Eastern hemlock

[j_walker]

Here's my eastern hemlock. I've had this tree 4 years now. I really don't know what im doing with it but it growing good and all the field soil is out of the root ball. I don't know ow I want to style this tree. Anyone have any way to style this. I started wiring this tree because im stumped.

 

[Orion_metalhead]

Id start with basics... remove bar branches, have the lowest branch the thickest, then start to develop a plan based on your artistic goals.

 

[j_walker]

No bar brands. That's a back branch. I know that bottom brands is to small. I cant bring myself to cut it.

 

[FreshAirSunshine]

It seems like there’s a Y-right above the Jin on the right where the main trunk moves up with little taper, but a thick branch to the right tapers down. Any thoughts on cutting the left branch of the Y (main trunk) off and turning the right branch into a new apex?

 

[FreshAirSunshine]

Basically I think the branch you’ve started wiring would make a good trunk line, and would compact things greatly from the current main line which has little taper.

 

[FreshAirSunshine]

If you have a white trash bag cover the entire left branch of the Y with it and see how you feel about designing what would remain.

 

[j_walker]

I see what you're saying that would make the trunk look bigger. I think I've got to think about that for awhile. That's a big cut.

 

[SchdooraSchnepfla]

I'm by far no expert. Neither bonsai nor photoshop, But this was in my mind first...


Cutting of, 2-3 years of healing, then going this direction.

Have fun with your trees

 

[Orion_metalhead]

I havent seen many good looking low, squat hemlock. I think they look better in an upright style.

 

[ABCarve]

I’m with @SchdooraSchnepfla. The upper growth has extended too far away from trunk to make believable bonsai. They don’t backbud on old wood. Chopping down to the lowest branch will let you have branching you can work with as well as putting movement into the trunk. I would chop close to the trunk.
Take a look at this thread. There are two trees that were treated this way.

Small Eastern Hemlock development

Eastern Hemlock is often overlooked as good material for bonsai. Where I live (5b) they are quite vigorous growers, heal extremely fast and are the most shade tolerant of all the conifers. This allows for small, dense foliage pads with less risk of die-back for shaded inner growth. Material...

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