Korean Hornbeam, #2332
Oakland Matt Scroogy ($125). Mature but not refined, pre-bonsai, needs to identify a front and a plan. A few callused cuts to remove or reduce. Healthy, spring flourish then defoliated. Will take planning and time.
April 2024, late leafing out after other trees
SBBK Val (8/1):
For proportion, let lower branches grow long. Can encourage growth by wiring end up—accelerate girth.
In spring, consider top left branches shorter prior to first buds. New growth can be trimmed to inner most 4 leaves (short internodes). Let grow and repeat to again in the season. Will develop ramification and shorter growth. Push more energy to lower branches.
Can heal callused old cuts. Clean and then carve or clip the inner edge only. Use toothpaste cut paste, then cover with cut putty. Repeat each year.
Attempting to callus over prior pruned branches. Suggested by “Val” monroe
Soil: bonsai tonight
a mix that’s 50-60% akadama with the remainder pumice and a small bit of lava rock