Loblolly Pine Design ideas

Design
1

Hello - I found this loblolly pine in the back area of a local nursery (Houston). There were several trees in the neglected area and when I asked how much, the owner told me 1$ per gallon, so I picked this one up for $15. It’s about 8 feet tall and 3+inches at the base.

I’ve been thinking about trying some techniques that I have not executed before - specifically a wedge cut to bend a thicker trunk. Wanted to get everyone’s thoughts and suggestions.

I am thinking to chop the top off at the red line - there is a whirl of 4, so I would cut the main leader and one other branch to leave 2…one of which would become the future apex.

I am thinking to try two wedge cuts at the blue marks. The first would bend the trunk toward the viewer in the picture. The second about 12 inches higher would bend the trunk toward the left and a little away from the viewer. Wedge cut placement would allow the natural bends to add additional slight movement.

I am thinking the front could potentially be the side closest to the fence - viewed from the 3rd picture. I also included a picture of the base 4th picture.

I am looking to let the tree build strength and not looking to perform work until next spring (26) or fall (26) depending on how it does.

Appreciate any thoughts comments or suggestions.

BTW - I may go back and get a few more - can’t beat the price - lol!

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I can’t see the tree in all its glory but looking at the pictures I would chop at the red line and let the leader be the part with the red arrow.
Above this mark the tree seems pretty straight and boring.

We all have our own opinions and hey it is your tree, but below that the trunk had nice natural movement.

As far as the timing of the work I would refer to the Mirai calendar/ library as to when to make those major cuts.

Just my thoughts, it’s really going to depend on how much work you want to put into it, and how tall you want the end tree to be.

I don’t know the timing on the wedge cuts but I would think they are a year apart. 2 years no work once in pumice, so to do all that you are 4-5 years out before it could go in a bonsai pot with ALP.

Lots of things to consider

Good luck, hope to see it in the future

3

CMP - thanks for your comments and suggestions! Yes - definitely a long term process to get this tree to a bonsai container. I’ll take a look at cutting the top where you suggest. Is a little lower than I was initially thinking but with the straight section above may make sense.

Will definitely post progress in the coming years.