Guy Guidry made a stop in Orlando last week for a workshop, and I couldn’t think of a better tree for him to help me with than my new bald cypress. I’ve always seen it as a weeping style, but he made a few other options.

Guy Guidry sketches
Everything from flat top to an extended twin trunk style. However with a bit of pushing from Mike Rogers we went for the traditional Japanese Formal Upright (shown in the center drawing)

Guy Guidry & Mike Rogers
In oder to make this style, the main trunk needed to be shortened and smoothed. Guy couldn’t wait to get the power tools going. Here is a great shot of him working with Mike Rogers in the background.

Paul Pikel wiring
After removing about 4 inches from the top I started the wiring, and I have to admit I have been looking forward to doing this for months now.

Wired bald cypress
Here is the tree with all its branches wired. I knew that not all the branches would remain but I wanted to get this done prior to styling the tree.

Initial styling
The tree looks great after its initial styling. I have a rather big scar to heal over this year and to develop a top. However this tree should be looking very good by next Winter