Willow leaf to do list?

I used to call this tree "the Scream" after the Edward Munch paintings.



I think the reason was obvious:



Over the years, the tree has developed (using the term very loosely) a number of problems, one of which is that the shari is closing up -- which might be considered good, or might not. Leaving all of the other multitudinous issues aside, I wonder if I should reopen the shari????



PLEASE excuse the horrible pot. It cost me 50 cents at a yard sale, which is just about what it is worth. It is cheapest of the cheap Chinese pottery and couldn't even survive a light frost.

Great pot Jim -- and what a buy. (But what works - works.) As for the tree, I think I would open it up a little, but not as much as in your first picture.

ps we are finally getting a bit of rain -- really needed. Beginning to plan for the Expo. Should be a great time.

at least it aint BLUE   
and at least the needs of the tree will keep it away from frost

i personally like the wounded trunk...
how many years between the 2 pics ?

how many years between the 2 pics ?

Maybe 3 years.  These things grow well here.  I put them inside in a sunny spot when temps get down to 40 F (That's usually late November thru February) and they even grow in the winter.

And WE are getting a helluva lot more than a "bit" of rain! GLUG!

thats a lotta action in just a few years...
so i reckon if you decide to keep the feature, it will end up being an ongoing task... ?

the reason i ask is because i have one and the trunk is a bit on the long side before any branching and i thought something like that might add some interest, but i think i'll just leave it be (my tropicals tend to do well too as they winter in my office with 2 HUGE south facing panels of glass... always nice to look at my trees while an absolute blizzard is raging just inches away)

JIM,, Only my opion but i would let it grow back.. You could send it to w va got plenty of room ! Hope you are getting better !! take care john

I like it so much more at the current form than the original. Not sure how I'd feel if it closes totally though.

Thanks, all. I looked at the tree yesterday, and it seems to be closing fast, so we may see what it looks like (maybe it will be an answer to Ryan's willow-leaf Dremmel question).

I can always re-do it.

Perhaps you could keep part of it open- perhaps the knothole at the top, if you will. I think a smaller shari would have an effect of making the trunk look larger.