I’ve been working on this Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) in the ground for about five years. I lifted it in July 2018, potted and left it to recover. With fall colors now showing, I decided an initial styling was in order.
As with all multi-trunk specimens, shoots that project into the space between the trunks must go. Also, those small low shoots are too low on the primary trunk and need to be removed.
Working from bottom to top, the first order of business is eliminating superfluous shoots. The design of the tree gets easier to see as you do this.
Now the real fun starts. I’ve selected and wired the first two branches of this future bonsai.
While it’s possible and often useful to design one trunk at a time, here I’ve moved to the secondary trunk to get its design started. This will actually help me complete the design of the primary trunk.
Here I’ve turned the tree so it’s easier to see the secondary trunk. The design is simple but effective.
Back to the primary trunk. I removed the dead stub I had hoped would be my leader when I lifted the tree, then located the highest shoot and wired it into place.
It’s easier to see the new leader from this angle.
I removed the remaining unneeded shoots and wired those that were left. The initial design is complete. I’ll need to let the primary trunk leader run to thicken it. I expect to be able to grow and clip it twice in 2019. Sweetgums grow vigorously.
There will be more to come on this nice field-grown Sweetgum in 2019. Watch for updates starting in spring.
Let me know what you think of today’s work. Leave a comment below.
I look forward to seeing this one flesh out! Over on this side of the pond (UK) the Liquidambar (sweet gum) is becoming a very popular ornamental landscaping tree and why not, the autumn interest rivals any other!
Yes, we get the best reddish-purple colors here from Sweetgum. Really nice this time of year.
Very promising, Zach. Removing those extras at this time will help to set the buds for next year. pk
Thanks, Pierre.
Zach
Your progression posts are great and much appreciated! Looking forward to many more.
I live in an area where nurseries do not have any interest in bonsai. Nor have i found an individual enthusiast.
So, you can readily understand why your progression posts are of considerable value to me, a novice/beginner.
Wish you were closer for one on one tutelage.
Thanks again,
Delmon
Wenatchee, Washington
Thank you for the kind words, Delmon. I’m glad to be of help.
I live in East Wenatchee and have dabbled in Bonsai for some time. This year I want to get serious about it. I have only found one other enthusiast and that is my Dr, I have a 7 year old poinsettia that is starting to take shape. I plan this late spring to head up to Sugarloaf to collect a bunch of natives to start. Let me know if you are interested in chatting… Jim PetersonJoin the discussion…
I’ll be glad to give you some advice as you get into collecting and training native specimens. I don’t do junipers, however, and have limited experience with pines. You should be able to find some nice conifers where you live.