centaura

This is a privet (I believe) that I dug up from the remains of a neighbor's hedge. The identification is very hesitant - its real name is "random weed dug up from outside".

Anyway, I am looking for opinions on the deadwood. This guy is approximately 3 inches tall (7.6cm), and is still in its early developement stage. I have the basic primary branches, the next step is to try for a bit of ramification. I haven't decided whether to keep the dead branch or not. There was originally a few more sub-branches on the dead part, but there was a small accident and they have broken off. I like the way the one branch matches the curve of the trunk line, but I'm not crazy about the contrary motion at the base, where the trunk goes in two different directions. Anyone have any opinions?

-Centaura

Attached Images

privetmame.jpg (84.2 KB, 66 views)

Prowler

Centaura
I presume the dead branch is the complete branch on the left? or which part is it.
Privet have a knack of back budding in strange places. How large do you intend to grow it, i would leave it alone until summer, work on the part with leaves until you see what it does.
Privet look very nice with a thick gnarly trunk, dead wood and all.
Is this heading for a Mame or Shohin ?

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centaura

Its headed towards mame size, its at about the height that I want it right now. I invision it at its current height, but with a fuller crown - stretching more to the right. The red line shows where the other trunk has died off. Its not clear in the picture, but if you see it close up you can tell the distinct difference between the living wood and the dead wood.

The first left hand branch that has leaves is actually the back branch, which is not clear in the pic.

-Centaura

Attached Images

privetmameline.jpg (74.9 KB, 18 views)

JLDoggett

I have found that deadwood that is this young does not last long, being so thin it will break off easily. So I did a virtual that show it gone. I like the movement in the trunk that remains and the lower branch. The hight is very good. regular pruning will keep it that hight and reduce the leaf size.

Attached Images

privetmamea.jpg (90.5 KB, 26 views)

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centaura

That it one of the concerns that I had with the dead branch. In fact, several of the tiny branches that had given it more character have already broken off. Several folks this last summer had really liked it with the dead branch hanging over it, which I don't mind, but I do mind the two way movement of the base. Thanks for the opinions and the virt - it will probably end up looking like that in the not too distant future.

-Centaura

jhill

centaura,
Could you possibly turn, rotate this composition to the left or right to get the deadwood to the back? Then I could see something different?

A Friend in bonsai
John

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Pup

I have been told that the dead wood rots quickly on privet.
I have one dug in 1990 from a hedge as yours was, only mine was bigger. Size does count apparently.
However it has not rotted yet.
I have really only started work on it in the last 12 months it was one of those trees!!.
It was however planted in 1947 when the person who owned the house was demobbed after the second world war. Just some trivia. I will post the tree on show and tell. Pup

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centaura

Well, I was doing some photoing last night, and I mis-remembered this request. Sorry for the delay in replying, I got busy at work.

What I did do was take a left side and right side photo, if that helps at all. The references of 'left' and 'right' is from the perspective of looking at the tree from the viewer's angle.

-Centaura

Attached Images

	1-15-08 left side.jpg (91.7 KB, 10 views)
	1-15-08 right side.jpg (89.4 KB, 10 views)

Paul Williams

Attached Images

privetmame.jpg (50.2 KB, 18 views)