A raft in the spring - trident

My windswept raft trident (15-inches wide) is coming out nicely after a very hard winter on my benches. This is about the last time it will be suited for photography for several months. It is best when bare of leaves. Next best now, as leaves are just starting to pop. It is OK in the fall when colors are present -- which doesn't happen every year.

Two photos. Same angle, but different light. 1 - supplemental lighting (overhead, right). 2. Natural light.

I have followed this planting for a few years now - still love it!

Lennard

I agree Lennard. Very unique.

That's a beautiful tree, I love raft style. Why wont the tree be good for viewing most of the year? Does it get too many leaves?

Thanks, all. It is one of my favorites.

Yes. It has lots of leaves, but that is fixable, of course. Its just that it looses its windswept look and turns into a rather mediocre forest.

Love that tree Jim, inspiring.

Jim,
I like the movement...but I have always been told (by Lennard )m that trees with specific leaves are not suitable for wind swept...He he he
Now I dont know if he said that because we dont have winters so most of our trees dont loose their leaves or because he meant that the tree should be view-able at all times.
Do You people have any guide lines for variety of trees suitable for windswept style.

I'm not sure what you mean by trees with "specific leaves," but in MY opinion many broad-leafed trees, especially those with longish petioles (like maples) look better as windswept trees when their leaves are absent. Otherwise, trees with smaller leaves that are more closely attached to the branches do best (and conifers, of course).

Jim, this is my humble opinion but to me, the bigger trunk looks like tree that might have grown need a river bank, or on the side of a steep hill and was forced to change the direction of it's growth. Have you thought about trying something like that instead of windswept? I think it might be interesting if you incorporated a semi-landscape feature into the design.

What I meant is that the design windswept is not suitable for all kind of leaves...specific leaves are more suitable than some...

I live the Winter silhouette of this tree. Always nice to see it... in any season   

Jim, I have also followed this one too. I really like the way you styled it.. are you covering your trees today ? it is snowing like crazy here today go figure !!! my trees have not budded yet but i moved them out when it was 80 deg. 3 days ago.. can not win !! take care john

The leaves are still quite new and tender. I brought it inside, along with my 2 figs. Supposed to be 30 degrees tonite. I left everything else outside.