper.
Andreas says
Nice transformation, perhaps better than an original tree and, of course , very nice pot. What kind of pot is it?
Jonas Dupuich says
Hi Andreas – the pot looks like it’s Japanese, 30-40 years old or older. No identifying marks on the bottom.