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Japanese Larch 1
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Author:  Koren [ 14 Jan 2018, 19:58 ]
Post subject:  Japanese Larch 1

This is one of my oldest (as in I've had it the longest) trees. It was cheap, so it has a few issues - it's kinda straight and skinny, doesn't have many low branches, and has no nebari.

Winter 2015/16:
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Winter 2016/17
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Winter 2017/18
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I've just wired the lowest two branches down as I believe that's more natural for most conifers, larch included? I didn't want to force them too hard, even though I know larch are quite flexible, as I can't afford to lose either branch. Might try to move them a bit more later in the year. I think I need to try to bend the lower trunk a bit too as it's arrow straight. Once again, grateful for any comments or ideas etc!

Author:  darreng [ 14 Jan 2018, 20:45 ]
Post subject:  Re: Japanese Larch 1

Nice tree, I like its elegance.

I wonder if the lower branches could do with being shorter.

I also reckon the branches that form the crown need to be wired down to echo the primary branch.

Author:  NickB [ 14 Jan 2018, 20:51 ]
Post subject:  Re: Japanese Larch 1

I would advise you to get it fully wired and get as much movement in as possible. It looks like you have done half a job, so you have only got half a result.
Many novice growers are afraid to do too much work on their trees thinking they will injure or harm them. This may be the case, but trees such as Larch are very resilient and are not easily damaged apart from the odd scar here and there.
Also, you kind of contradict yourself by saying the tree was cheap, but you cant afford to lose a branch. Plus, if its such a bad tree, with no low branches, no nebari, too long and skinny, then what have you got to lose by pushing it too far and killing it anyway? If the worst happens, then its no loss but a lesson learned the hard way.

One thing I have learned is that you are far better wiring it when young and before branches and trunk have thickened too much. Not only does it become much harder, but you are much more likely to snap thicker limbs. Young trees will recover quicker than older ones, too.

Author:  Koren [ 14 Jan 2018, 22:25 ]
Post subject:  Re: Japanese Larch 1

NickB wrote:
I would advise you to get it fully wired and get as much movement in as possible. It looks like you have done half a job, so you have only got half a result.


Thanks. I will try that. I didn't already because 1) its kinda daunting 2) I can see obvious things that need correcting, but for the rest it's hard to envision, and it seems pointless to wire if I'm not changing the directions.

NickB wrote:
Also, you kind of contradict yourself by saying the tree was cheap, but you cant afford to lose a branch.


I mean I don't want to lose what I have. Just sentimental attachment, nothing financial. I like it a lot despite its flaws.

darreng wrote:
Nice tree, I like its elegance.

I wonder if the lower branches could do with being shorter.

I also reckon the branches that form the crown need to be wired down to echo the primary branch.


Thanks. Yeah I could probably take them back a bit. I think higher branches generally don't point down a much as older lower ones in nature? But yeah, maybe a bit of adjustment is needed.

Author:  Gary Jones [ 15 Jan 2018, 01:11 ]
Post subject:  Re: Japanese Larch 1

NickB wrote:
I would advise you to get it fully wired and get as much movement in as possible. It looks like you have done half a job, so you have only got half a result.
Many novice growers are afraid to do too much work on their trees thinking they will injure or harm them. This may be the case, but trees such as Larch are very resilient and are not easily damaged apart from the odd scar here and there.
Also, you kind of contradict yourself by saying the tree was cheap, but you cant afford to lose a branch. Plus, if its such a bad tree, with no low branches, no nebari, too long and skinny, then what have you got to lose by pushing it too far and killing it anyway? If the worst happens, then its no loss but a lesson learned the hard way.

One thing I have learned is that you are far better wiring it when young and before branches and trunk have thickened too much. Not only does it become much harder, but you are much more likely to snap thicker limbs. Young trees will recover quicker than older ones, too.


Spot on advice IMO. Go for it. Succeed or learn.

Author:  NickB [ 15 Jan 2018, 09:28 ]
Post subject:  Re: Japanese Larch 1

The advice can sound a bit harsh (especially when posting after a bottle of beer last night), but it really is a case of 'Nothing ventured, nothing gained'.

Author:  Sizzla [ 15 Jan 2018, 11:36 ]
Post subject:  Re: Japanese Larch 1

Gary Jones wrote:
Succeed or learn.


This is a great motto.

Google harry Harringtons larches for some inspiration

Author:  Paul B [Swindon] [ 15 Jan 2018, 12:28 ]
Post subject:  Re: Japanese Larch 1

A prime example for a forest with the lack of growth lower down........ :201thumbup:

Author:  oakrod [ 15 Jan 2018, 12:58 ]
Post subject:  Re: Japanese Larch 1

you could do some thread grafts to make more branches?

Author:  Koren [ 15 Jan 2018, 20:59 ]
Post subject:  Re: Japanese Larch 1

JohnnyH wrote:
You can pick up European larch all over the places for free, and at least at my local nursery kaempferi is very cheap, get yourself a few more smaller ones and make a forest, because this tree will suit that the most.


Paul B [Swindon] wrote:
A prime example for a forest with the lack of growth lower down........ :201thumbup:


Not keen on group plantings unless they're really small. This would be a bit too big for me really.

NickB wrote:
The advice can sound a bit harsh (especially when posting after a bottle of beer last night), but it really is a case of 'Nothing ventured, nothing gained'.


Heheh, no worries!

oakrod wrote:
you could do some thread grafts to make more branches?


Yeah that's a possibility.

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