My Broom Celtis

Andre Beaurain wrote: but why should I airlayer it, you think the root is ugly?
Does anybody else think that I should do this?

Andre Beaurain wrote:No seriously. I was joking, but why should I airlayer it, you think the root is ugly?
Does anybody else think that I should do this?

Mr Miyagi wrote:The large root doesn’t bother me that much. Planted a little deeper would do the job for me. I am not a fan of air layers. I think it take character and uniqueness away from a tree. If it bothers you too much, you could always make a dead feature from it.



I think the two small roots at the back should be removed (red) and maybe a possible change of angle (green)??
But all in all I think it looks very nice indeed.

Thank you Mr Miyagi, that is awesome, and a much better idea!!! There was no way that I would have sacrificed this trees roots, and your idea is just a lovely compromise.

Thanks Jun I trust your taste completely!!

Gary Swiech wrote:

Thank you Mr Miyagi, that is awesome, and a much better idea!!! There was no way that I would have sacrificed this trees roots, and your idea is just a lovely compromise.

Thanks Jun I trust your taste completely!!

It needs an air-layer.

I agree. Very nice otherwise

Mr Miyagi wrote:In my humble opinion with an air layer you would be taking the tree down the path of unique conformity and destroy the naturalistic essence. Going down that route and picking branches with the first at 1/3 of the way up and so on is just not to my taste as I find it too generic. Dead wood can easily be preserved with the right care and attention. Rather than discard it, make it into a point of interest. Trees in nature also often have this problem but still maintain their beauty. Maybe my virtual was a bit harsh but something slightly more subtle might be appropriate. What would a master like Walter Pall do?

jrodriguez wrote:

Mr Miyagi wrote:In my humble opinion with an air layer you would be taking the tree down the path of unique conformity and destroy the naturalistic essence. Going down that route and picking branches with the first at 1/3 of the way up and so on is just not to my taste as I find it too generic. Dead wood can easily be preserved with the right care and attention. Rather than discard it, make it into a point of interest. Trees in nature also often have this problem but still maintain their beauty. Maybe my virtual was a bit harsh but something slightly more subtle might be appropriate. What would a master like Walter Pall do?

Naturalistic essence? Does this mean doing nothing? It is just a matter of proportions. As is, the roots are NOT in proportion with the upper portion. An air layer offers a simple solution to a minor problem that reflects a mayor defect on the total design. Even in your so called naturalistic approach, you agree that the lower portion needs attention. Adding dead wood and hollows only makes the defect a lot more visible; it does not correct it.

So I ask, does wiring the tree also eliminate the naturalistic essence? I think not. Wiring, directional pruning, layering, grow and cut, and choosing the right container are all techniques that enable us to achieve a design. In this case, the top of the tree offers the image of an old giant. Unfortunately, the elongated roots give the tree the appearance of being young. They eliminate the serene/quiet feeling image of the top.

As far as what will Walter Pall do, only he can answer the question. Perhaps he might choose to offer his opinion. The more the better!!!

Warm regards,

Jose Luis

Mr Miyagi wrote:

jrodriguez wrote:

Mr Miyagi wrote:In my humble opinion with an air layer you would be taking the tree down the path of unique conformity and destroy the naturalistic essence. Going down that route and picking branches with the first at 1/3 of the way up and so on is just not to my taste as I find it too generic. Dead wood can easily be preserved with the right care and attention. Rather than discard it, make it into a point of interest. Trees in nature also often have this problem but still maintain their beauty. Maybe my virtual was a bit harsh but something slightly more subtle might be appropriate. What would a master like Walter Pall do?

Naturalistic essence? Does this mean doing nothing? It is just a matter of proportions. As is, the roots are NOT in proportion with the upper portion. An air layer offers a simple solution to a minor problem that reflects a mayor defect on the total design. Even in your so called naturalistic approach, you agree that the lower portion needs attention. Adding dead wood and hollows only makes the defect a lot more visible; it does not correct it.

So I ask, does wiring the tree also eliminate the naturalistic essence? I think not. Wiring, directional pruning, layering, grow and cut, and choosing the right container are all techniques that enable us to achieve a design. In this case, the top of the tree offers the image of an old giant. Unfortunately, the elongated roots give the tree the appearance of being young. They eliminate the serene/quiet feeling image of the top.

As far as what will Walter Pall do, only he can answer the question. Perhaps he might choose to offer his opinion. The more the better!!!

Warm regards,

Jose Luis

I see your point and I agree the root needs attention but make’s the tree look no more juvenile than this root makes this old oak look juvenile.

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No, if that oak were a bonsai, I would eliminate the left hanging root to create more stability. Also, the oak roots are totally different from the ones displayed by the celtis, which take all the visual weight of the tree and one is almost as thick as the trunk. It is like comparing apples and oranges. Just because nature created something, it does not mean that it is visually appealing.

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