Corkbark JBP, Kyokko Yatsubusa

[fredtruck]

There are practical reasons for leaving the lower branch on the tree. The number one reason is that with corkers, removing a mature branch is always going to mess up the line of cork. There will be swelling and a callus, and ultimately, a round depression right there. If you are very lucky, you can make all that extra growth blend into the cork, but it's not a given.

What I would do with this beauty were it mine is to just look at it for a couple of years. Keep it in good health. I would do very little other than contemplate it. If something does occur to me, I'd look at it a couple more years before doing anything. I'd also take a lot of pictures of the tree, and modify the pictures, partly as an exercise, and partly to develop new ideas.

 

[markyscott]

Brian. I have to say that it looks healthier than it did back in 2016. To what do you owe the improvement in health?

S

 

[markyscott]

I terms of the styling, I’d keep the key branch, but allow the one above it to extend.
S

 

[Johnathan]

I thought the lower branch looked weird and out of place... but then the virt makes it look like a HUGE empty space and makes the tree kind of boring to me, not to mention the inverse taper someone else pointed out. I didn't even notice it until the virt and it was pointed out.

I agree with MarkyScott, let the branch above it extend, maybe reduce the large branch a little...

But the idea you had of that branch becoming a 2nd trunk really is what I ultimately think would be the best idea. From an aesthetic and entertaining viewpoint.

Soooooooo, I say unless you're going to commit to the 2nd trunk idea, just follow Marky and FredTruck

 

[Nybonsai12]

My useless 2 cents having never worked with corkers. If it were mine I'd probably try to continue to run the first branch out. Keep the top relatively the same but continue to allow that first branch to grow longer. Kind of like those trees that have that very very long first branch that is supposed to be a sign of welcome. Not quite as exaggerated as this one below though but you get the idea.

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

Brian. I have to say that it looks healthier than it did back in 2016. To what do you owe the improvement in health?

S

Thanks, I attribute it largely to neglect; along with a slightly larger pot and lots of feed.

 

[Dav4]

My biggest complaint with this one is the relatively straight lower trunk between the first branch and the second branch, and, to a lesser extent, a similar but smaller section of straight trunk in the apex. If this were mine, I'd be thinking long and hard about losing what ever's above that second or third branch on the right and working it as a two trunk tree.

 

[Leo in N E Illinois]

I've been following this tree's progress since your first post on it. The issue I see is the first branch is angled upwards as it leaves the trunk, and branches above it are angled more horizontal or even downward. This is opposite the "natural" pattern, upper branches should angle up versus lower branches should be more horizontal or downward angled.

The only way to keep the first branch is making it more a second trunk, that would make the upward angle seem more logical.

I do like this tree, it is better than any of mine.

 

[Hartinez]

Update...
View attachment 169511

love the bark on this tree.

 

[Hartinez]

I too like that first branch and with development of the one above it and the next branch to the left could make this tree fun and appealing at the very least. The inverse taper right at the base is unfortunate but doesn't kill me. I certainly wish my collection was at the point that a tree like this could be just considered "meh". Kudos to you for creating such an awesome collection that this tree is that.

also, Amazing how simple "neglect" and constant watering and feeding can sometimes cause a tree to boom with health.

 

[clem]

Hi, maybe inclining your tree very much to the right, to make something that look like a "Netsuranari" ? And maybe in a few years, let grow the little branches to become real trunks ...

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

Cool idea @clem! Now, where is that pot stretcher? ?

 

[MrFancyPlants]

Would it be possible to air-layer or root graft above the first branch. I don't know that I would take the risk if it were my tree, but above that branch the tree is very solid. And the branch itself would make some interesting material on it's own or as a raft.

 

[clem]

Cool idea @clem! Now, where is that pot stretcher? ?

That pot stretcher is named paint ;p
Maybe you can find an "ikadabuki pot", which is narrower than usual flat rectangular pot (I have one in my home but i don't use it, it is long, very narrow and 2 inch deep)