My Oak - tell me what you think

[juan73870]

Hi Guys,
Tonight I've been feeling like gratuitously posting pictures of some of my babies, this one is my favourite oak, its 9 years old, its a little bit crazy and I just love the bark on it......





Let me know what you think of it and maybe where I should go with it etc.

Thanks

[shibui]

First I have to declare that I'm not a fan of oak as bonsai. I have one very old oak I collected many years ago but it has resisted all my attempts to produce a good bonsai from it.
I have not been able to get good ramification and branch development has been disappointing but maybe that's because I haven't worked out the keys to oak bonsai.

You have been able to keep yours alive and have done some shaping so well done. The shape is unusual. I can't say it looks like any oak I've ever seen or even imagined and I guess that's my philosophy for bonsai - bonsai should remind the viewers of real trees. For that reason I can't tell you I like this tree but don't let that worry you because bonsai can be intensely personal. Grow the trees that suit you, don't grow them to please others unless you would like to compete in shows or competitions.

You have no doubt learned quite a lot from getting this tree to where it is so best of luck taking it further.

[juan73870]

Thankyou Shibui,
It definitely is an unusual one, unlike any shaping of any tree I've had, but the bark is what draws me to it and has caused me to keep the branches (especially the main one) longer to show the crusty bark off a bit.
This last summer it has been like it was on steroids for some reason and has grown really well. Possibly it has been enjoying the full sun on 40+ degree days? In the past, I haven't let it have full sun on such hot days......
Anyway, thanks for having a look

[juan73870]

Also, FYI, I wouldn't reccommend bending the branches as drastically as this one in one go, as they are relatively brittle. I bent the main branch in three stages over the last year, each time feeling like i had gone too far and broken it, but thankfully didnt.....

[its_kano]

is this an Acorn tree? I have considered this tree but i just have so many others i would go to first. Good luck with it keep us updated as it develops.
Cheers.

[juan73870]

yep, started its life as a little acorn

I know they're not the first choice of many, but I like to have at least one of every different tree I can get my hands on.
I've seen some amazing pictures of oaks as bonsai, though. Google image "quercus bonsai" and have a look see..............

[Greg F]

Hi Juan it has som nice bark on the trunk.
Ive grown a few from acorn mostly because my young daughter likes the novelty of growing a tree from acorn.
Ive only got a couple that ive tried to train as bonsai. I will try to remember to show a pic of my larger one tomorrow. Its nothing special but its alive and my daughter likes it so will keep at it.

Greg

[juan73870]

I look forward to seeing some pictures, Greg!

[Sno]

Hi Juan . I like crazy and I like oaks , I have both in my collection just not in that combination . For me keep the curve but lose the top bit . The second photo looks the most interesting . What’s the base like under the soil ?

[juan73870]

the base has nice flare around about two thirds of the way around last time i repotted. i was thinking the same regarding the top, but still like it enough to keep it on at this stage....
thanks , Sno

[kcpoole]

I am with Sno, Lose the top as the tree cannot decide if its going up or down from the junction and as the branches are the same size, one has to go

The bottom has more interest and drama that i like.
PS, my first tree as Bonsai was an oak, but lost it due to curl grub. hence why i now import Akadama

Ken

[juan73870]

Kcpoole, thanks for the input. Also good to know another person who can get their hands on the good stuff

So I've gone ahead and chopped at the Junction. I agree, it was too busy at the top and the curvy branch was, to me, more interesting to keep.





I'm pleased with the outcome and can see where I want to head with it now more clearly than before.

Thanks all for your