Friday, December 24, 2010

Japanese Cherry: Winter Carving!

This old Japanese Cherry belongs to an old friend who had to relocate to the West Coast for work, so I am the designated 'bonsai nanny'.

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The tree had previously had some carving done, and several major branches removed. I decided to clean all this up, and get some preservative on it.
Deciduous look better when the carving results in holes, partly-hollowed trunks, etc. Jins sticking out do not look as good on deciduous as on coniferous, and they will not last nearly as long in the weather.

Spent about 6 hours getting rid of the lobbed-off limb on the upper left, and the gray partly-carved main branch at top center of the tree. The resulting hollowed areas will be left to over-winter, and some more preservative will be applied in the spring of 2K11.

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Additional work is also needed on the branches. A structure is started, but it will take perhaps 5-7 years to build it out to a foliage mass that is appropriate for this beautiful tree.
That foliage mass will also support wonderful flowers in the spring!

Flex
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3 comments:

  1. TomDecember 25, 2010 at 7:26 AM

    Flex,

    What kind of preservative do you use on deciduous trees like this cherry or maples, etc.?

    ReplyDelete
  2. FlexDecember 25, 2010 at 11:45 AM

    Tom...I have found that PC-Petrifier works well, and it's not toxic to trees, and not flammable.

    Link: http://www.pcepoxy.com/our-products/wood-repair/pc-petrifier.php

    The Minwax stuff works OK, but it leaves a sheen on the deadwood that has to be wire-brushed off,it is highly flammable, and is a major eye irritant.

    PC-Petrifier is made locally in Allentown Pa.

    Flex

    ReplyDelete
  3. Tom KrueglDecember 27, 2010 at 2:22 PM

    Nicely done, Flex!

    ReplyDelete

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