AusBonsai

In late August 2023 I dug this large privet from a weed-infested patch of local bushland. I used a saw, mattock, 2m crow bar, and long handled loppers to get it out.It didn't come out easily, but after much toil, it was out.I potted it into regular potting mix in a large plastic tub. By the start of October it was showing signs of life. And by the end of October it was shooting vigorously.By April 2024 I had shortened it considerably, and had a new leader thickening up nicely. Most of the primary branches had been wired down, and I was beginning to see where this tree was headed.In August 2024 the roots got some attention. The tree also got a lovely new pot. And I cut back a bit of the bark, in preparation for carving at some point down the track.The tree as it looks today - in late June 2025.

Any suggestions about where to take this tree, especially with regard to carving the big trunk chop, would be greatly appreciated.

Nice find and interesting progression to this stage.

I'm no expert on Privet but understand them to be quick growers/healers so, to my eye, while there are multiple options, the two that stand out to me are to carve it heavily to make it believable (keeping in mind that it will probably try to heal over the carving eventually).

Option two, that may last longer and be more believable, is to hollow out the trunk. I notice an old branch scar about a third of the way up the trunk, I'd be looking to use that as my "exit point" for the hollow (so it doesn't hold water). With the trunk hollowed and the top carved to a ragged, natural finish I think this trunk could have an enhanced appearance of age.

Just my worth but some options to consider. Enjoy the journey, and playing with the carving tools - winter is the time for that

Jan.

Carving the stump will give better trunk taper.
I can see at least 3 options for that tree.
Option 1 - simple. Reduce stump at an angle. Just carve out the side opposite the new leader at a bit more of an angle. With this option you could keep the dead wood or let it gradually heal over. Option 2 - slightly more extensive carving taking the dead wood down to around the branches on the left side. Hollow out the dead section enough to simulate a rotted, hollow trunk. This will further lighten the visual weight of the upper trunk. Even though the trunk is still there, our eyes don't seem to take as much notice of white wood so it appears to have more taper. Option 3 - As suggested by @Jan. Extend the carved section down the front of the tree toward the lower branch removal scars. Hollow most of the top, gradually reducing hollowing to the base of the new scar. This option lightens the trunk even more. The live part of the trunk now appears to spiral around behind the trunk and comes out again at the new apex.

Thanks guys. I was thinking along the lines of option 3, so I’m glad you guys see that as being viable. I just need to find someone who’s handy with a dremel/die grinder now. Thanks for your guidance

Apologies everyone. I attached the photos in the wrong order above. The final virt (privet 1) above should have been attached as option 1 and the first one with the longest dead wood (privet 3) should be option 3

shibui wrote: ↑June 30th, 2025, 4:58 pm Apologies everyone. I attached the photos in the wrong order above. The final virt (privet 1) above should have been attached as option 1 and the first one with the longest dead wood (privet 3) should be option 3

I was trying to decipher it but the images just weren’t matching so I was guessing there was a malfunction somewhere, thanks for the clarification!
I actually think your “option 3/pic from option 1” (biggest carving) would look and feel the best for this tree. As it heals over and grows on I reckon that will provide the most interesting result, and I think it also does the best job of maximising taper… I don’t own a privet though so what would I know!

Ryceman3 wrote: ↑June 30th, 2025, 5:58 pm

shibui wrote: ↑June 30th, 2025, 4:58 pm Apologies everyone. I attached the photos in the wrong order above. The final virt (privet 1) above should have been attached as option 1 and the first one with the longest dead wood (privet 3) should be option 3

I was trying to decipher it but the images just weren’t matching so I was guessing there was a malfunction somewhere, thanks for the clarification!
I actually think your “option 3/pic from option 1” (biggest carving) would look and feel the best for this tree. As it heals over and grows on I reckon that will provide the most interesting result, and I think it also does the best job of maximising taper… I don’t own a privet though so what would I know!

Option 3 with Pic from Option 1 is what I had in mind. I'll post some pics, when I've found someone to give me a hand with the carving.