Dawn Redwood- Styling

[Lcodd6]

Hey everyone,

I’m looking for some advice on the future styling of my Dawn Redwood bonsai, particularly regarding the apex and the trunk split. Right now, I’m debating whether I should remove one of the splits to create a more formal upright design or if there’s a way to make the current structure work harmoniously.

Has anyone dealt with a similar situation? What approach would you recommend? I’m leaning towards cutting one, but I’d love to hear your thoughts before I commit!

Thanks in advance for your any guidance.

 

[Gabler]

View attachment 592902Hey everyone,

I’m looking for some advice on the future styling of my Dawn Redwood bonsai, particularly regarding the apex and the trunk split. Right now, I’m debating whether I should remove one of the splits to create a more formal upright design or if there’s a way to make the current structure work harmoniously.

Has anyone dealt with a similar situation? What approach would you recommend? I’m leaning towards cutting one, but I’d love to hear your thoughts before I commit!

Thanks in advance for your any guidance.

I would say you're starting at the wrong end. Get the roots sorted out first, then move up the trunk and out to the branches.

The good news is, your roots are off to a good start. You'll want to plant the tree deeper, fill in any gaps, and eventually reduce the underside of the rootball so the tree will sit at the correct height in that pot.

As you're sorting out the roots, you can also let some sacrifice branches grow to give the tree more taper. Use several at varying heights to avoid large scars and provide a smooth transition to the taper of the trunk.

 

[Lcodd6]

I would say you're starting at the wrong end. Get the roots sorted out first, then move up the trunk and out to the branches.

The good news is, your roots are off to a good start. You'll want to plant the tree deeper, fill in any gaps, and eventually reduce the underside of the rootball so the tree will sit at the correct height in that pot.

As you're sorting out the roots, you can also let some sacrifice branches grow to give the tree more taper. Use several at varying heights to avoid large scars and provide a smooth transition to the taper of the trunk.

Thank you! You are right, I do need to work on getting the tree deeper. This is something I'll work on next spring since it's probably too late.