I grew two as Bonsai--one belongs to a friend now and the other is still in the ground in Pa as far as I know. The first was field grown for about 5 years to produce a beautiful base (raised every year to produce good Nebari) it wound up having a 14" base. I allowed it to go vertical to 12' before topping it and beginning the styling. It finished out at 5' and was styled like a typical DW.

Once you have the apex styled just cut it back every year as you would normally for any tree.

Bob

Well I ordered a 5 year old one from Brussels. I simply cut the leader that shoots up each year, correct?

Yep, that's about it. Style it like any other tree.

It says that the tree is 21 inches tall. I would like it to be a little shorter because IMO that is a tall bonsai. I can't do a drastic trunk chop can I? How would I effectively reduce its size?

It really isn't about tree 'size' but more the relationship between trunk size, taper and heigth of the tree. Something around 2 feet is considered sort of 'standard' Bonsai. I've developed bigger trees and have seen 8-10 footers which were impressive because they simply 'looked' like a miniature 100' tree.

Ilooked at the tree you ordered on line. are you sure the trunk is as big as you want?? if not i would not chop it yet let it grow because it is going to be slower growing in the bonsai pot. if it is big enough find a branch for a new apex chop there wire the branch up..hope this helps.. john

I don't think that the trunk is as big as I want. I probably will let it grow out before chopping it. Thanks for the help everyone.

Well, since Idk how to post pictures yet (which is sad seeing how long I've been here) I have a link to the pictures of the tree which I ercently received. Beautfil IMO, but any comments, advice, etc. are more than welcome.

http://i706.photobucket.com/albums/ww64/RyansRedwoods/008-1.jpg

http://i706.photobucket.com/albums/ww64/RyansRedwoods/007-1.jpg

Nevermind I got it!

{{gwi:11469}}

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Just me...but...I'd put that sukka in the ground for a few years, that will compress the time needed to fatten up the base and will also give you the 'fluting' look of the base of most DR's in the wild.

You can do anything to it as far as styling and working the tree, just can't carry it around with you ;-))

Bob