Larch work
My larch as it was when it came into my possesion (oct 08) and again as it is now.
Dave
![[image]](images/uploaded/200912261639344b3682965cbbf.jpg)
![[image]](images/uploaded/200912261639594b3682af090dc.jpg)
![[image]](images/uploaded/200912261640204b3682c4ac5f9.jpg)
![[image]](images/uploaded/200912261640404b3682d8c7127.jpg)
Larch work
Very nice work, Dave
Larch work
Looks like you've been busy wiring ! Always a challenge !
Question about the Oct 08 before picture, was there a mother / daughter thing going on ? And has the daughter been removed ?
I don't have any of my larches accessible to work on right now, they're in the ground outside overwintering and mulched into the garden.
Keep up the good work !
Larch work
Yes, It was a twin planting when i aquired it. It was the last remaining tree of a friend who had taken up other hobbies, but it was a tough tree and made it with minimal care. (he planted all the rest in the garden) I think his puppy took the plant for a ride using the daughter tree as a handle and it was long dead when i got it.
Yes, I spent about four hours total in two different sessions wiring this out all the way to the tips. It is the first complete major wiring job I have performed. It's amazing the difference it can make for the look and development of our little trees.
Thanks for looking.
-Dave
Larch work
A complete wiring job can be very time consuming and a daunting task to say the least. One of my many shortcomings is not wiring the entire tree, but only doing portions over a long period of time. It's so much work, like you mentioned over 4 hours worth, to complete the entire tree. The overall time investment is worth it in the long run, but finding a block of 4 hours can prove to be a challenge.
Once it breaks bud in several months, yes, winter will break at some point, keep an eye out for further design changes based on possible die back and varying strengths and weakness of certain branches.
Jon
Larch work
by Ron 
, Saturday, January 02, 2010, 02:24 (248 days ago) @ jon
One of my many shortcomings is not wiring the entire tree, but only doing portions over a long period of time.
Jon
I don't think that's a shortcoming, I think that it's much healthier for the tree! 
I try to work on the trunk one year, the lowest branch another year, the next higher branch another year, etc.
Ron
Larch work
Dave, I believe that good wiring, properly done, and removed in a timely manner does the tree minimal harm and greatly enhances the aging aspect of the 'design'. The elements - wind, snow load, gravity do this in nature.
You've done a great job - keep up the good work. Your 'before & after'show that you can add 3 or 4 decades to the appearance of your young tree with only 3 or 4 hours of wiring.
I probably would have chosen a lower apex - perhaps with some dead wood left at the very top. Your call !!!
Larch work
Here is a virtual i did a while back, but i'm gonna wait and enjoy it as is. In the future I plan on investigating a way to reduce the height.
Dave![[image]](images/uploaded/201001031627454b410bd108785.jpg)
Larch work
This one is currently in the care of Tom and awaiting it's first show appearance. Tom, thanks for looking after it, and I will see you on Sunday. Eveyone should try to visit if they can. Support your local bonsai club!!!
Dave
![[image]](images/uploaded/201005120318214bea1dfdc0d47.jpg)
![[image]](images/uploaded/201005120318424bea1e12d3e69.jpg)
Larch work
Dave - it snowed here Sat/Sun. I should have gotten a pic of your larch with 2 in of fresh snow on it to add to your 'gallery'. Anyway - the tree loves playing in it.
See you at the show.
Larch work
And this one - seen at the spring bonsai show in Little Falls - is still, to my eye, a really fine tree. Dave should be very proud of it.
Larch work
Thanks Tom, I am proud of it, and it's a fun tree to take care of too.
Dave
![[image]](images/uploaded/201009031926234c814bdf86def.jpg)
![[image]](images/uploaded/201009031926364c814bec91987.jpg)
Larch work
Dave, I re-read your posts about this tree at Bonsai Nut and the replies that you got. They go back a full year. The history and the progression are so interesting. Has the previous owner seen the changes you've made? Pleased with the development?
You would have really enjoyed Pauline's workshop/lecture/demo on larch last week. It was very good, and nice to get different perspectives from more than one 'expert'. She, and many who were there from a large region, is a huge fan of the American larch tree.
Next up - D. Easterbrook.
PS - we are practicing with our new camera - will be uploading soon.