New Stock....

[coh]

I haven't read back through the thread to see if this was suggested, but what about splitting the trunk above the "hole", carving the resulting trunk segments and creating a sort of sumo twin trunk tree? I don't have time to do a virt right now.

The problem I see with this type of material in northern climates (as opposed to Florida and more tropical regions) is that the growth is so slow....if your goal is to build diminishing trunk segments and go for a taller tree, it's going to take a really long time. Not that there's anything wrong with that, it just is what it is. So...what do you want from this tree?

Chris

 

[Redwood Ryan]

I haven't read back through the thread to see if this was suggested, but what about splitting the trunk above the "hole", carving the resulting trunk segments and creating a sort of sumo twin trunk tree? I don't have time to do a virt right now.

The problem I see with this type of material in northern climates (as opposed to Florida and more tropical regions) is that the growth is so slow....if your goal is to build diminishing trunk segments and go for a taller tree, it's going to take a really long time. Not that there's anything wrong with that, it just is what it is. So...what do you want from this tree?

Chris

I don't believe that's been suggested, but it's a very interesting idea. The problem I see with that is the whole carving thing. I hate carving into Ficus wood as it rots so easily, even if I do cover it.

I'm also thinking of just selling this tree to someone for the reason you brought up, it's going to be painfully slow to grow it out here in the north.

 

[Jeremy]

It is a bit of a tough one. For me, the hole could make an interesting focal point so why try to close it up? Alternatively, you could reduce to a single trunk and work from there.
Ask yourself what drew your attention in order to purchase the material. If it was simply the base, then you have yourself a blank canvas and can do as you please. As for the rate of growth, does your light setup not give you a 12 month growing season??

 

[Redwood Ryan]

As for the rate of growth, does your light setup not give you a 12 month growing season??

It does, but it's an incredibly slow growing season. That plus mites that constantly attack it when it comes indoors.

 

[Redwood Ryan]

Any thoughts on this? It's a total virt, I haven't done this, but it may solve the taper issue.

 

[KennedyMarx]

I wouldn't cut it back that hard, for sure. I don't think the taper is a problem and cutting it back will generate a problem with the taper. I think you just need to select a branch at the top and make it the apex, select some side/back branches, and get rid of whatever excess branching you have growing in the crotches. Wire the initial movement into it and let it be until next summer. If it were mine I would wire the branches downward in more of a pine style. Just my $.02.

 

[Redwood Ryan]

There is a gap through there..
View attachment 55640


Sure can, but in case you are thinking there's another front, unfortunately there is not...
View attachment 55641
View attachment 55642
View attachment 55643

This tree is for sale so I can make room for two larger masterpieces. PM me for pictures and details.