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.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?
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.but if I could keep them maintained and trained into potential show pieces
@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
$400 isn't unreasonable for a thicker trunked Korean hornbeam.
Beautiful tree and great price too. Thanks for sharingnot 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...
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.