AusBonsai

This Tea Tree has never had any clear decisive direction.. The trunk base and bark is good!, But that's about it!.. The top is a mess and I'm thinking about a major chop and a 24 months stint in a training box!

Opinions very welcome.
Cheers
CK

It would help if we could see the rest of the tree.

That's a pretty severe chop. I wouldn't mind seeing the rest of the tree either?

What do you need to see the rest of the tree for guys??? its straight !!! Great move Cali this will produce a far more dynamic tree in future. GO FOR IT !!!

It's a lepto and they often look great with a straightish trunk and a lot of branches coming off at angles. It's their natural style.

I also would appreciate seeing the whole tree as is before contemplating anything.

Ok here is the whole tree... CK

I vote to Chop it !!!

Chop it already!

Chop! Chop! Chop!

I wouldn't chop it, that'd be a waste of nice wood good luck.

Thanks for your opinions guys! I'm really feeling a chop coming on!!

Craig wrote:I wouldn't chop it, that'd be a waste of nice wood good luck.

I like your idea Craig and it looks great in the vert.. but on the tree, that first branch comes off in a weird way and the other trunk is too thick and brittle to make into a new leader!, I could chop there and wait for a new shoot at that spot... But really, the whole tree is way too hard and brittle to do any sort of bending on (even though the aged bark is fantastic! Thanks for the vert, but I'm pretty sure i will be hacking it low and starting with a somewhat 'clean slate'.

If anyone else has more ideas, opinions please let me know??

CK

No problems CK, easy way it is , no doubt you will regret doing the chop for a while to come,

I wouldn't chop. The natural style for these trees is different to traditional bonsai.

Craig's idea or a variation on it will be achieved quickly and look good.

I am a massive fan of chopping low and putting them out back for later but I don't think you need to in this one.

Craig wrote:No problems CK, easy way it is , no doubt you will regret doing the chop for a while to come,

Craig Mate. I appreciate your input but if i'm going to regret anything it will be reading your posts if your going to try to TELL me how I am going to feel!!.. ( i am guessing your have some regrets of your own on your own trees... )? I really feel your going to regret it later if you reply.... (for example)

Thanks anyway.. Pfft

CK

Also.. I seem to learn best through mistakes.. I may make a few more before I'm 'finished' learning
Peace
CK