Cracked Trunk while Wiring
Brian Van Fleet
Pretty Fly for a Bonsai Guy
Looks like a juniper procumbens nana. Can’t tell from the photo, but if the crack looks as bad on the other side, everything above it will probably die. You could try wrapping the area with floral tape or electricians tape, but if the cambium is interrupted (girdled) all the way around, it will likely die past that spot.
Tieball
Masterpiece
I think you might have killed off the top...a view of the other side can tell more. From this view that part of the trunk is shattered..... you did learn a lesson about bending to far though.
rich815
Yamadori
I did this on a conifer but it was clean and I was able to bend it back and in essence seal the crack almost to where it wasn’t visible and I did it quickly, then taped it up. So far so good and it’s been 3 months. If your only result is to have that much of the crack and the interior visible i think all above the crack with die off.
MrWunderful
Omono
Looks like there is a tiny strip left so you have a small chance. But it is most likely a goner from there up. A technique called “jin” might work if the top dies, research it there is tons of info here and online.
Tieball
Masterpiece
Well....at least there is a good health branch just below the crack. Let the top die....then take a look at Jin opportunities.
Forsoothe!
Imperial Masterpiece
That falls into the class of a sucking chest wound. Prune it off to good wood and grow a new top. Lower, of course.
River's Edge
Imperial Masterpiece
There is a wiring lesson in this picture. The wire should be placed on the outside of the bend when bending! Note the split is right dead centre in the part not protected by the wire. If the pressure was applied opposite or the wire applied opposite than the result would be better. Another thought is to wrap the affected branch or trunk section in raffia before wiring that will provide additional protection from breaking when bending.
Wizeeerrrddd
Mame
I imagine the tree will put out a bunch of juvenile spiky growth now as well
Tieball
Masterpiece
Probably with some of the dead top....just a few inches likely....but not the whole top. Research jin applications with similar trees. Get ideas and see images you like. I would leave some top before thinking about a flush cut at the break. If desired later you can always flush cut another year down the path.
River's Edge
Imperial Masterpiece
I would consider allowing a new top to grow, thicken the trunk and create some taper! The tree is young and thickening the trunk will improve the overall appearance for Bonsai purposes. the broken part could be carved cleanly to heal over at the junction or left for a natural jin. I think the trunk is small enough that it could heal over very nicely if cleaned up and cut paste applied.
Hmmm ok. So I should just make a cleaner cut and apply some of the paste and it should heal?
Forsoothe!
Imperial Masterpiece
Just cut it and say, "Juniper, heal thyself!"
River's Edge
Imperial Masterpiece
Just an option if the suggestion suits you! It appeals to me because I like to work with more mature material. Bonsai are designed to depict age and beauty! Age in a tree is usually portrayed by a thicker trunk in relation to the height of the tree! For smaller Bonsai I prefer a minimum trunk of 1 1/2 in diameter at the base if it is 10-12 inches tall overall.
sorce
Nonsense Rascal
Should have also kept pressure there with your fingers, which could have helped you feel the pending crack, and prevent it.
Welcome to Crazy!
Sorce
Welcome to Crazy!
Sorce
Forsoothe!
Imperial Masterpiece
Always assume you're going to break it, and accordingly, go slow enough to stop when you hear it cracking.
Alright thanks! Do you know the type of cut past I could use and also if it’s too late to use it or not? Also, how would I clean the cut because I like your idea of cleaning it and pasting it haha
Forsoothe!
Imperial Masterpiece
No paste for conifers! For deciduous, Japanese stuff in a yellow tube and no English, just Japanese writing, from any bonsai stuff dealer.
