I have been working on this tree for over 7 years now, and frankly have become rather bored with it. I seemed top heavy most of the deadwood was covered. So this weekend I had the opportunity to partcipate in a Mary Madison workshop Since she is the person I bought the tree from in the first place I couldn’t think of a better source for changing the tree style.
Mary Madison
I didn’t think the tree could be changed all that much because it had been pretty developed in the shape that is was for years. However I would have let Mary do whatever she wanted to my tree, she’s not called the Buttonwood Queen for nothing.
Mary Madison styling
After a quick history of my tree Mary was actually able to recall collecting the tree years ago. She didn’t waste anytime making suggestions and pointing out positive aspects of the tree.
Buttonwood after styling
At times the slightest of changes can make a big difference. removing the first left branch did everything that I wanted the tree to be. It now does not look top heavy, more deadwood shows and the entire look of the tree looks better.
Paul,
If i remember this bonsai had a pest originally and you almost got rid of it. I live out in Brevard and my buttonwoods have come down with something that I can figure. The leaves look like they have been hit by leaf miners but getting rid of the leaves does not seem to stem the problem. Somebody else said mites but I see none. I am use Merit but it seems to no avail and it seems like I am going to lose the trees. What were the symptoms of your infestation and how did you beat it?
Thanks,
Bobby
Bobby,
You are correct. I did have some challanges with this tree a few years ago. However I believe I have been able to maintain the trees health through the use of Isotox on an annual basis. Isotox has been pulled from stores, but is now Ortho Systemic Insect Killer – Pt (Formerly Isotox). I generally spray the leaves, trunk, and soil with the stuff and the tree doesn’t seem to mind at all.
The tree’s symptoms were generally with the leaves. New leaves would sprout deformed, or prematurely turn red and dry up. New leaves would also begin to dry up before reaching their full size. If left un treated entire branches would die.