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Too late to hard prune 9’ Fagus sylvatica Purpurea http://weetrees.co.uk/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=9506	Page 1 of 8

Author:	Deano [ 10 Jun 2013, 12:36 ]
Post subject:	Too late to hard prune 9’ Fagus sylvatica Purpurea
I’ve found a purple beech with wonderful nebari in my local nursery. It’s around 9’ tall and about 8-10 years old. Trunk diameter approx 3-4” in a 90L bucket. Last repotted 2 years ago and according to the nurseryman it’s probably due a repot. Is it too late in the season to take a healthy tree and lop it down to around 50-70cm (plenty of low branches and new trunk leaders to choose from) as well as root prune? I’ve been scouring the area for a long term large bonsai project and I think this may just be it…. Any tips / ideas? My main concern is that is will be able to survive being pruned this late. The chap at the nursery who was very knowledgeable in general said he thought it should be okay….

Author:	Deano [ 10 Jun 2013, 13:41 ]
Post subject:	Re: Too late to hard prune 9’ Fagus sylvatica Purpurea
Thanks for your reply Sorry I should clarify - I mean too late in the season(early summer here). I don't know what it is about this tree.... it remind me of walking my old dog (RIP) in the woods and the huge old beech trees clinging on to the hills and gullies... It's not perfect material by any stretch -it's very vertical and lacks any kind of taper due to it's current height, but I've looked at many styled larger trees and creating a new trunk leader could help after time. I'll post some pics up. the exposed roots are powerful looking although somewhat one sided - but I think given a well thought out apex/movement in the upper trunk could prove to make a very interesting bonsai. It'll need to be on the larger size due to leaf size... any thoughts from these (badly) taken shots?

Author:	paulpash [ 10 Jun 2013, 16:46 ]
Post subject:	Re: Too late to hard prune 9’ Fagus sylvatica Purpurea
Beech growth is hardening off now after it's first push and energy is being repaid back to the roots. There is plenty of time for new growth to harden off before early frosts in October. I'd say it's OK to hard prune now. I'd make sure the tree is put in part shade (which Beech appreciates any way) and watch out for aphids infesting the fresh new growth so spray with a good systemic insecticide. I have a ground grown purpurea that is really vigourous. Do you have a pic of the trunk together with an indication of the place you intend to chop? I'd recommend you read this page - it has a section on trunk chops - how & why by a man who has been growing quality material for Bonsai for 40 years and is very well respected: http://www.evergreengardenworks.com/trunks.htm It is my go to source when I have ground or nursery grown material in front of me that needs to start it's journey to be a bonsai, either in a container or in the ground.

Author:	Deano [ 10 Jun 2013, 19:07 ]
Post subject:	Re: Too late to hard prune 9’ Fagus sylvatica Purpurea
I have but my posts are being monitored as I'm new, I've posted one but it hasn't come up yet d'oh = come to think of it this hasn't either

Author:	John M [ 10 Jun 2013, 20:29 ]
Post subject:	Re: Too late to hard prune 9’ Fagus sylvatica Purpurea
Deano - you are right about the nebari, it is very handsome (lucky you). Does it go right round the back as well like that? Or is it one-sided? J.

Author:	Deano [ 11 Jun 2013, 08:02 ]
Post subject:	Re: Too late to hard prune 9’ Fagus sylvatica Purpurea
just one sided unfortunately, spreads approx. 100 degrees - but thankfully there are myriad options for the upper trunk as there are lots of low branches to start the top section. I haven't dug underneath the topsoil to the rear however. that article posted above is excellent, thanks Paul I think this is likely to be a looooooong term project as the existing trunk is so vertical meaning a severe chop If I go for it It'll be a one sided front so I will definitely need advice on creating a tapered top section and which way to go with the existing branches as a new trunk leader(forward, back left right etc) as well as where to make the cut height-wise. I'm having trouble working out the balance - I think that maybe initially lead it in the opposite direction to the nebari spread while leaving in the lower branches to further fatten the trunk in the lowest section Do these tend to bud back well? thanks for your replies

Author:	mumra [ 11 Jun 2013, 08:28 ]
Post subject:	Re: Too late to hard prune 9’ Fagus sylvatica Purpurea
Hi Dean. We all have a few long term projects and they are always nice to have on the shelves to give you something to scratch your head over. I can't confirm but I would say, given it's a deciduos, it will handle a trunk chopping quite happily. The nebari doesn't look too bad and a few cuts on the part without roots and then cover with sand/spagnum moss should enduce roots where you need them (fingers crossed). I also notice you're in Gt Dunmow... just down the road from me (Thaxted).

Author:	Deano [ 11 Jun 2013, 09:56 ]
Post subject:	Re: Too late to hard prune 9’ Fagus sylvatica Purpurea
ahh yes - literally around the corner - I'm about 200 yards from doctors pond. I was wondering if there were any locals :)

Author:	BobbyLane [ 11 Jun 2013, 10:54 ]
Post subject:	Re: Too late to hard prune 9’ Fagus sylvatica Purpurea
Nice nebari on that! Will you be using the side with the good nebari as the front of your tree?

Author:	Deano [ 11 Jun 2013, 13:42 ]
Post subject:	Re: Too late to hard prune 9’ Fagus sylvatica Purpurea
I guess so as it stands, and as mentioned above, it's going to be a good idea to try and get some more roots developing to the rear. It'll be probably at least 6-7 years before this gets anywhere near a training pot, so time will tell :)

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