Here’s a brief update on an ume I’ve been working on since losing the top branches. After letting the tree grow freely through the growing season, now’s a good time for some cutback.
Before cutback – side A
Before cutback – side B
The goal at this point is to develop the basic branch structure. To do so, I removed two long shoots that emerged directly from the primary branch and shortened the remaining branches in an effort to stimulate back budding.
After cutback – side A
After cutback – side B
I plan to replace most of the lowest branch with a secondary branch further back but will wait for the replacement branch to develop before making the cut. In the meantime, I can continue to think about which side will become the new front. Here’s a closer look at the deadwood from both sides.
Deadwood – side A
Deadwood – side B
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Zack Clayton says
I like the “deadwood nebari” on side A better. there is a little more interest in the upper deadwood on side B, but I don’t know that it is enough to offset the lack of interest in the lower portion. As the wood ages and the grey tones even out I don’t think there will be a lot of difference in the upper portions.
Charles Orr says
I like side A. It looks like it is leaning towards me which I prefer. Side B is more interesting but if its leaning away, its not as engaging. Nice little tree!
Jeremiah Lee says
Nice use of the material, Iām going for side B, nice work!!
Terence Krista says
I think I noticed this on your ume, curled leaves. My lone ume leafs out nicely after flowering but over the course of the summer the leaves slowly enfold into unsightly tubes. Not very attractive, and I worry about the trees health. Is it just the nature of ume or is there something I can do?
Jonas Dupuich says
Hi Terence – good question. It’s very common on ume for the leaves to curl yet I have yet to hear a good explanation for why this happens. Would love to learn what’s going on.
Ann says
Love the base, sided B looks like it could be developed into the more interesting feature.