Huge Ficus microcarpa

[Redwood Ryan]

I am now attempting to graft a branch from the back to the side of the tree. I didn't make a channel, but I did make sure the cambiums are touching after I scraped the bark away.

It's in a 100% humidity setup, so I'm sure that will help out a lot. I'll keep you all posted.

 

[Redwood Ryan]

That graft took successfully and is now growing in its new position.

 

[Jalapeno]

I'm glad for you that your graft took! Looked a bit dodgy...

 

[Redwood Ryan]

The tree after a small pruning tonight. Didn't realize the pictures were so shadowy, oops

 

[Redwood Ryan]

I repotted this tree today and took a better picture:

 

[Redwood Ryan]

Here's a better updated shot:

 

[MrFancyPlants]

The trunk and taper is coming along quite nicely. Good work! Was it the top branch or leader that was a graft? How long did it take to take?

 

[Redwood Ryan]

The trunk and taper is coming along quite nicely. Good work! Was it the top branch or leader that was a graft? How long did it take to take?

Woops, just noticed your reply. Thanks! The branch on the right is a graft, and it took about a month to really take. It was pretty happy and growing really well.

Here's a picture from tonight. I still hate seeing the long, bare, sections of the branches, so this summer I plan on working the growth back in closer to the trunk. The taper is very nice though, so I'm pretty happy with how far it's come.

 

[Redwood Ryan]

Does anyone think that removing that front thick root is necessary? I've been told it looks too "heavy." Removing that root would allow me to tilt the tree backwards, which would correct this problem:



Thoughts?

 

[Redwood Ryan]

The root in question:

 

[marcosolo]

The root in question:
View attachment 38993

Personally, I like the root....It almost gives the impression of a folded, well muscled arm on the lap that is the soil...I think it adds a visage of strength to the composition..............

 

[treebeard55]

Does anyone think that removing that front thick root is necessary? I've been told it looks too "heavy."

Depends on the image you see in the tree. It is big enough to demand attention for itself, and it's not going to get smaller in proportion all by itself! So your alternatives, as I see them, are: 1, remove it from view, either by cutting it off or inducing a bunch aerials from the trunk that would hide it in a couple of years; 2, turn it into a feature. (The second option can really let you turn your creativity loose!)

Removing that root would allow me to tilt the tree backwards, which would correct this problem:

Thoughts?

Sorry, but I'm not seeing the problem that would be corrected by tilting the tree.

 

[Redwood Ryan]

Sorry, but I'm not seeing the problem that would be corrected by tilting the tree.

It would move the leader into a more upright position so that it's not jutting out toward the viewer so much.

 

[coh]

Is the photo in post 46 showing what you expect to be the front of the tree? If so...I don't particularly care for the way that huge root cuts in front of the tree.

As for what tilting the tree will correct...I assume that you want the second (newer) trunk segment (right above the chop) to be more vertical? If not, I'm not seeing it either... EDIT - oops, I was typing while you were. just saw your post clarifying this

Chris

 

[Redwood Ryan]

Is the photo in post 46 showing what you expect to be the front of the tree? If so...I don't particularly care for the way that huge root cuts in front of the tree.

Thanks Chris, that's something I am debating whether or not to do, remove that root. Some people, like marcosolo, like that root and say it makes the tree, yet others, like you (and maybe myself) think it's too strong. I dunno what to do

 

[coh]

Does it have other good sized roots under the soil surface, so that if you remove that big one and tilt it, others will be exposed...perhaps in a more pleasing arrangement? Or perhaps the big one can be partly removed and encouraged to grow new roots more to the left/front...

Chris

 

[tmmason10]

I like the root and the forward lean. It's something where if you don't like it, you can remove it later.

 

[Redwood Ryan]

Does it have other good sized roots under the soil surface, so that if you remove that big one and tilt it, others will be exposed...perhaps in a more pleasing arrangement? Or perhaps the big one can be partly removed and encouraged to grow new roots more to the left/front...

Chris

I don't believe it does. Just these two big roots really.

 

[Poink88]

I don't like the root.

The good news is that you do not have to remove it...you can just carve the bottom right part and reposition the remaining. You have to plan it carefully so as you twist the root, you will still have the natural bark on the new exposed top portion. (not sure if I am making sense to you though).

 

[Redwood Ryan]

I don't like the root.

The good news is that you do not have to remove it...you can just carve the bottom right part and reposition the remaining. You have to plan it carefully so as you twist the root, you will still have the natural bark on the new exposed top portion. (not sure if I am making sense to you though).

Thanks! I'd probably just remove it altogether though, it's much easier


Sounds like the general consensus is that it has to go?