Ilex Opaca, future carving subject

[just.wing.it]

On Christmas day, I was at a relative's home and noticed this stump outside the garage. It was a 12'-15' tall American Holly, he wants it gone. It was cut down over a year ago.
I went back the next day and "root pruned it" by driving the long spade down, all the way around, had to chop a couple large ones. Hopefully this will encourage new root growth in the root ball over the winter. I will dig it up as soon as I can in spring. Hopefully it will survive the move, so I can let it become established in a container for a couple seasons, and then begin some surgery. Any thoughts are appreciated! Thanks.

 

[just.wing.it]

The other pics I took.

 

[Cypress187]

Nice shovel man, why aren't there shoots on the top, i think much of the top is death. Also this will take a long time to heal, it's so fat. Nice project, ill watch it.

 

[just.wing.it]

I think you're right, lots of dead wood there. I plan on getting it into a large wooden container and just letting it grow wild for a year or two, to build some branches. Then, I wanna hollow out the whole thing and hollow down one side, the side in the third pic, you can see the bark is peeling away. If I had any digital prowess, I'd make a cool virt. But this quick sketch kinda gets the point across.
And thanks!

 

[sorce]

quick sketch

Is that an accurate nebari sketch?

If so....nice!

Following the Brits for carving?

If so.....nice!

Sorce

 

[just.wing.it]

Is that an accurate nebari sketch?

If so....nice!

Following the Brits for carving?

If so.....nice!

Sorce

I haven't seen the nebari yet. I know it's buried though. And, if you're referring to Graham Potter and some of his carving videos, yes. I find his work to be inspiring and beautiful.

 

[sorce]

Yeah Harry Harrington too.....
And Bobbylane!

You pretty much have a blank canvass!
Wear goggles so you can see it when you're finished!

I can't wait!

Sorce

 

[just.wing.it]

I'll check out those two names. Thanks!
And yeah, blank canvas is what I saw. And an opportunity for some good experience.

 

[sorce]

http://www.bonsai4me.com/AdvTech/ATCreating Deadwood Part Two page1.html

I always have Harry's site on standby cuz it is very well organized. Great info. A little over the top with carving IMO sometimes....but hey....

And your boy @BobbyLane is here!

Sorce

 

[just.wing.it]

http://www.bonsai4me.com/AdvTech/ATCreating Deadwood Part Two page1.html

I always have Harry's site on standby cuz it is very well organized. Great info. A little over the top with carving IMO sometimes....but hey....

And your boy @BobbyLane is here!

Sorce

Awesome, thanks man!

 

[Anthony]

One question - is this wood durable ?
Good Day
Anthony

 

[just.wing.it]

http://www.wood-database.com/lumber-identification/hardwoods/holly/
Based on this, I'd say no....
Under "rot resistance", it says it's " rated as non-durable".

 

[BobbyLane]

I'll check out those two names. Thanks!
And yeah, blank canvas is what I saw. And an opportunity for some good experience.

Haha im no carving OR bonsai expert, so you wont find my name anywhere im afraid
Only my third year in bonsai!
The virt looks the way to go, really not many options in a dead straight stump apart from creating some interest with a shari or hollow. In time i'd reduce the height closer to the growth for a broom like canopy.
All i can say about carving is, look at whats around you, trees in nature..

 

[Anthony]

Well, according to Jerry Melisk , [ google for his site ] it is very difficult to preserve the wood, even with epoxies / wood hardeners / plastics.
Water seeps in and the process starts.

You may wish to try and heal the tree. There is a way shown over on I believe Bonsai Empire on how to fold the live
cambium together and it grows back as a solid tree.
Wishing you all the best.
Good Day
Anthony

 

[sorce]

find my name

I find it next to some badass carved trees here!

And excellent advice!

Sorce

 

[just.wing.it]

You may wish to try and heal the tree.

I was looking around a little bit for that info, no luck finding it.
Would you happen to know a good way to search for it, or have a link?

 

[Anthony]

http://ofbonsai.org/techniques/styles-and-styling/the-van-meer-technique

Here you are.
Good Day
Anthony

 

[just.wing.it]

http://ofbonsai.org/techniques/styles-and-styling/the-van-meer-technique

Here you are.
Good Day
Anthony

Thank you sir

 

[sorce]

JWI...

You know Tona just snapped on that privet.....

Time to work bro!
Maybe not really....
But I'm looking forward to it!

Sorce

 

[just.wing.it]

Does rotting wood on a living tree cause death of the rest of the tree?
Wouldn't the living parts keep living regardless of rot?

http://ofbonsai.org/techniques/styles-and-styling/the-van-meer-technique

Here you are.
Good Day
Anthony

I don't know that I would be able heal this stump if I tried.
Possibly hollow it and fold like that van meer technique, but it would be much more extreme than anything he showed. This stump is about 6" across...would give crazy taper if it works! I may try it.