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Buxus development

Posted: February 27th, 2015, 8:26 pm
by Dibbo
I have had this Buxus in a broccoli box for two years now acquired from a hedge my neighbour didn't want. Have been pruning and recently introduced a bend in the main trunk but not sure what to do next. I would like to do some wiring and further shaping but I think it is too leggy and top heavy. Not sure if I am doing the right thing but still, I am having fun trying. Here is a selection of pictures. Happy for any advice or ideas.
buxus 1.JPG
P1000904.JPG
P1000906.JPG
P1000909.JPG
P1000905.JPG

Re: Buxus development

Posted: February 27th, 2015, 8:55 pm
by shibui
Hi Dibbo,
You can bend trunks but no matter how many jacks you put on you cannot induce taper.
Only pruning can put taper into a bonsai and good bonsai have good taper as well as ramification.
You have great starting material but it still takes time to make a good bonsai.
It is often neccesary to cut off all branches and regrow replacements to make a better tree.

Re: Buxus development

Posted: February 27th, 2015, 9:26 pm
by xIIRevoEvoS
Is the bottom branch classified as a sacrifice branch once the trunk has gone to a certain thickness then it will be removed?

Re: Buxus development

Posted: February 28th, 2015, 5:49 am
by Dibbo
Thanks for your thoughts. I have left the top branches and the lower one to increase trunk thickness but not sure if now is the time to get serious and chop into it to introduce new shape and hence taper or let it continue to grow.

Re: Buxus development

Posted: February 28th, 2015, 9:12 am
by Dibbo
Maybe even romove the whole top of the tree and use the lower branch as the main trunk?? :lost: