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Larch Advice (and an introduction!)
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Author:  Gary Jones [ 31 Jul 2020, 19:24 ]
Post subject:  Re: Larch Advice (and an introduction!)

Mark D wrote:
Sorry Gary! I've crossed the posting threshold now though I think so should flow a bit better!

Just looking back at the pictures I've posted I took ages taking them and picking the best ones, and some still look wonky!
The photography is an art in itself isn't it?!


Yep. I'm not too good at it, but some of the members here are very talented.

Author:  daryl [ 01 Aug 2020, 10:39 ]
Post subject:  Re: Larch Advice (and an introduction!)

Just had time to sit and look at your pictures properly. It is very hard to give specific advice from photos but my comments for now would be...

1. I love love love larches and would be very happy if that was my tree. Plenty to work with and no awful problems that will be difficult to remedy.

2. Some of the wire looks tight and, if it was put on at the start of the growing season, the branches will all be thickening and it will cut in if left too long. I would carefully take it all off, snip it with wire cutters if unwinding is going to risk damage or broken branches.

3. Carefully prune back the long new growth to a suitable bud then you will be able to really see what you have got and in the autumn once the needles have dropped you will be able to re-wire it where needed. 'A suitable bud' is hard to define but first cut back any growth that points straight up or down. Then, if you look at the new growth, you will see tiny brownish bumps in some of the leaf joints. Cut back so that there are just 2 or 3 left. These will grow new branches and start the process of ramification, developing finer branching. Look at the direction the bud is pointing and decide if that is where you want a new branch to grow. I then go along under each branch pulling off any leaves that are pointing downwards. Just pull them off with your thumb and finger. It does no harm and makes the branch layers look cleaner and more defined. Take the whole process slowly and really get to know your tree.

4. Then sit back, admire your new tree, take some more pictures and show us how it looks.

Have fun :201thumbup:

Author:  Paul B [Swindon] [ 02 Aug 2020, 10:30 ]
Post subject:  Re: Larch Advice (and an introduction!)

What Daryl says [Saves me typing]

When the greenery has turned colour and started to drop you can remove it, which gives you a better look at the bare bones, that's when you can fully wire the tree and place the branches where you need them.
I do protect the tree in the worst of Winter, the wire can get very cold and I have lost branches in the past......better to be safe than sorry.
As Daryl says control those long extensions and then you will bet better ramification and able to build up those areas.

Study other Larch bonsai and those in nature, as the tree gets old the branches droop, and gives a look of ageing

Author:  Gary Jones [ 02 Aug 2020, 14:38 ]
Post subject:  Re: Larch Advice (and an introduction!)

All the above. A couple of other general guidelines.

1. Branches should be consistent in direction (for the most part). Your lower tree has branches going downwards, the upper parts are growing upwards. This will need addressing when you style.
2. Keep foliage density the same in all areas. This looks so much better aesthetically and also helps with the distribution of new growth.
3. Prune regularly (not obsessively) as if you lose the inner growth it's hard with larch to get it back.

Author:  Brendan [ 06 Aug 2020, 11:03 ]
Post subject:  Re: Larch Advice (and an introduction!)

Welcome. That's going to be a lovely tree in time, and you are going to enjoy developing it.

My only advice is to be patient. You just got it. Leave it alone for this season.

After leaf fall post some more pics.

By the end of next summer you will know how healthy it is and what your options might be. Decisions and actions taken now are likely going to be quite different to what you'd do in a year.

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