Old white pine restyle by Zuma

[Timber]

I’ve had this pine for the last couple years, content with what it was. I was at a loss of where to begin styling it. There were many major problems that didn’t think could be solved.
I’m fortunate enough to live close by Bonsai West in Littleton Massachusetts. Over the last year, I’ve been watching the work that Zuma Fleischmann has been producing. Watching him turn scrub nursery trees into masterpieces, I finally decided that he was the man for the job. I was still nervous about putting this ancient tree in for surgery...
He did not disappoint. I’m really at a loss for words about his work and what he was able to do with this tree. Never could I have imagined this would be the result.
Just making this post because I feel this is a tree worthy of sharing. I typically keep most of my trees private and try to remain relatively unknown, but this tree is different. I’ll be on the hunt for the correct pot and hope to get it up to Rochester for everyone to enjoy. Aiming for 2022!!
Feedback and critiques welcomed. Also pot suggestions.

 

[Timber]

The tree in 2014 coming from the Kennett collection reduction sale. Here’s a good view of the large branches that he was able to move down into position. Beyond my skill level!

 

[Potawatomi13]

Other than some pretty straight branches looks VERY good in "after" pics. Great trunk. Any idea of age?

 

[Timber]

Other than some pretty straight branches looks VERY good in "after" pics. Great trunk. Any idea of age?

Thank you...
the branches were pretty thick to add much movement. There is some curve on each of them that doesn’t come through in 2d w these pics. The big challenge was getting them pulled down into position to begin building new pads instead of the large cloud look...
I don’t have any first hand knowledge of the age but we were puting a guesstimate of 200+yo.

 

[just.wing.it]

Its a beautiful pine!
Thanks for sharing!

 

[Leo in N E Illinois]

That is a major exhibition size Japanese white pine. It is big enough, imposing enough it could look good in any major public exhibition space. Concert grand piano size bonsai.
Beautiful.
Rare to see a JWP of that age in the USA.

 

[Timber]

That is a major exhibition size Japanese white pine. It is big enough, imposing enough it could look good in any major public exhibition space. Concert grand piano size bonsai.
Beautiful.
Rare to see a JWP of that age in the USA.

These are my thoughts as well. I feel like it needs to be displayed somewhere for all to enjoy. These pics don’t do any justice for the tree. I felt it deserved to at least be shared w you guys here. Taking it back home to my private collection seems a shame.

 

[Nybonsai12]

Awesome tree. Thanks for sharing.

 

[Wilson]

That is one serious tree to have in your yard. I can only imagine the presence it has, as you sip a drink and contemplate its beauty.

 

[Adair M]

These are my thoughts as well. I feel like it needs to be displayed somewhere for all to enjoy. These pics don’t do any justice for the tree. It’s radiating w energy now. I felt it deserved to at least be shared w you guys here. Taking it back home to my private collection seems a shame.

Nice tree. I suspect that you could continue to lower the primary branches down bit by bit over the next couple years.

You might want to think about shortening them, as well.

The styling you’ve done is a huge improvement, but just the start of the journey.

 

[Timber]

That is one serious tree to have in your yard. I can only imagine the presence it has, as you sip a drink and contemplate its beauty.

Even before the restyle, it held a certain presence that none of my others had. But now it seems to command more respect in being displayed.
Here’s a pic from last summer, I was happy with the way it was, but not realizing it’s true potential

 

[Timber]

Nice tree. I suspect that you could continue to lower the primary branches down bit by bit over the next couple years.

You might want to think about shortening them, as well.

The styling you’ve done is a huge improvement, but just the start of the journey.

This is the plan. I can’t take any credit for this restyle. It’s the first time I’ve had someone work on one of my trees for me. I knew Zuma had more of a vision and technique experience than I have and was confident he would transform this tree into something special.
After lurking here for many years before even making an account, I’ve learned that you Adair, are the man w the most knowledge on pines. Thanks for your input.

 

[SantaFeBonsai]

This is the plan. I can’t take any credit for this restyle. It’s the first time I’ve had someone work on one of my trees for me. I knew Zuma had more of a vision and technique experience than I have and was confident he would transform this tree into something special.
After lurking here for many years before even making an account, I’ve learned that you Adair, are the man w the most knowledge on pines. Thanks for your input.

The restyle wouldn’t have been done without you,,, take credit.

 

[Adair M]

The restyle wouldn’t have been done without you,,, take credit.

Indeed. I have several trees that I’m very proud of that I called in more expert talent to style. I’m pretty good, but when I have something really special, I feel I owe it to the tree to get the best talent I can get to maximize the tree’s potential. Not only does the tree improve, I also learn from the experience. Which I can apply to the tree in the future, as well as apply to my other trees!

 

[Timber]

Indeed. I have several trees that I’m very proud of that I called in more expert talent to style. I’m pretty good, but when I have something really special, I feel I owe it to the tree to get the best talent I can get to maximize the tree’s potential. Not only does the tree improve, I also learn from the experience. Which I can apply to the tree in the future, as well as apply to my other trees!

This is good to hear. My thought process on deciding to have someone else do the work was exactly that. It deserved more than I had to offer and I hoped to learn a lot. I certainly have already watching what he did to get these large branches moved.

 

[BunjaeKorea]

Now....... all you need to do is.......


Change your final will and testiment......
.....

Put my name as the person who inherits this tree.....

Lol but seriously..... that is just gorgeous...... almost literally drooling??

 

[Timber]

h

 

[Timber]

Now....... all you need to do is.......


Change your final will and testiment......
.....

Put my name as the person who inherits this tree.....

Lol but seriously..... that is just gorgeous...... almost literally drooling??

Hysterical that you say this... it prompted me to do exactly that, decide where these trees should go when I go

 

[BunjaeKorea]

Hysterical that you say this... it prompted me to do exactly that, decide where these trees should go when I go

I hope you put the name of a dashing professor.....
Me!
But, seriously for such good trees, it's a good idea

 

[Timber]

Side view....
On the hunt for potential pots if anyone has anything that may work. Hoping to find feminine rectangle pot roughly 32x23x9