AusBonsai

While I am trying to clear my benches I couldnt resist adding this beauty to my collection. The tree is nothing to look at but when I saw the base Trunk diameter is just over 2cm & the base is about 12cm. I plan to only keep the first 10cm of trunk but not sure if I will go the chop or try grafting some branches to where I want first. I have a couple of crab apples & had varying results from doing a big chop, from death to budding everywhere. Because of such varied results I am in 2 minds, do a chop in spring or try to graft some branching to where I want them first.

Matt

Hi MattA , good looking base that's for sure . I'd be inclined to thread graft a few shoots from the apex to exactly where you want them . Then while the are fusing in position set a layer or two and utilize the tree to the maximum potential instead of wasting the upper section . You are going to have to wait if the threads are done so grafting gives another challenge and option .

Cheers Alpine

I would be inclined to just go the hard chop. I guess the material didn't cost you a great deal and I imagine the time taken to bother with a thread graft will be far greater.

If you chop and the tree does not back bud then chances are the variety was no good for bonsai. If it is not an easy species for bonsai that transition is going to give you alot of trouble for a long time.

Life is short