Virginia creeper bonsai...

[Giga]

Also from how mines grows they seem base dominant. I had branches from the bottom of the tree(just under the soil line) extend 12' while the top only did around 2',So they're two things slowing the growth at the top-all the energy is being put into the base branches and they are not wired so they are free to run amuck lol. I would remove all the wire and maybe use a guide wire(I think it's spelled guy-wire) from the top to the base and pull the apex much closer to the base. I think you'll have a better image and done well it will look a lot cleaner then that wiring job. Also your fertilizing regime going well? I fertilize the crap out of mine with organics and it pushes crazy growth when I do that.

 

[Cadillactaste]

Look at this example. A flowering cherry on which I wired the new leader (1) and primary branch (2).
I left other branches alone (3,4). Those unwired branches far outgrew the wired ones in one growing season.
You can see a bit of wire on (4) in the first photo, but a sucker at its base sprouted and ran, and it was not wired.
Goes to show its best to grow trunk movement rather than wire it if you're growing out a big trunk.

That is impressive indeed! Explains a lot then as well to why my top isn't going crazy like the sacrifice branches at the base. Thanks for the informative edited photos. That really helped put things into perspective. Also explains that the sacrifice branches do far better than the top. It's not their taking the energy away...but the wire is causing it to do so. (One of the reasons I thought to remove them lower vines)

 

[Cadillactaste]

Also from how mines grows they seem base dominant. I had branches from the bottom of the tree(just under the soil line) extend 12' while the top only did around 2',So they're two things slowing the growth at the top-all the energy is being put into the base branches and they are not wired so they are free to run amuck lol. I would remove all the wire and maybe use a guide wire(I think it's spelled guy-wire) from the top to the base and pull the apex much closer to the base. I think you'll have a better image and done well it will look a lot cleaner then that wiring job. Also your fertilizing regime going well? I fertilize the crap out of mine with organics and it pushes crazy growth when I do that.

Yes, fertilizing...so remove the wire from the trunk. My worst fear is...it wasn't on long enough and it goes straight. Thinking of your thought to bring the top down a bit...that might be an option to consider. It's getting over the fear my trunk will go straight that has me pause a bit.

 

[Cadillactaste]

So I turned the pot...to get a better look. Wondering if this isn't a better angle. (Canopy needs developed more) used a bit of wire to pull back crazy vines at the base.


Think the nebari/trunk line looks better this side? (9"round pot for size)

 

[Cadillactaste]

Pondering guy-wires on the new branches up top. Making them arch...and continue to do that with new growth as it develops over the years...thoughts?

 

[GrimLore]

Making them arch...and continue to do that with new growth as it develops over the years...thoughts?

You will get the most natural looking bends that way if it is the look you desire. On green branches leave a big enough hoop so they can be moved without marking the branch. I like this "front" better by the way

Grimmy

 

[Cadillactaste]

Thanks Grimmy...the drastic "C" was brought to my attention. I guess I never noticed since I seen the entire trunk.

So another possibility...

 

[GrimLore]

Thanks Grimmy...the drastic "C" was brought to my attention.

I missed that - sorry. It looks more natural now for certain

Grimmy

 

[Cadillactaste]

Photo showing what a few weeks later... Moved it out in full afternoon sun can do...it seems to be pushing more growth. (Was in morning dappled sun prior) It can grow wild and unbothered here and not be in the way. Being an off set on the lower deck/landing area.