AusBonsai

(Two images of his hornbeam in leaf)
Carpinus betulus is correct although the leaves can be quite large they also reduce well as can be seen on this tree of Walter Pall's
(image)
Since we are looking at this tree what do you think of the stright section on it

hi lisa, at take it your response was aimed at me.

i never said to have a short squat tree persay, i said the top would layer nicely to create a smaller tree, and i would grow the base out taller again with a more flowing line, maybe i wasnt clear enough.

Webos wrote:Pup,
Your comment on experts at club level is spot on. I see this every time I go to clubs. Often the expert takes over, converts the entire tree with the novice not learning a thing.

Bretts wrote:Ok we have about 1 in 4(15 no and 5 yes) that say they would chop it down. Only one that has explained where or why. Some have stated that they would have gone lower if they could turn back time.
I have little doubt where I am heading with this tree these days and that it will work. Call me whatever but this was to learn about you not me learning how to style a tree. Yet I did not doubt that something some one suggested would be helpful.
I am very much in agreement with what Mela has siad

I'd gradually reduce the height a bit but not drastically and I definitely would not have it any taller.

and I am surprised that others only considered a major chop or to leave be!
To me the very top of the tree at least is too tall. Apart from being a tall weird looking section it is also obviously new growth. I would have chopped this section earlier if I could have made up my mind where.
The fact is I chopped the very top section not too long after this picture was taken and started to grow a new leader last season. Much as is shown here.

010.jpg

Edit: this picture is a slightly different angle but too slack to re-do!

Why I asked for opinions on the height was because I showed a picture of this tree to an accomplished nurseryman and I stated that I thought it needed to be reduced a bit. They said it was fine as is. So I was expecting at least experienced members to tell me to at least reduce the very top of the tree.
Then I could say hey it may not just be the beginner's as an experienced nurseryman told it it was fine at this height!


As I stated I did not doubt that there was something for me to learn here and I did but more of that soon

Webos wrote:Pup,
Your comment on experts at club level is spot on. I see this every time I go to clubs. Often the expert takes over, converts the entire tree with the novice not learning a thing.

LLK wrote: Yes, that seems to be the European or common hornbeam. Thanks for posting those two photos. As a matter of interest: look at the two trees to the right of your hornbeam, in the first image, and imagine their smaller leaves on your hornbeam (not at the same time ) . Does it give you an idea of what the tree looks like, with that size foliage in relation to its present height and width? Doesn't it look more like a 'real' tree, or like some people say, more 'plausible' as a tree? With bonsai being the art of illusion, small foliage helps to create the illusion of a full size tree.
Regarding Walter's hornbeam: do you know its height? It might be quite a bit bigger than yours. This said, the leaves do indeed reduce, only not enough for a middle size tree.
The straight section of Walter's hornbeam is - interestingly - quite similar to yours, only those mighty roots on the left create a diversion. Note that the trunk does not rise as a perfect vertical from soil level, but at a slight angle.
.
To tell you the truth, I don't think you can go far wrong with your hornbeam, whether or not you decide to shorten it, so long as you don't do it drastically. I'd say, let it gain some height gradually, while you concentrate on developing the ramification, and slightly change the angle of planting when you repot. See Melaquin above about pot choice.

Lisa

LLK wrote:Quoting Jamie:

hi lisa, at take it your response was aimed at me.

i never said to have a short squat tree persay, i said the top would layer nicely to create a smaller tree, and i would grow the base out taller again with a more flowing line, maybe i wasnt clear enough.

No, Jamie, I wasn't thinking of anyone in particular when I swore at fat, compact trees.
Just getting frustrated by the fixation on short fat trunks in general.
And if those are what you like, by all means Go for it!! So long as we don't all aim for the same things, there'll be a balance in Oz bonsai. Just let's not hesitate to go against the current when it comes to defending our point of view.

Lisa