AusBonsai

Went to visit a mate this morning and had to have a little shop while i was there
I look forward to working on this one!!!

I see a tree in the first branch jokes mate.

That's great stock to work with. Who's the friend?

the friend is a friend jezz Yes this is great stock to work with and get a result in the near future. It has issue's to deal with. IMO it needs a new apex lower down and some branches rebuilt and others replaced. the size, bark, taper and flare at the base is what sold the tree to me. price is confidential so dont ask. I can make a great tree out of this one.

Does any body defoliate these??? if so when? and how often in a season?

anttal63 wrote:Does any body defoliate these??? if so when? and how often in a season?

ant ,

up here 2-3 a year no problem, down south maybe talk to Grant Bowie or leigh from ledanta they have had some real nice ones over time.

Noah thats already helped! i wanna get in there and have a good look at it and there is no better time than now. Thanks man!

no problem mate if you dont want to total defoliate just heavy tip prune the foliage. Youll get a better look inside and be able to wire easier etc, the tree will throw new groth still warm enough.

cool mate. does it mind heavy pruning this time of the year? Does it suffer major die back?

I havent done it this time of year usually end of winter coming out of dormacy however that said dosent mean you cant. Might pay off to hold and see who else steps in with advice

Thanks again mate!

I just heavily pruned mine. Back to the primary branches. It's started to form buds. I don't think heavy pruning on these is bad ever. They are thirsty so keep the water up to it.

This oaths second year I have been playing with this tree and I am just starting to get a bit more confident with them so perhaps wait for growers who have had them for longer.

Cheers.

Im thinking they will take anything you throw at them as long as water is good. Thanks jezz.

They don't really like the really hot temps, say above 35C however if they are sitting in a tray of water they can cope otherwise the tips will die, especially around the top of the tree. I defoliated mine just after Christmas with no ill effects. Don't know if it is too late now. I think it would depend on how quickly winter visits.

Thats nice Antonio. I agree about the top. Nice base as you say. Looks like I am playing catchup again

Thanks Ed for that; Yes i am experiencing exactly that. One i've had for a few years in a large 14 inch nursery pot got repotted into a small poly box last year and it just cant cope with hot days. No detriment at this stage cause it just keeps sending the energy down the tree. But this one cost a few bucks so i am attempting to be more careful.

Bretts If you come down to live here i'll make it up to you.