AusBonsai

being only new to keeping bonsai i recently bought this ficus at a garage sale can someone please give me idea's on what i should do to the branches
thanks
Steve

I can only guess what that canopy looks like full, must be amazing.

Just a thought, I am sure others will disagree, seems a shame to loose the lot though. Got any shots of it with foliage, I'd like to see.

You should take front on photos and side view and back so other people can get a better view

but i would use the left branch in the photo for a new leader its got nice movement and use the lowest branch as a sacrifice

cheers minh

sorry no pics of full foliage what do u mean by leader are you saying the lowest branch should go

thanks
steve

i would be using the lowest branch as a new leader, it will help with taper and movement. and then you will get a plethora of back budding from below the chop point and be able to select a sacrifice branch then.

a sacrifice branch is a branch that is grown and left relativly unhindered to give size to the base of trees, once it has done its job it can be removed.

not sure on what you guy's mean by a leader can you please explain a little more for me

cheers
steve

Hi Steve
Here is a mud map explaining leaders. In bonsai to build trunks and or movement branches are often set up as the new apex of the tree. In development this can be done over and over to create interest.
The blue arrow points at the leader each time. Oh and the red line is a chop mark As suggested I would get a level pic from a few different sides for us to check over before you do the chop. Sounds like you might need some advice on chopping to maybe
Hope you enjoy your new trees

Gday Steve
Welcome to the forum you have come to right place for help and info but if you are new to Bonsai you might want to go along to a few nurseries to have a look at some trees and get some ideas and inspiration you. You can find the addresses for the nurseries in the Brisbane area here viewtopic.php?f=26&t=2240

Andrew

Andrew when i say new i mean not brand new to bonsai i have been keeping them since last November i do a lot of shopping with tess at bonsai north side nursery i will get more pics up this week to help you explain to me what needs to be done

thanks for all your help

steve

Hey Steve

Sorry mate wasnt shore how new you were
May be i will bump in to you at the nursery one as i spent a bit of time there myself

Andrew

no worries andrew was thinking of doing one of their classes i have bought most of my collection from them

front back and side pics

Hi Steve, cut your tree to the first branch or even lower, it will shoot out everywhere after a good prune. Then you can select out whats to be kept. The main thing now is to get some growth down low so you have some options which you don't have at the moment. Cut it back and feed it up. Being in Queensland you could probably do the root work now as well but the locals will advise you on that.
Craig

doing root work would be fine but i would chop it back first and allow it to grow back strong and do root work next time. this will give you more strength up on top instead of pushing roots and foliage at the same time. which i have noticed doesnt exactly happen.

jamie

Chop it down low. With this base size, keep the height under 20cm. It will shoot up nicely and you will have a nice broom style to start with.