Yamadori European Beech

[BobbyLane]

Fagus Sylvatica, this one came today so took some quick snaps, images might be a little big!

The tree has bags of potential, great movement, lots of character and parts of dead wood with scope for hollowing in areas...a wonderful project to begin the year with..

The tree has been heavily graised by wild animals

Im just looking to build a broom shape canopy and like the last couple images as a front, any ideas welcome. this is only my second piece of real yamadori, so in regards to styling ill try to keep as much as the natural character as possible, i kind of have an idea of where im going with it...but styling will go along the lines of this Walter Pall Beech

 

[JudyB]

You do manage to find stellar material Bobby. Another nice start to a good looking tree.

 

[Giga]

Oh a beech-love it!

 

[BobbyLane]

Hi, this is how it arrived, its had no bonsai training whatsover, just been graized on and weathered, now established in its pot, will update as i go along.

 

[mattspinniken]

Very nice Beech, it actualy looks very similar to the Walter Pall tree you posted.

 

[BobbyLane]

Thanks for the comments everyone..
Hi Matt, ive decided to go for a more upright style now, but can't seem to edit my first post.

will update soon

 

[just.wing.it]

Wow, I'm jealous now.

 

[klosi]

Nice one. I would not know where to start though Some things bother me also, not sure what exactly and why. But hey, it's just starting its journey.
When you'll take more pictures, can you do one from a bit further away from the tree?

 

[Bonsai Nut]

I love beeches! I agree that this tree has a lot of potential... but it has a lot of issues currently as well. When I look at this tree critically (for future design) I always start at the base and work my way up:

(1) Nebari needs work. You only have a few large roots at the soil level, and there is a big gap in the front (at least on the front you have chosen).
(2) Lower trunk line is good.
(3) Need to determine upper trunk line.
(4) Pretty much all the branches need to be replaced.

Not much help, am I? I think your biggest challenge will be determining the upper trunk line and where to reduce the trunk, because no matter which of three options I visually consider, you are looking at a trunk chop and a big scar you will need to resolve. It will be a great tree in the future however; just need to get that first design figured out. I'm leaning towards option #2... but that is based on the photo.

 

[klosi]

Yes, this were also my concerns. I personaly would go for option 2. This also consists of removing the left powerfull branch (where option 1 line is drawed) right?
Anyway, I know Bobby will make something nice out of this tree.

 

[Cadillactaste]

Dude! What character it already has...this will be a fun project and can only become even better with your touch.

 

[CWTurner]

The tree has bags of potential

Agreed...bags. I also like option #2.
CW

 

[Dalmat]

I will hold my breath for a season before proceeding with these tree. Why? Beeches are notorious for losing a branch for no particular reason.
It can not be treated like other deciduous trees, cut and wait for back budding. A branch without last year buds will die. Last year buds, not ones from this season.
That is something you must have in mind,especially when it is freshly acquired beech.

 

[BobbyLane]

Hi and thanks for the comments/input everyone, i wont be doing any of the options suggested though. with Yamadori its not about trying to change every single flaw, but trying to work with what nature has provided, using what you have and trying to improve that and respecting the tree in the process, its a very old tree.
Thus far ive only removed/cut back the two dead branches and pruned back all over for better taper. ive left many buds on each branch so branch die back is not a concern. beech branches will indeed die back if cut back to no bud.
the tree isnt recently collected, its an established plant, already having at least one full growing season in this tub of good bonsai soil. i didnt collect the tree, i bought it from an expert.
Update
This is actually a better angle than previously posted, the dead branch was obscuring the first left branch

and this is the angle ive decided upon, the tree will be titled so that the first left branch isnt so horizontal to the top of pot, but instead rising upwards, almost becoming a sub trunk, with the main trunk in the centre and a smaller one off to the right

The three apex's will form one canopy eventually

I have no problem with the nebari, if planted deeper, you dont see a gap, it would be more of an issue if the nebari was two pronged, but there are three or more roots and one could be grafted or induced in the centre

Here is where a dead branch was removed on the left, the area will be slightly hollowed by following the grain

Here a V will be carved between the central apex and right apex....the dead branch on the right will be hollowed and going to try and get some feathering on it

This is my plan, let me know what you think folks

ps in regards to styling, going to get lots of gnarly bends into the branching similar to this tree, there is enough there to work with

The Oak above is an example in nature of one trunk splitting into three and forming one canopy, this is my vision for this tree.

 

[Giga]

I love it! I was just agreeing with @JudyB about her gnarly maple that you have to do what the tree is telling you. I think something like this should have flaws because that's what makes it great. I think your on a great path with this tree and look forward to it progress.

 

[mattspinniken]

I like your take on styling yamadori. Good deciduous yamadori is rare in my rookie opinion, and I like that you are letting the tree break some rules. It already has taken on a natural look and I'm looking forward to some progression photos. Nice work!

 

[BobbyLane]

I like your take on styling yamadori. Good deciduous yamadori is rare in my rookie opinion, and I like that you are letting the tree break some rules. It already has taken on a natural look and I'm looking forward to some progression photos. Nice work!

These videos might inspire you, im a newbie too

 

[sorce]

this is how it arrived,

They just walk on over to you don't they?

(tree walking up to the door)
'knaughk knaughk'
(Bobby opens door) 'creeauk'

Tree: "Bloody Hell Bobby, it's cold out here"
Bobby: "Come in for some tea and a trim mate!, maybe stay a while"
Tree: "ok cheers, that's what they sent me here for"
Bobby: "wait till those bloody Yankees get a load of you little one, come come, up to the bench"

I swear to God you get to Noelanders I'm comin!

What they say about good material....
And your Posts.....
Like a monkey and a toad!
Hand in hand!
Foot in shoe!

Right.

Sorce

 

[BobbyLane]

Thoughts?

 

[klosi]

Just to make comparison easier - side by side.



I still can't decide which I prefer....