AusBonsai

Hi Guys
Well at my first local bonsai club meeting I picked up this little olive for $20.
It hasnt had a repot in about 3 years im told and was collected about 6-7 years ago. Im not sure if ill go with a square pot or oval yet, but i think this could be a good little tree.
Some hollowing of the trunk may be required in time i think. Any comments are welcome.
thanks

Damian

Hi Damian,
Good buy for $20. Olives love Seamungus and Dolomite Lime. I place some Seamungus on top of the soil, then sprinkle some Dolomite Lime on top. It only needs a sprinkle of the lime. Then water it in with a hose. The Dolomite Lime will wash down through the soil.

Regards Ray

Thanks Ray
Im considering using this tree as a shohin, should I shorten the branches a bit to compact it a little? They are quite long and the foliage is a bit spread out.
Any ideas?

What a great little tree it has beautiful movement, I am sure you will develop it into a cracker

Hi Damian,
It looks like an African Olive. These trees will back bud. You could cut this tree back to a sub branch on all the main branches. It will cause more vigor in the branches closer to the trunk. This should help to encourage more buds.

If you look at the top of the tree you have a couple of branches that are far to large. These need to be cut back. Picture in your mind a triangle which you are working to achieve.

Feed it well and you should get some good new growth.

Regards Ray