Hornbeam opinion

johnl445

Mame
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Location
Boston.
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6b
Hello friends, there is a Korean Hornbeam, I’m looking at online. it has a BIN 400. Can tell me any pros and cons to this tree shape, Any thoughts
Or opinions about its future growth
 

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Definitely a long term project but looks like a nice start! Good trunk movement, and would maybe look even better at a different angle. If you’re looking for a hornbeam, looks like a good option to me.
 
A few quick comments!

Poor nebari for a developed tree. Picture shows one large root. grower has control over development, expect better results if the work has been done.
Lack of flare or taper in the base. At least based on the pictures. ( indicative of less rather than more root work in development )
Branching developed more like a conifer than a deciduous tree. Branches come off the trunk more horizontal than with an upward movement.
Trunk movement not normal for the species, more like a juniper with twist.

What do you see that interests you in this tree? What are you looking for? A tree to learn on, Something that has the potential for a good show tree?
 
A few quick comments!

Poor nebari for a developed tree. Picture shows one large root. grower has control over development, expect better results if the work has been done.
Lack of flare or taper in the base. At least based on the pictures. ( indicative of less rather than more root work in development )
Branching developed more like a conifer than a deciduous tree. Branches come off the trunk more horizontal than with an upward movement.
Trunk movement not normal for the species, more like a juniper with twist.

What do you see that interests you in this tree? What are you looking for? A tree to learn on, Something that has the potential for a good show tree?
Ok, thanks this is helpful. Korean hornbeam branching should be more upwards. I’ve begun a collection of trees. I’m looking to have six total. I already have two Japanese maples pygmies, a hanoki cypress , which I’ve trained myself. I’m going to get a Chinese elm and maybe just finish off with a Korean Hornbeams. This would all be for my own personal/family use for display, but if I could keep them maintained and trained into potential show pieces, that would be an excellent accomplishment to have in the future.
 
but if I could keep them maintained and trained into potential show pieces
My advice would be to take the time to learn what a Korean Hornbeam should look like, check the internet or show books for good examples of Hornbeam. If you are going to care for and develop trees for years then start with something that has potential. Key aspects in any pre-bonsai are the nebari, trunk movement and taper. These are all easily developed with proper growing practices. The development style should suit the species. Hornbeam should not look like pine or juniper for example.
Attend a local club meeting if you can, get some advice and help to maximize the selection process.
Good luck with the search.
 
@River's Edge , thank you Frank that’s the information I’m looking for and rather have the tree look like it’s specific variety. It’s probably similar to car enthusiasts using only OEM parts.
 
@Gabler I never asked whether anyone liked the tree or how I should be spending my money. Thanks for your ignorant response.
Can tell me any pros and cons to this tree shape, Any thoughts
Or opinions about its future growth

That's exactly what you asked. Why the hostility toward someone trying to be friendly and helpful? It's not a great way to make a first impression as a newer member.
 
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$400 isn't unreasonable for a thicker trunked Korean hornbeam. I wouldn't put much stock in making trees "that look like specific varieties." It's mostly futile and silly. The nebari and the trunk are the keys to developing a bonsai, NOT the species. Hornbeam in general tend to be understory trees or bushes.

I think the branch development on this trunk is fine with the twisty trunk. I'd pursue what is already there.

This is a pet peeve of mine, as someone suggested a while back that I chop this live oak back to the first bend and develop a tree "that looks like an oak." Silly and a waste of about 200 years of growth. I don't care that it doesn't "conform" to pre-conceived ideas of what a live oak should look like--which is a completely subjective thing anyway.
 

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$400 isn't unreasonable for a thicker trunked Korean hornbeam.

Agreed. Korean hornbeam aren’t all that easy to come by, and it’s a very popular species so lots of demand.

It’s probably not that realistic to expect to find a Korean hornbeam with a great nebari, thick trunk, and perfect branching for $400.
 
That's exactly what you asked. Why the hostility toward someone trying to be friendly and helpful? It's not a great way to make a first impression as a newer member.
OP:
1701147863344.png
Your response, certainly didn't sound "friendly and helpful", and it did not address OPs question/request for input.
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Peace please.

Perhaps I can post an image of a nice deciduous tree so we can all relax while gazing at it in wonder?

A guy named Denis showed me this. He’s in the background behind his tree

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Cheers
DSD sends
 
not sure about prices in US/your area but here is what I got for $350. This is after couple of years of me taking care of it. Obviously still lot of work required but I think bones are better...
 

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not sure about prices in US/your area but here is what I got for $350. This is after couple of years of me taking care of it. Obviously still lot of work required but I think bones are better...
Beautiful tree and great price too. Thanks for sharing
 
I'm genuinely confused why there's been such a strong negative response, but I stand by my original comment. At the end of the day, there's just two questions you should ask yourself when deciding whether to buy something.
  1. Do I want this widget more than I want the money?
  2. For the same amount of money, is there a different widget that I want more?
Set a budget, compare trees within that budget, and pick the one you like best. It doesn't matter whether any of us like the tree. You're not spending our money (I hope). You're spending your money.
 
Set a budget, compare trees within that budget, and pick the one you like best. It doesn't matter whether any of us like the tree. You're not spending our money (I hope). You're spending your money.

I am not going to defend or condemn the response, but offer my thought on the source of the disagreement. I believe that, when @johnl445 mentioned the BIN price, @Gabler understood the thrust of the question to be whether it would be a good buy. But the intent behind stating the price, I think, was to offer context for the critiques that @johnl445 was seeking. The response by @River's Edge picked up on that, and explained what might be unacceptable flaws considering the price point.

And for my part, I think I agree with him. The upper branches will need to be rebuilt and the time involved would not be acceptable to me. Personally, I would keep looking.
 
I am not going to defend or condemn the response, but offer my thought on the source of the disagreement. I believe that, when @johnl445 mentioned the BIN price, @Gabler understood the thrust of the question to be whether it would be a good buy. But the intent behind stating the price, I think, was to offer context for the critiques that @johnl445 was seeking. The response by @River's Edge picked up on that, and explained what might be unacceptable flaws considering the price point.

And for my part, I think I agree with him. The upper branches will need to be rebuilt and the time involved would not be acceptable to me. Personally, I would keep looking.

Thanks. I was starting to wonder if we were speaking the same language.
 
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