I recently saved a tall Witch Hazel before it was dug up and thrown away by the owner. Its a thick twin trunk at the base. However it's certainly no bonsai potential atm, it has an interesting base and interesting top part.
Anyone have any ideas on whether it's worth it to trunk chop it, or air layer the top part?
It was a less than perfect collection, however it's produced many new buds which are just beginning to open. (I live in the UK)
Any ideas guys?

I would not spend energy on this species or this trunk. So in my opinion this would be best in the garden. The leaves are really large for bonsai. The trunk is not perticularly interesting, which could counterbalance the downside of the species. I would just let it be.

Okay thanks. Yeah when I said interesting trunk I kinda meant "thick enough" trunk. I'd seen they are nice in winter when the leaves are gone and they have those strange flowers. But i suppose its not worth it unless it's a really unique shape. Dilemma solved.

Alex25Nyorks wrote: Dilemma solved.

Or is it...

Without the leaves they do look kinda nice:


Hower... I planted 2 of 'm in my garden (a red and a yellow one), many years ago (more than 15), but they just don't grow enough to be worthwhile. They're still in the ground and will probably stay there.

I agree. And I really appreciate having some bonsai that will reveal something better in winter when others are dormant and boring.
The ones you planted were they young thin trunks at the time?
I might just trunk chop mine and see if it buds, since i dont have any need for it in the ground and altho it will never be anything great, what's there to lose? Experience I guess.

Alex25Nyorks wrote: The ones you planted were they young thin trunks at the time?

Probably. Can't remember
They are still not very thick though.

I might just trunk chop mine and see if it buds, since i dont have any need for it in the ground

Why not... I may do the same. They are in the way and I've got no use for 'm, really.

Cool. I wonder when is best to chop this kind of tree hmm

Alex25Nyorks wrote: Cool. I wonder when is best to chop this kind of tree hmm

Not sure. I guess I'll try after they have flowered. I need to look this up...