2005 Updates

This is the trident on 15 May, 2005. Notice how quickly the branches are forming. Very soon I will wire all of these. They will not all be used in the final design of the tree, but keeping all of them ensures I will have plenty of branches to work with when the time comes. It will also help heal the wounds from the drastic pruning it has undergone.

This is the state of the tree on May 23, 2005. The branches are growing vigorously. The time has come to wire as many as are large enough. I will give them plenty of movement, beginning with wiring the base of the branch downward (for the lower branches). The branches should have what may be considered extreme movement in the first six inches or so. Only the first inch or two will eventually be used. I will cut back to there and start again as soon as possible. This could happen more than once a year in a proper growing environment.

After wiring all the branches of matchstick size and larger, this is the result. If we wait longer, the branches become too large and brittle to arrange properly. These branches are easy to snap, and I lost one in the process. Notice the wires wrapping around the trunk. In order for the wires to anchor properly, they need at least a 3/4 wrap around the trunk. Even then, this can be a tricky operation. Be careful and sure of your technique and be prepared to snap a branch or two.

Here is another angle that may eventually provide a better nebari and taper. The ultimate form of this tree is still in flux, and may evolve as the tree grows. It's a terrific piece of stock that I am truly excited to own.

Below, I have shown a detail of the wiring technique on a small branch. The wire should hold the branch firmly. It will be allowed to cut in a little, then removed. Wiring loosely in order to give the branch room to grow results in poor branch movement later, and can lead to broken branches now because the young, tender growth is not supported.

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