I purchased this cedar from bonsai south. I am After some advice on my style and some critique.After my other trees i tried to make this tree more 3D, did it work? I would also appreciate some tips on how to care for this tree and when to repot.

Thanks, Stuart


Before

After

sorry, wouldnt let me post all the photos at once.


side

back

side

Hi Stuart,

Firstly, great tree - I have a similar one to this as well. Your wiring also looks really neat!!

I have attached a photo below to show what I would do this tree.

A)I would chop this section of the tree back to the branch I've circled B and make it the new leader. The reaons are ;

1-The tree needs some better taper. It will also be easier to put subtle movement in the thinner branches.
2- As you go higher up the tree, the distance between the branches should decrease, in your tree there is a substantial blank piece of trunk between the part I've labelled B and the next branch up.

C) This first branch is way to thick in my opinion, it looks as though it's almost 70% the thickness of the trunk,it's movement looks very unnatural and is going to be difficult to correct IMO. I would chop this back and create a jin out of it.

In terms of repotting, I would say MID winter (July) would be the best time.


That's what I would do it it were my tree. Others may completely disagree with me or have alternative ideas.

G'day Stuart, Really nice start mate, don't be too quick to remove branches because once they're gone on a Cedar they won't bud back. The only part of the tree that will definately bother you , is the straight lower trunk, if you can introduce some more movement into it , you should. You'll need to use very heavy gauge wire or other means like some rebar with a bend in it. good luck mate, .

I agree, that straight trunk could be problematic.

I have a cedar with a trunk that size and I think the only way I could get it to bend would be to split it.

The trunk only looks about 25 - 30 mm thick, should be easy to bend

looks cool

Thanks for the prompt replies guys!
I am going to agree with you Dave with the new leader as there is that big blank spot. But I think if I chopped that first branch there would be a big area without any branches? I think I'll work on fattening up the other branches.
I can't see myself being able to bend that first trunk, I feel as though I'll snap it haha.
Anything I should be doing with the needles or anything?

Hey Stuart,

I agree that the loss of the branch would leave a gap, however, it's not so much that you need to thicken the other branches, I think it's the trunk that needs thickening moreso to create a more convincing "Bonsai"

Yeah that's true, I'll keep it healthy and keep everyone updated.
I would like to see your cedar dave