AusBonsai

Glenda as the needles of Casuarina are sectional breaking them where you want them is what I do. I know I am a Native lover and most of my trees are styled as natural as possible the she-oaks are styled more on the Pinus and Cryptomeria species by me.

If you cut them they are like most Juniper, species they brown off. This could be one of the reasons in earlier times they were thought to be conifer's.

Hope that helps Cheers Pup

Thnaks Pup

First to Steven The tree came from the throw out section of an advanced native wholesale nursery about 15 years ago there was about 30 of them and in hindsight I should have bought them all.I cut it to just below the first left hand branch and have grown the top and cut it back many times since then as you do. The tree is repotted in the warm weather and put in the shade to recover. I used to be a bit cagey about the roots but after seeing Ants fantasic posts on these trees I really bare rooted it this year and it has taken off like a rocket. The needles are kept short as per Pups comment it is important to do this work with your fingers if you use sissors the ends of the needles will brown and look very ugly. It is also important to do it often at least twice a week during the growing season to keep the foliage compact. I believe this genus should be one of our principal species in Aus.
Now pup There is so much info out there the younger growers are out stripping us with knowledge very quickly which is fantastic. last week at the north west meeting I took in a red pine I have had trouble styling and a young guy did a great drawing for me on the spot which took me a bit by surprise but also made me very happy. I am prepared to take advice from anyone if I like that advice.
With thanks from Craig

G'day Craig,

Just bumping to see if we can get an update on this beauty... please...

Regards,
Steven

Hi Steven, about 3 weeks ago I took the wire off this tree and at the same time tinned the foliage and sorted the twigs so they are all in 2's. There was some clumps of twigs developing on the branch tips and these needed reducing. I also cut back any strong straight shoots in the crown.
The best thing which is happening now is the corking is starting to spread on to the branches.
Craigw

Thanks Craig, its looking great
Could do with a better pot in the future to match?

Regards,
Steven

I love your tree Craig!
Have one question though. How are branches supposed to be positioned on a slanting bonsai...like on the slanting side as opposed to the other side.

craigw60 wrote:The best thing which is happening now is the corking is starting to spread on to the branches.
Craigw

That is looking good Craig and has a great future. Wish mine would respond so well.