I borrowed this mesmerizing ancient black pine trunk from Andy Rutledge’s ‘the bonsai journal.’
I’m traveling again for awhile. I’ll try to find the time put together some new posts, but meanwhile, a little digging into our archives provides an easy way out. This post originally appeared almost three years ago (May 2011). I picked it for a couple reasons: I am enamored of the lead photo (above) and, we don’t do many ‘how-to’ posts.
There’s a reason for the dearth of ‘how-to’ posts; people don’t seem that interested, at least based on comments (which is all we have to go on). But then maybe we just haven’t given ‘how-tos’ enough of a chance…
Trunk chopping 101 for deciduous trees
There’s an excellent article on trunk chopping at Andy Rutledge’s bonsai journal. Andy bills it as trunk chopping for beginners, but I suspect there are experienced bonsai people out there who might also benefit (like me, for example). I’ll just show you an illustration and a little text here, and encourage you to visit Andy’s site to see the whole article (and plenty of other useful stuff).
Cutting back to an existing leader
Here we have a likely candidate (above). This tree already has pretty good taper, but it is too tall for bonsai purposes.
Until now, you’ve been growing the trunk for size and you’re ready to begin its transformation into a bonsai. You’ve decided to cut back the trunk to an existing small branch that will be the new leader (indicated by the red arrow).
Use the saw and cut a little bit above the branch. Be careful not to damage the branch that will become the new leader.
Visit the bonsai journal for the whole article
Another great trunk. Also from the bonsai journal.
More than just a labor of love
If you read Andy’s whole article, you’ll see that there are at least two tools you’ll need for successful trunk chopping; a sharp saw and a grafting knife. Needless to say, the folks over at Stone Lantern (that’s us) would be happy to help you with these. At a sizable discount, no less.
I don’t remember any how to articles here since I subscribed. The closest is Robert Stevens refinement critiques. I would appreciate more of them and a mention and link such as this one is fine.
Exactly what I needed right about now–I am planning to trunk chop a large maple that I’ve had in the ground for a number of years. I thought I knew what I was going to do but the article brought up another point to consider. Good how-to articles are always appreciated.
Thanks Zack,
There are a few way back in the archives but not many if any the last 2 or 3 years
Hi John,
Thanks and good luck with the chop!
Great idea! I vote for more teaser posts about how-to articles with links to the whole story. Thanks Wayne.
How-to articles are much appreciated by a noobie like me. Even more would be better =)
Ron and Paul (I won’t say the obvious here)
Thanks for your feedback on how-tos
I’ll see what we can do.