Snake tongue Abies

[Cruiser]

Coming along… this tree is meant to showcase form and features of old growth noble firs.


Branching is a mix of over-size first order limbs, epicormic clusters, and inner canopy trunk reiterations.



Collected April 2024

Substrate is pumice-DF bark with organic fertilizer mixed in.

 

[Bonsai Nut]

Looking good so far! However make sure you uncover your nebari and see what the base of the your tree looks like! It is the most important part of the tree, and the area where it is hardest to address issues. It would be a shame to spend so much time on the top of the tree, and find out your surface roots are all on one side, or that the trunk takes an awkward bend just below the soil surface.

 

[Cruiser]

Looking good so far! However make sure you uncover your nebari and see what the base of the your tree looks like! It is the most important part of the tree, and the area where it is hardest to address issues. It would be a shame to spend so much time on the top of the tree, and find out your surface roots are all on one side, or that the trunk takes an awkward bend just below the soil surface.

The first photo is the chosen front, factoring in the nebari. It’s been covered to facilitate recovery.


Your post was a good reminder to check in on it…


Opposite. Small trunk right.

 

[Bonsai Nut]

Dig down another inch...

 

[rockm]

Agree. Dig down further. What you have there is not the nebari from what the photo is showing. The flare beneath those superficial roots looks like there’s more to the story and possibly something more substantial and appropriate for this tree.

 

[Cruiser]

Many shallow, fine roots have grown in the last 16 months. An intended result of the top-dressing sphagnum-bark.
Over time, this growth will help to improve root flair.