Shohin Shimpaku

In the past, I have had little success eliciting ideas on this forum; I am certain it is a result of the quality of material I have to work with. Nonetheless, I thought I would I ask again. This Shimpaku was kindly donated by a friend a few months ago. Despite its sparse appearance, it has done well in the months I've had it and seems healthy enough to style (please do share if you think it's not).

I would tremendously appreciate any styling suggestions.

(Just as a note, the cut branch is completely immobile as it sits.)

Hello Mbolos,
If you must style the tree now, the only style I can see is a Literati tree. I don't have the knowhow to do virtual drawings but I see you cutting the branch without foliage down to a stub to create a jin. You can also remove some bark on the side of the trunk with the jin to create shari. Start with a shari strip no larger than 1/4 inch wide. then next year you can strip off some more. Do this only if the tree is healthy. The tree looks like it is struggling in the small pot; evidenced by the small amounts of foliage. I would consider the next option.
The next option is to plant your tree in the ground to let it grow stronger. Or, into a larger pot. I wouldn't disturb the roots now (I think you're in the Northern Hemisphere....). But you can take the whole root ball out and put the tree into a larger pot and put in extra soil to fill the pot. Feed it well next year and then re-evaluate where you want to go with your tree.
Good luck,
Todd

I can also see a small tree, once it is strong and healthy:

Although, this would be the better proportion - if you go with a smaller tree- I think..

Most important bonsai lesson comes here WAIT... patience (I know it is difficult) is very necessary especially dealing with a material not in strong growth. If you work on this one now, you will loose much time, because the tree will be weakened and have to use a lot of strength to come back. There is not much foliage, and therefore not much strength.

Let it grow freely and pinch back a little when new strong growth have appeared for a while. Then other styling options will also appear. Feed well, and work on other trees in between.

Regards
Morten Albek

I'm definitely in no rush to kill a tree, even a free one. Thank you so much for the recommendations Todd and Dorothy; perhaps next year the tree will be ready for work and I can report back. Until then, it's wonderful to have an image in my head as where I want it to go.