AusBonsai

Hey guys just throwing up a few pics of my European Ash that i have been developing for about 2 years. I wish I took some before shots as it was quite the ugly duckling. I have found this species quite a challenge with the compounding leaf structure, however they do respond well to clip and grow method. I'm contemplating putting this guy in a bonsai pot soon for further refinement, what do you guys think?

Cheers Dave,

Dave,
I think it got a great future. If you have a look at a post from the NBPCA where the guys have reduced the leaf size quite condsiderably on an Ash you will understand what can be achieved with thtis species.
Watto
PS - if you wouldn't mind, could you please reduce the size of your photos before posting as it helps everyone. Many thanks.

Thanks Watto,

I'll remember to resize next time

Truth be told it was actually that NBPCA ash which made me focus on getting a result from my tree. I had all but given up on the species because of it's compounding and unpredictable leaf structure. Since then I have noticed with regular pruning the leaf size reduces considerably. Before I started any branch development the leaf size would have easily been double what it is now.

I really appreciate the large photos and the ability to see the fine detail.

I don't mind if I have to wait a little bit to see them, but there is nothing more annoying than being teased by a low quality picture

Any advice on this trees direction?

I don't want to be a dampener, but the longer you leave it in the grow pot, the sooner the top will thicken in proportion with that good solid trunk. And you can get more growth/thickness/complication in the branches if its growing solidly. Maybe leave the leaf cutting until you have a good strong top and more complexity in the branches - one stage at a time. When you are happy with the framework, go crazy with the leaf cutting. Good start, should become a fine tree. Have a look back at the gingko thread for a tree that has a solid trunk, but ramifies gradually and evenly. To get that, you need to grow long, and cut back, x20 or so. Lots.

Good trunk, worth the work.

Gavin

That's a pretty great one, If i owned it it would look alot lot different. By the way I REALLY want that juniper in the backround.

Good advice Gavin . It's always good to have a reality check sometimes and you are right the branch structure has a while to go. This tree has been a good journey for me as I've experimented a fair few techniques, been quite harsh in some circumstances and fumbled my way through to what I think is a reasonable base. There is no disputing this species is tough!

How would you in-visage this tree bonsai of the tree? By the way that juniper in the background is a 1 year old cutting.

Dave, nice trunk, if i can ask; how thick is the base and what is the height of the tree, cheers mate

Thanks Craig.

This tree is Approx 90 - 100mm wide at base and 300 - 350mm high at appex, will get some proper measurement tomorrow.