Tirtiary Branch Selection

[JackHammer]

I am trying to understand principles of bonsai design particularly around tirtiary branches. The heuristic for secondary/main branches would be positioned on the outside of a bend (1-2-3 tree). However, I have no idea about how to think about positioning smaller branches, particularly as they approach the apex.

Below is an example that might illustrate my confusion. There is a general mess of branches that are not well defined in terms of structure, but this is still a clearly a refined tree. I don't know what patterns to look for. Any ideas?

 

[SeanS]

Generally the finer branching should radiate outwards from the primaries/secondaries and fill the spaces in the canopy. Finer branches shouldn’t cut back towards the interior of the tree but instead should all head outwards. They should follow the basic direction and orientation of the structural branches but don’t have to end up pointing in the same direction that the primaries exit the trunk, but instead should help the branches flow in sinuous, cohesive lines from base to tip.

 

[Shibui]

Keep working with the same guidelines for tertiary branching. Where possible, from the outside of any bends. Where possible, stagger secondary and tertiary branches along the branches so there's no opposites or clusters. Secondary and tertiary branching will generally emerge from the sides of primary branches - 'no candles (meaning upright) or chandeliers (meaning hanging) however don't get too rigid with the side to side thing or all the branches end up looking like fish skeletons. Need some appearance of random to fill in the pads a bit.
The apex is often the hardest to style because we gradually need smaller and smaller branches closer and closer together. Upper branches also gradually get more vertical to fill in the crown of the tree. It's not unusual to add a combover to a juniper to form the apex -one of the small upper branches is wired up and over the top to make a rounded crown instead of a pointy top.

Be careful when using 2D pictures to try to understand secondary and tertiary branch placement. The camera view often doesn't show the real picture. What appears to be chaos is actually layers of carefully places twigs but as some are behind those closer to the camera it appears disorganised.

 

[JackHammer]

Where possible, stagger secondary and tertiary branches along the branches so there's no opposites or clusters.

Your comment is really great feedback, thank you. I have never seen anyone communicate this particular line so I will have to start taking a closer look.