Arrayán (luma apiculata) - Boxstore challenge 2015

[barrosinc]

Hi BNuters!

I decided to open this thread because I get to ask some questions on my tree. I am a begginer and have been at it a bit less than a year and a half.
To be noted, it is almost autumn down here in Chile, so I will not be getting any buds I reckon before next spring.

Here is the tree with the photos to enter the boxstore challenge. Tree was 5.500 pesos... 8.6USD



Closeup of the bark and flowers:



Three different views of the tree after a small reduction, as you can see there is one trunk with a lot of movement and taper. The trunk is 2".



As it is summer, almost autumn, I left the long branches with leaves hoping to get backbuds closer to the trunk, or I might just go ahead and chop them further back when buds start swelling in spring.



Here is my proposed front:



I have yet to wire a bit, it won't be much... but I decided to try to make this something special for a native species to my country instead of aiming straight away for the instant bonsai.

Here is what these trees look like when old:

So, long curvy branches leaving the tree from far down seems to be their style.

Here is what I want to do:



red lines: cut in spring.

1: bend into new leader, create a bit more taper to the top.
2: use as branch
3: wait for back bud close to the 3rd arrow to get a bit of taper on the branch.
4: same as three.
5: use as is, too bad it is in the interior of a bend.

I though I could make this more into a instant bonsai, but the foliage was way to far away from the trunk. I think it will be a lame contender when rated, but hope it looks good in a couple of years.

Any thoughts on my plan?

 

[edprocoat]

Barrosinc, dude I hate to tell you this but one of the rules in the contest was :
"IMPORTANT! Please do not post photos of your tree prior to the announcement of the winners or your tree will be disqualified. Winners will be announced mid May."

ed

 

[barrosinc]

I have not styled anything just cut back a bunch. I wrote to Vin about asking questions and if I could start a thread... My bad.
Oh well... I'm still in it for the fun.

As a noob I wanted to get some help
I thought I couldn't publish the finished tree.

 

[barrosinc]

Just spoke to Vin. It's all good with paying before pics. Can't post anything beyond this.

 

[Vin]

Barrosinc, dude I hate to tell you this but one of the rules in the contest was :
"IMPORTANT! Please do not post photos of your tree prior to the announcement of the winners or your tree will be disqualified. Winners will be announced mid May."

ed

Thanks Ed. The intent of that statement was for photos of your finished tree (mostly for reasons that will be disclosed once Mr. Pall finishes up with the judging). For those that qualify to ask questions, it's okay to post photos if it helps with the question. Sound fair?

 

[Vin]

Max, your question is a bit vague and general. Can you be more specific? I can't quite figure out how many questions you asked

 

[barrosinc]

Max, your question is a bit vague and general. Can you be more specific? I can't quite figure out how many questions you asked

hahah yeah you are actually kinda right LOL
This should be the question, use 1 or 2 for the main trunk...

1 would seem to take less time and look a bit more natural in the transition. The scar would be at the back.
2 would create more taper thanbut the scar would be more obvious.

 

[Vin]

View attachment 69410

The image in the second photo seems to work better as the front. However, those two long straight branches have to go. Consequently, you'll lose just about everything you have to work with on that side of the tree. That's my thoughts for what they're worth.

 

[barrosinc]

The image in the second photo seems to work better as the front. However, those two long straight branches have to go. Consequently, you'll lose just about everything you have to work with on that side of the tree. That's my thoughts for what they're worth.

Yeah I know those have to go, but they have folliage at the top, I don't want to loose the branches as I want to use an inch or so and have no idea if it could backbud if the branch has no folliage. I am starting to think this tree isn't ideal for a "more or less instant bonsai" contest.

I will look at that front once again, I think I recall it looking like the first inch above the soil had reverse taper from that view. I will let you guys know.

 

[edprocoat]

Thanks Ed. The intent of that statement was for photos of your finished tree (mostly for reasons that will be disclosed once Mr. Pall finishes up with the judging). For those that qualify to ask questions, it's okay to post photos if it helps with the question. Sound fair?

Vin, sounds fair to me ! I was just hoping that Max did not disqualify himself, and was trying to give him a warning so he could pull it down if needed. I am noty even going to enter this as I have too much material to move with me as it is and although I will not get rid of any of it I will not buy any more either. Last year I bought a nice sergeants juni for the challenge and thinking it was to make it look like a finished Bonsai. I trimmed, wired and potted mine in a nice little pot I had, then reading the rules as I was going to post mine in the thread I seen where it had to be in the original pot ! Knowing I had disqualified myself and thinking I had probably killed the tree to boot I was none too happy. lol

BTW the tree is doing fine now, lost a few limbs but is sprouting new growth.

ed

 

[Vin]

Vin, sounds fair to me ! I was just hoping that Max did not disqualify himself, and was trying to give him a warning so he could pull it down if needed. I am noty even going to enter this as I have too much material to move with me as it is and although I will not get rid of any of it I will not buy any more either. Last year I bought a nice sergeants juni for the challenge and thinking it was to make it look like a finished Bonsai. I trimmed, wired and potted mine in a nice little pot I had, then reading the rules as I was going to post mine in the thread I seen where it had to be in the original pot ! Knowing I had disqualified myself and thinking I had probably killed the tree to boot I was none too happy. lol

BTW the tree is doing fine now, lost a few limbs but is sprouting new growth.

ed

I do remember that Ed and even though you didn't enter the challenge last year I'm happy the tree is doing well. I appreciate the help with moderating. Please feel free to chime in at any time to help others with their material or the process. As always, you're a great help. Thanks.

 

[barrosinc]

I do remember that Ed and even though you didn't enter the challenge last year I'm happy the tree is doing well. I appreciate the help with moderating. Please feel free to chime in at any time to help others with their material or the process. As always, you're a great help. Thanks.

I´ve gotta say, I think my material was not chosen directly thinking on the challenge... it will not become a decent tree in a month. But!!! I am so happy to try a new variety and I think in 4-6 years it will be one of my favorites.

Same as Ed, even if this doesn't become part of the challenge, it will be a fun process.