B-Woods and Deadwood

Here are some of my many Buttonwoods I've been doing some work on recently, and their deadwood.
First couple are before and after styling.

I just bought my first buttonwood and I liek the last tree picture you have. When would be the best time to do major carving like that? The trees need to be repotted can I do it then?

None of these trees have been carved.
As with any serious work, it is best to do this before
Potting, so as to not disturb fine roots to much...
Besides, you don't want to clog up your new soil with sawdust.
Doesn't really matter when carved, I prefer when I have defoliated,
Just cause it is less to work around.

Have you thought about tilting planting angle on the first one a little bit to the right and adjusting the canopy to sit over the base? Just a thought. I really like it. And the second one is great. Reminds me of a lighting struck tree that kept growing down low and survived. It will be interesting to see what you do with the last one.   

KennedyMarx wrote:Have you thought about tilting planting angle on the first one a little bit to the right and adjusting the canopy to sit over the base? Just a thought. I really like it. And the second one is great. Reminds me of a lighting struck tree that kept growing down low and survived. It will be interesting to see what you do with the last one.   

Sorry I am just now getting back to this and saw your post...
I could tilt the tree to the right some, but in order for it the foliage to sit over the base, it would only
be altered a slight bit. I have really reduced the branch sizes of all it's branches, cutting and really bringing
them in tight. So, if I tilted too much, would have to grow back out.