Well it’s taken quite some time and a few blood transfusions but the initial first rough styling is done. The main task at this point is to bring down the branches which are all quite thick. So heavy copper wire and guy wires have been used. There was no need for raffia and there were no tears or breaks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So here’s a refresher of where the tree was before any work was done.

 

 

 

And here it is after. There is still a very, very long way to go but it’s a great first step. The lowest right hand branch may be removed but my concern is the branch above it on the right side points to the rear of the tree so it will have to wait for the next session.

A lot of the Tosho I’ve seen have large areas of shari but I’m not sure that will be the case with this tree. I’m not ruling it out but I really like the lower trunk and the flakey bark it has developed.

Time for a rest, good feed and some recovery.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oh, and one lesson I’ve learned with the initial styling of a Needle Juniper…wear long sleeves.