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Ligustrum - carving a better trunk line?
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Author:  HenrikSkov [ 04 Jun 2015, 10:06 ]
Post subject:  Ligustrum - carving a better trunk line?
I have this ligustrum with a strange trunk which I dont currently like. It has this large wierd base. I hope that I will be able to kind of join the trunk with the fat base through some carving.

The plan is to change the planting angle slightly and hollow it out. Then try to force some of the upper deadwood layer outwards and the lower deadwood layer upwards. This will hopefully give the impression that the tree once had a fat trunk that were connected with the fat base. Do you get my idea and do you think it would work?

I have created a virtual to show you my idea. First the tree as it currently looks. Next the tree in the new planting angle and with the carving. The last image shows the virtual with an outline of what the viewer should imagine the tree once looked like.

Image

Image

Image


Regards,
Henrik
Author:  stymie [ 04 Jun 2015, 10:17 ]
Post subject:  Re: Ligustrum - carving a better trunk line?
That could be good Henrik but think about the nutrient flow to the canopy being interrupted. This could spoil the foliage. Another less damaging way could be to fill the space between the trunk and what you call base with a wood filler and just carve that part and colour it to look natural. I wish you luck if you go ahead with your plan, which could be very dramatic.
Author:  PeterBone [ 04 Jun 2015, 10:48 ]
Post subject:  Re: Ligustrum - carving a better trunk line?
Personally I don't like the options of carving or wood filler. I would simply allow the small branches on the left hand side to grow out. When they've reached a good thickness you can cut them back and have something that looks more like a twin trunk or raft style.
Author:  Gwen Potter [ 04 Jun 2015, 12:02 ]
Post subject:  Re: Ligustrum - carving a better trunk line?
I think wood filler would look most unnatural unless very well done and remember, once you have carved out, you can't put back. I would either carve the lump to add some interest and leave the trunk alone or, as Peter suggests, allow the growth from the lump to grow unchecked and eventually you won't be able to see the 'lump' when it has some foliage on it.
This is where 'patience' comes in. We all know that you want the tree to look 'right' immediately but time will serve you better in the long run. Don is right about being conservative with carving, it is easy to destroy the live veins feeding the canopy and whilst some trees will find other ways to get nourishment up the trunk, once branches have no supply, they will die.
Give it a good sprinkle of Naruko; water it well; and let it go!
Author:  keithmart [ 04 Jun 2015, 15:54 ]
Post subject:  Re: Ligustrum - carving a better trunk line?
Hi

Why not just air layer it above the right angled bit. It would be easier to get a good root base that way.

It will take a bit longer but you could end up with a better looking tree.
Author:  Brendan [ 04 Jun 2015, 16:09 ]
Post subject:  Re: Ligustrum - carving a better trunk line?
I am sure there's a better way - please post photos from all 4 sides and above.

I had a problem tree, and an old pro pointed out that, if I tip it on its side, all the problems disappear. I swear I had stared at that tree for hours and planned all sorts of interventions, but that one was beyond me.
Author:  TomB [ 04 Jun 2015, 16:23 ]
Post subject:  Re: Ligustrum - carving a better trunk line?
Brendan wrote:
tip it on its side,

Yep. I'd look at the possibility of rotating it just over 90 degrees to the left, for a semi-cascade design.
Author:  stymie [ 04 Jun 2015, 18:08 ]
Post subject:  Re: Ligustrum - carving a better trunk line?
The options are piling up. The others are all better than mine. :1crybaby:
Author:  Bill [ 04 Jun 2015, 19:58 ]
Post subject:  Re: Ligustrum - carving a better trunk line?
TomB wrote:
Brendan wrote:
tip it on its side,

Yep. I'd look at the possibility of rotating it just over 90 degrees to the left, for a semi-cascade design.

i would also be in this camp. the trunk after the first bend is too straight for its length too, imo, so i would look to reduce it further in the future.
btw what kind of ligustrum is it? it does not look like either of the 2 species i grow
Author:  Andrew Campbell [ 05 Jun 2015, 18:15 ]
Post subject:  Re: Ligustrum - carving a better trunk line?
TomB wrote:
Brendan wrote:
tip it on its side,

Yep. I'd look at the possibility of rotating it just over 90 degrees to the left, for a semi-cascade design.


There is no way you can rotate this tree 90° to the left, it looks like a c#*k and balls.
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