How should I handle this BC ?

[littletreefarmer]

That’s too bad. They come in so many forms behind this example. And yes elegant movement is subjective. Vaughn Bantings groundbreaking flat top bonsai has its impact in the long graceful trunk that hit home with those familiar with the species in the landscape.

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This is getting into semantics now about overall BC design, etc.. But I'll just say that there are almost no ancient BC groves left, other than those in remote swamps, most old growth was harvested in the 1800's. So landscape trees most often do not represent powerful or ancient. To me, an ancient/mature BC almost must have a root buttress, due to the ones ingrained in my childhood memories from the swamps of S. Georgia/N. Florida.

Is Vaughn's tree beautiful? Yes, undoubtedly. Are the ancient growth trees in deep swamps beautiful? Yes, undoubtedly. Is Ryan Neil's flat top (see below) beautiful? Yes, undoubtedly, and I'd argue one of the most "elegant/graceful", IMO.



I'm only explaining that there are other options. My opinion is an opinion, and thus so is yours. Like CR said, only MTM's matters here, all others are simply friendly recommendations. Grow your trees how you see fit. If you want to replicate something you've seen, go for it, my friend.

 

[littletreefarmer]

No they don't have to be exclusive of one another. I have BCs that look very much like those above. I just don't think the tree that MTM has fit into this look. It doesn't have a root base like those in your picture. In 30 years may be, but not in the next 5 years.

That's where your experience with growing them comes in, for sure. I'd have no idea how long it would take to develop the basal swelling in cultivation. The one big BC I have already came with a wide root base, so I definitely didn't have much idea on a timeline.

I know 30yrs vs. 5 seems rough to most people, but I also believe bonsai is a pursuit of close-to-perfection over the long game. We in the west have too short of a timeline in mind on development of trees, for the most part.