I’ve been working on a root over rock black pine for the past two years. The tree was created by Eric Schrader (phutu.com) and is thirteen years old.
Root over rock black pine
The basic branches are set, but need refinement, and the new apex needs to thicken.
To improve the branch structure, I thinned areas where more than two shoots emerged from the same spot. I also thinned the large sacrifice branch (currently the top half of the tree) as I want to encourage the future apex to grow larger.
Here’s the tree after cutback.
After thinning
And here’s the tree after wiring the main branches.
Styling complete
Although it’s easy to see the future silhouette, the apex will need to thicken before I remove the main sacrifice branch.
Close-up of the future tree – 14″ to top of new apex
The work on this tree will be similar for the next few years – cut back, wire, repeat.
For those who are interested, Eric sometimes sells trees online – you can see them at phutu.com/trees-for-sale.
Daisaku Nomoto Coming to Northern California in January
Japanese bonsai professional Daisaku Nomoto will be visiting the Bay Area next month from January 15-26th. If you’re interested in working with Daisaku, he’s available for workshops, club programs, or client work including wiring, styling, and consulting.
Feel free to call or write me with any questions or to book time with Daisaku (contact info at bottom of page).
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Charlie Mosse says
I really like the way the shape of the roots and the rock blend so well. somehwhat of the same sha pe but yet some contrast. One’s eye goes to the ror but it does not glare at you or jump out at you. Nicely done to my taste. The shape of the tree also has the similar shape as the ror so they all blend so nicely. Can’t wait to see the sacrifice branch removed.
Jonas Dupuich says
Thanks Charlie! Eric did a great job with the roots. And I too will look forward to removing the sacrifice branch in a year or two!
Keith R Jarvis says
Jonas,
Curious why you do any needle removal on sacrifice branch
Jonas Dupuich says
Hi Keith! Two reasons – mostly I want to slow down the sacrifice branch at this stage but not remove it until the next sacrifice branch is further along. Thinning the sacrifice branch also lets more light through which helps the lower branches grow stronger.