I can't decide which side looks the best

[Watto]

A few months ago I put up a post where I couldn't decide on the best front and the members here were very helpful with their suggestions and the reasons behind their individual choices. I did take the advice of the members and the tree looks better to me for that, so thanks.
If I could indulge one more favor and ask the same question - which is the front that you prefer?
I have had this tree for a while, maybe 8 or 9 years and to be honest I don't do much to it because I cannot decide on a style, direction or front so if you wouldn't mind may I ask for some assistance?
Thanks in advance.

[anthonyW]

1 and 4 in 2d/flat image work for me with a roundish pot maybe to enjoy both images and in leaf ?..very nice

[greg27]

I'd go 4, it gives the appearance of more of a taper right at the top and the carving kind of disappears around behind the tree which I like.

[Alex_B]

I'd have to go with 4 here as well.

I think the shape of the trunk looks really nice with 4 as it shows off its shape a bit and also makes the carving kind of melt into the trunk which I like. It also doesn't hide any of the branches and it makes the top branch look almost like a set of antlers so once it starts to leaf I think it would look fantastic.

Have to agree with anthonyW on the round pot, I think it would really suit a nice light coloured round pot.

[EdwardH]

My preferred front would be Option 2 because I like the way the roots look solid especially the main root which provides a good flow into the trunk. Also this angle hides the triple bar branch. If going with this option I would jin the first left branch which would remove the bar whilst giving a reason for the minor bulge in the trunk line.

Option 1 would be my second preference as I like the partial view of the shari. The side on view leads the eye to see what is happening around the other side of the tree thus adding a dimension of intrigue to the design. Problem with this view is the triple bar branching is distracting to my eye and loses the layered view as seen in option 2. Also the roots do not look very solid from this view, almost as if the tree would blow over in a storm.

Option 3 looks like it is going to poke me in the eye whilst Option 4 looks like it is running away from me so that puts both of these views out of contention for me.

Nice tree by the way

Edward

[Sno]

I’d go 1 and if it were mine I’d also remove the C apex down to the next branch on the right . Maybe shorten one of the bar branches a bit . Like EdwardH mentions it looks like it is about to blow over ,which I think adds a bit of drama .

[tgooboon]

I like Option 4

[MPP]

My preferred choice would be option 1 but with the primary and secondary branches shortened slightly.

[Ryceman3]

Option 1 for me Watto. I like the look of the base from this angle in combination with the trunk movement and taper building from there. Also think it highlights the crack/distressed trunk feature nicely to combine well with the rest of the design.
Interesting tree!

[Watto]

Thankyou everyone for your comments (and votes). I am yet to fall in love with this tree so your insightfulness has been interesting. I am a bit of a statistical nerd and so far the "voting" is four and a half for option 1 and four for option 4.
The bar branching and the overall width are issues that can be addressed when a front is determined and the idea of changing the apex has peaked some interest in me as well.
More to ponder.

[Keels]

.......so far the "voting" is four and a half for option 1 and four for option 4.

My vote is on option 1, so i guess opt 1 wins . And if it was mine i'd extend that craving right down towards the bottom of the trunk and pop it into a nice penny davis pot

[boom64]

I like both option 1 and also option 4 , however If possible could the apex be wired to follow the curve of the trunk. Cheers John.

[MJL]

Its a fun game suggesting changes related to other's trees...I find it so much easier taking action on my own trees.

Option 1 for me - I wonder if it could be rotated clockwise around 30% - this may provide a 180 degree nebari from left to right and something balanced /visible in front too. Rotating may also work to hide/disguise the bar branch... in that you may not be able to see the left(now back) bar branch from the front view after rotation. ....Then with the left bar branch - can it be shortened either by cutting or by bending the back portion up of that branch up.. perhaps filling that void in the middle top/left a tad ... confused yet? The photo below might confuse you more.... and I have no idea what to do with the branch where I have question marks ??

10 120420.jpeg

[tgward]

unless you remove at least one of the main bottom branches the trunk will develop more reverse taper over time.

[PeterH]

Hi Watto,

That looks like a difficult tree in the 2 dimensional space I see. I am not one for giving advice, but here it goes.

IMHO, Referring to option 1. As their is nothing to work with between the lower branches and the top you will need to fill the space with what you have.

Remove bottom right hand branch. Wire bottom left branch and raise into position as though a separate trunk but in harmony of the main trunk, using the branches as the fill on the left side.

Do a similar Technic for the small right hand branch to mirror the larger left branch both of which will blend with the apex.

Remove top left large branch and fill out top.

Leave the bottom front branch for now.

Just an idea outside the box.

Kind Regards,

Peter