Ilex pruning advice

[bonsaidream]

I got this Ilex a while back and repotted it from the nursery pot last spring.
Left it alone for the summer.
Lost of lost leaves followed and then in the fall removed any dead branches.
I let it alone this winter to recover which resulted in some new growth inside this winter.
From here, I would like to selectively prune it back the larger growth to develop some structure over the summer growth.
Would like some advice/thoughts for potential cuts before I do. Thank you.
here are a few photos of it initially, the repot, and then the rest today from different angles.
Can anyone give a specific i.d.?

Ken

 

[nuttiest]

What were you thinking of doing with the lower right branch?

 

[bonsaidream]

I had thought to keep it. Here is an image of my initial thoughts for basic structure for this spring along with keeping some of the smaller bramches seens for health.

 

[BCS1980UK]

Following with interest your development because I just got an Ilex in a very similar condition.

 

[bonsaidream]

Hi. I ended up giving it a decent prune (but lighter than I had hoped) to keep healthy growth going, but to direct new growth downward to start structure. I wired the still (somewhat) flexible branches downward as well (in red). The larger straight ones will be removed in the fall after some vigorous summer growth, reducing the whole plant in scope and size and strarting out with smaller branches to train (in green). I hope this makes sense.

 

[nuttiest]

I tend to do this too, cut some stems and wait for some regeneration until cutting more. I don't know if it is advisable, just seems like a way to go easier on the tree. Be careful on these with the tangled roots to try and prune any strangling roots under the soil at repot times, because they become a problem as the tree ages.

 

[BCS1980UK]

I just found this old post, that might serve of inspiration for your tree.

 

[bonsaidream]

bcs1980uk. i don't see a link or post. i would appreciate some inspiration. This is the goal ultimately.

 

[BCS1980UK]

bcs1980uk. i don't see a link or post. i would appreciate some inspiration. This is the goal ultimately.

Sorry, it was too discreetly embedded. Here:

S

Thread '20 Year Old Ilex I just picked up.'

Mar 30, 2020

It was left to grow basically for twenty years in one pot. It's a tough little sucker, it'll bounce back after a repot next year.

It was basically sitting in a shell of its own roots in a busted pot, so this was a slip pot into this plastic container for now.

Been selecting branches but still have plenty to go.

• SockUnicorn
• Replies: 1
• Forum: Other Deciduous

• 

 

[DonielDoom]

Following this thread and the linked one. Funny enough, I've got my hands on an Ilex Crenata that has a very similar form (in my eyes). I am not experienced or knowledgeable enough to provide much insight, though, FWIW. I'm happy to share what I do have, but bring your own salt.

Here's my thread: https://www.bonsainut.com/threads/ilex-crenata-from-landscape.66674/