Chop for Olive's future?

Hi

I bought this olive tree for $20 at my bonsai workshop. it was used to demonstrate carving as you can see. this is my first olive and I think the tree options for future development of this tree are reliant on the desired finished height of the tree.

1. keep the tree relatively tall and use the branching up top to develop a new apex, perhaps selecting a new leader to grow on. in this scenario I would use one or more of the branches on the main trunk as my first or second branches depending on what buds come up in spring/summer. I would also plant to address the scar by hollowing it out and carving some interesting features if I can.

2. Chop the tree and make one of the lower branches on the left or right as a new leader.

3, Chop the tree below the last two branches and see what pops up in spring that could be used as a potential new leader/trunk line


I am leaning towards making this a short fat almost sumo type tree as I reckon its a bit too tall (Option 1).
Either way, I would appreciate any pearls of wisdom and advice from the good people here!




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hi,
I think firstly i'd turn it round and see what the current back looks like - there may be a nicer front there ?

cheers Marcus

Hi Marcus,

the opposite side to the front I posted is free of deadwood or carving so that might be the way to go - although I can't help thinking that hiding the deadwood is a stylistic no-no? or can the 'rules' be bent a little bit??
I'm just a newcomer so any advice is greatfully recieved

As I posted on the other forum, I believe the 7 o'clock shot you posted there works better as front for me.

I still want to see a 10 o'clock shot if possible.

ADO wrote:Hi Marcus,

the opposite side to the front I posted is free of deadwood or carving so that might be the way to go - although I can't help thinking that hiding the deadwood is a stylistic no-no? or can the 'rules' be bent a little bit??

hi,
i hoped the back was free of carving there is nothing wrong with leaving someone elses work round the back if you think you can do a better job with the other side . The branch placement and potential new buds are too limiting from this angle as you will get none up the entire front. I'd be using the back, concentrating on making nice compact branches and the back will start callousing over a bit - in time you may find a 50/50 angle gives the best of both worlds.

do you have another tree / bonsai image in mind that you want to work this one into?

cheers Marcus

You're going to hsave to do a lot of work to make that shari look natural, I'm afraid. Maybe if it weren't centered to the front, but off to one side or another?

JimLewis wrote:You're going to hsave to do a lot of work to make that shari look natural, I'm afraid. Maybe if it weren't centered to the front, but off to one side or another?

You are probably correct Jim. Since I am a newbie, I wouldt have clue as to how to make this shari believable, maybe hollow out. the more i think about the more i am moving with the idea of selecting a new front. there is more chance for more branching to come through on the unblemished side.