Newbie and Potential Bonsai

[BzTouring]

Pomegranate Front by Hazel Larrier, on Flickr
Good day all. I have this Pomegranate plant in a training pot in the ground in order to be "fatten" for a bonsai. However, one of the branches is troubling to me since it appears to be growing inwards. Based on information I had read so far, I am wondering if I leave the branch marked X, instead of thickening the entire truck, it would result in a bulge at that junction.

While I would like to "ground" the plant until it has at least a 2" trunk, I would like to avoid growth that would require surgery to fix . Looking forward to your advice.

Another view of the trunk
Pomegranate Side by Hazel Larrier, on Flickr

[Daluke]

Get rid of it.

Unless you want a wound when you eventually remove it which may take a few years to heal.

Have you got a chosen trunk line or style chosen for the tree.

If the scar and cut is at the back and you are happy to leave it go for a few years I imagine it might heal quickly.

[gwilliamb]

I would have to agree. It is ugly and straight and does nothing for the tree at all. Chop chop.

[BzTouring]

I have not thought about the trunk line or style (not sure if I know what it is ). With that branch removed, I see the tree displaying a mermaid type of form (because of the bent trunk) with outstretched hands. However, one arm to the right would be fatter than the other. Will see what happens as it grows.

[Daluke]

Make a plan for the tree. It’s hard but with solid foundations you can build something great.

Everyone has an opinion and this is mine - you need to be happy with the tree!

[shibui]

You can make as many plans as you like for trees being grown on but the reality is that it will change so much as it grows and thickens that the original plan will likely be gone well before the tree finishes thickening. At this stage just get rid of any obviously difficult parts and keep fingers crossed.
I like this trunk line for an informal upright style. Just add branches and canopy.

InkedCapture_LI.jpg

Pomegranate usually grows more often as a multi trunked shrubby tree so maybe it would look OK with several rising trunks instead of trying to make it look 'bonsai'

[BzTouring]

Thanks for your response.

So far most of my experience on Bonsai has been obtained for your forum and YouTube. However, while I thought that I should achieve the desired size of the plant before shaping, following the thread of your upcoming 2-year competition I now believe that shaping could be carried out during the plant's growth.

At least that is my take-away.