I started working on this Bald cypress last year. It’s progressing very well, as you’ll see when you compare these photos with the one from last year I included below. We’re into summer now, and you can generally count on cypresses to take on a “shaggy” appearance. Growth slows, and the mature foliage starts to droop. The way to cure this problem is to defoliate the tree. I plan to do that next weekend (it’s a Fourth of July tradition!). For now, I did some clean up so you can see how the structure of the tree is coming along.

Here’s a shot from the opposite side. Notice how the callus is starting to roll. I just made this year two chop earlier in the season.

And finally, here’s a shot of the tree from almost a year ago. Isn’t it amazing how much the tree has changed! Take special note of the size of the leader, compared to where it is today. Let me know what you think of this tree. I’m in hopes that it’ll be ready for a bonsai pot next year.