Developing Hawthorns

Hi,
18 months ago my available time to tend to my bonsai was greatly reduced. I decided to reduce my collection.

I now have 15 reasonable quality pieces to play with, + a few odd ball pieces that I just can't let go.

I kept 4 hawthorns, all were cut back to develop new branch structure.
They have all started to show extentions from the cuts.
Soon I'll wire, shape and then, once they have reached the right thickness,cut back the long extentions.

I took some pictures for my records today.
My camera decided to only take out of focus pictures today. My apologies for the poor quality.









I'm off to re-read Hans's post about developing branch structure on hawthorns.

The usual suspects.





A picture of a few more of my developing non hawthorn trees.



Your comments are very welcome and much appreciated.

Jeremy wrote:Hi,
18 months ago my available time to tend to my bonsai was greatly reduced. I decided to reduce my collection.

I now have 15 reasonable quality pieces to play with, + a few odd ball pieces that I just can't let go.

I kept 4 hawthorns, all were cut back to develop new branch structure.
They have all started to show extentions from the cuts.
Soon I'll wire, shape and then, once they have reached the right thickness,cut back the long extentions.

I took some pictures for my records today.
My camera decided to only take out of focus pictures today. My apologies for the poor quality.

...

I'm off to re-read Hans's post about developing branch structure on hawthorns.

I like the first and third ones a lot. Looks to me like the first one needs a trunk chop about half way up though.
ATB, Lee.

hi Lee,
Thank you.
You are not the first to suggest cutting the first one in half.

I'm going to see what develops this year and then cut it in half.
I have been trying to grow branches on the top for at least 5 years with little success, so this is it's last chance.

So,
Where to cut?
There is a very straight trunk at the top which needs resolving. A cut there would mean regrowing an apex and hopefully a few new branches on the outside of all the bends. To date not buds have ever developed on any of the bends.





Or a cut much lower, regrowing a dense winter image and make a sumo hawthorn.
A better option I feel, but is that too drastic?



Both approaches I think would be possible, but which to try?
Maybe try the first and if it doesn't develop the need branches, then I can cut again and make a sumo.....

Your suggestions and virtuals would be much appreciated.

Hello Jerry. Good to see your trees again and you have kept some corkers. When I saw one of your Hawthorns it reminded me of a drawing I did the first time you showed it here.

Hi Will,
It's pinned up in my shed and has been there soon after you posted it.
I have started to develop the tree as in you fine drawing.
The root is still an issue, but in time I hope to have enough root without it, but not yet. I started to try and reduce the visual weight of the root. Started being the operative word.

The tree throws out new extensions everwhere, except facing to the right on the apex.
Last year, due to other commitments I wasn't free to wire or time things well.
Other than feeding and watering they all had a year of health neglect.
With further good feeding and better care this year, I plan to make strides to improve the branch structure and move towards your suggested image.
Thanks again.