Wildfire Composition

[Cruiser]

Trees were collected from the site of the Nakia Creek Fire in SW Washington.
Western hemlock and a couple of noble firs.

 

[ShadyStump]

I like the premise. Was initially slightly surprised to see no live trees, but it is a wildfire aftermath scene after all.
I might have to try something like this sometime.

 

[Cruiser]

I like the premise. Was initially slightly surprised to see no live trees, but it is a wildfire aftermath scene after all.
I might have to try something like this sometime.

Thanks. Fire intensity was high for this one so most trees were nuked.


Soil from the burn area was also added to the composition. The hope is for dormant seeds to sprout in the “understory” and contribute some life to the piece.

 

[Shibui]

Others have been here before you. I've seen a couple of similar 'fire' bonsai where growers converted a recently dead group with a blowtorch.
Look forward to seeing if any dormant seeds sprout in the pot. Most forests are adapted to occasional fires so new plants sprout and thrive in the new sunny environment. Gradually the forest re-establishes and eventually returns to mature forest again.

 

[Cruiser]

Others have been here before you. I've seen a couple of similar 'fire' bonsai where growers converted a recently dead group with a blowtorch.
Look forward to seeing if any dormant seeds sprout in the pot. Most forests are adapted to occasional fires so new plants sprout and thrive in the new sunny environment. Gradually the forest re-establishes and eventually returns to mature forest again.

I considered the blow torch but wanted to keep the burning authentic to the event.
It’s a good idea for less burned trees though, especially if you want finer scorched ramification for proportional reasons. Not many fine branches get the heavily charred look since the flames eat them up so quickly.

In a more perfect world, morels would also emerge from the understory. Probably need some live trees in there. A guy can dream..

 

[Cruiser]

Life, uh…. finds a way.

In this case, wildflower seed packets.

 

[August]

This is sort of like conceptual bonsai performance art, and I'm all here for it.

 

[Kievnstavick]

I do like this concept quite a bit. I'd be leaning more towards growing some young trees in the composition to show the regrowth of the forest.

Keeping scale with different trees/plants would definitely be the hardest aspect.

 

[BrianBay9]

I've seen this too, but I prefer the more hopeful scene of partially burned trees, with some regrowing foliage - like the last image but with some surviving trees.

 

[Cruiser]

I do like this concept quite a bit. I'd be leaning more towards growing some young trees in the composition to show the regrowth of the forest.

Keeping scale with different trees/plants would definitely be the hardest aspect.

En route.

 

[Cruiser]

I've seen this too, but I prefer the more hopeful scene of partially burned trees, with some regrowing foliage - like the last image but with some surviving trees.

 

[Cruiser]

 

[queenofsheba52]

Somber

Moving

Thought-provoking

Hope

 

[Wood]

I really like this as a kusamono, displayed on its own. Nicely done!

 

[ShadyStump]

I wonder if simulating tall trees that survived would be practical.
Scorched down low, but still foliage up top.

This is inspiring, that is.

 

[Cruiser]

I wonder if simulating tall trees that survived would be practical.
Scorched down low, but still foliage up top.

This is inspiring, that is.

I think it’s possible with a precise torch and the right tree.

Conifers would probably work best. Ones with thick bark, tall crowns, and few/no or dead branches down low.


Surface roots would need protection from the torch. Many fire susceptible trees are that way because of shallow root systems that fry even in low intensity burns.


It’s probably safer and would look realistic to scorch just one side of a trees base. It indicates fire direction and is a lower risk than burning all around a bole.
The same general side for all trees in a group but in varying amounts. High scorch marks indicate greater fire intensity that should be reflected in the health of that particular tree.



Trees with burnt hollows or cat faces could be added…


As could charred stumps or snags to portray previously dead/harvested trees that burned.


 

[Tieball]

Life, uh…. finds a way.

In this case, wildflower seed packets.
View attachment 489506


View attachment 489507

Well done on the entire composition and especially the next forest generation starting growth on the ground level. Mighty fine!

 

[Tieball]

A very silent eerie image. I would sit and stare at this for quite awhile..

 

[ShadyStump]

I think it’s possible with a precise torch and the right tree.

Conifers would probably work best. Ones with thick bark, tall crowns, and few/no or dead branches down low.
View attachment 503139

Surface roots would need protection from the torch. Many fire susceptible trees are that way because of shallow root systems that fry even in low intensity burns.
View attachment 503140

It’s probably safer and would look realistic to scorch just one side of a trees base. It indicates fire direction and is a lower risk than burning all around a bole.
The same general side for all trees in a group but in varying amounts. High scorch marks indicate greater fire intensity that should be reflected in the health of that particular tree.
View attachment 503141


Trees with burnt hollows or cat faces could be added…
View attachment 503142

As could charred stumps or snags to portray previously dead/harvested trees that burned.
View attachment 503143

Unfortunately, I'm at no level of skill yet to attempt it myself. I do have a couple ponderosa seedlings, as well as rmj popping up in the yard. I might go about getting them into a big basket now with such a composition in mind for the future.

 

[Cruiser]

Ecological Succession

A new cohort has established. Noble fir. From cones collected in less-burned areas of the Nakia Creek Fire.





Container is burnt cedar wood with 1/4” screen on the bottom.
Substrate is fir bark, pumice, lava rock, sand, and ash.