So I have one yew, and decided to get another, as they pretty much survive anywhere.

I liked this guy's trunk... I'm not really convinced by the jin, and am thinking about a pot, but I may wait a couple of years on that.

what are your thoughts?

I too am unconvinced by the Jin, it looks like it was rounded and sanded or something. I think once the jin's or sorted out though it will be BA.

I am with BuckeyeBonsai here.
Nice trunk, nice little tree, but the jin (both) are a disaster as they are now.
They could be better if worked on, or... get rid of them completely.

I absolutely adore the movement and the display of nebari. Unfortunately, I have to say as well that the jin looks man made and as Clicio suggested, I would get rid of it as is capturing the attention of the viewer in a bad way. That being said, could you please tell me what kind of yew do you have? Is it Japanese or European?

I'm pretty sure it is european.

As far as the jin, I think they are too large in respect to the other branches... as well as they look painted... and not natural... I wouldn't be surprised if I had some back budding on them.

tubaboy wrote:

I liked this guy's trunk... I'm not really convinced by the jin,

Very nice material to build upon. As for the Jin... Nothing new to add to what has been previously said. Unnatural, not pleasing sight at all. Remove it or re´work on it.

tubaboy wrote:

and am thinking about a pot, but I may wait a couple of years on that.

what are your thoughts?

I don´t know the backgrounds of the tree. When you bought it did you ask when it was last repotted?

If it´s been less than a year, maybe it wouldn´t hurt leaving it in the pot for another year or maybe two (they are slow growers after all), so the tree might get properly settled. In the meantime you can work the upper part, branches, bark, etc. If, on the contrary, has been in the pot for a long time and it is root bound, maybe repotting next spring before the new buds begging to extend might be the right thing to do.

As a side note... Do keep in mind that these trees don´t enjoy to much having wet feet. So, a free draining mix might help your repotting case, if needed.

Alain

at the very earlier, I'll reopt next year. In the winter, I might cut off the jin in the winter.

Nice pre-bonsai you got there
Reducing and carving on those jins could make them look nice and beneficial to the overall picture if done properly I think.

Røng wrote:

I absolutely adore the movement and the display of nebari.

Interesting how we see things differently. I do not find the roots particularly good looking. They are course, not radially spread out, not very refined.
Of course this is a starting tree (and a good one) and this can be improved.