Here is an image from a long time ago, probably close to 30 years ago.
Here is a current image. Now before anyone gets too harsh let me tell a little about the tree. I originally bought the tree when I was about 14 years old (I'm now 61). It was a stick all those years ago and still pretty much is. It has an inverse taper about midway up and does not follow strick design elements. I also wish it was a little more compact. Some good things about it, It shows some age and has a natural look to it and is nice to look at. Flaws and all. What I find interesting is how the truck developed character and curves on its own over the years.
As the first image shows it had a second trunk. I got rid of it because it was too straight and I thought too high and detracted from the main tree. Now I'm thinking I'll restyle it with the second trunk back in, as you can see from the wired branch. I'm also growing out a few branches here and there and will work on the knob in the roots in the future. The low branches on the right pay tribute to the tendency of olives to sprout foliage low like that and they also helped thicken the trunk over the years. So, thoughts on what would make it better? Will the second trunk work? Would removing any major branches improve the look? Etc.
Thanks!
Nice looking tree. I don't think you need the second trunk. You might think about creating some open space between the 2nd and 3rd branches on both sides of the tree. Also at the top of the tree in the apex. I would not change much on it. A pot change might take it to the next level. Good job!!
Wonderful tree! It really needs nothing except some thinning. I agree with mike, growing a convincing second trunk will likely take >10years and would focus my efforts elsewhere.
One thought: the apex placement is currently very conservative, as it comes back over back toward the base. If you are really excited to restyle, one thought is lighten the weight of the apex and push it over to the left to give the tree more movement and dynamism. This would work with the straightness of the trunk and emphasize this element, rather than trying to counteract it as the current apex does which feels artificial to me.
Will try to do a quick sketch for you today!
Here's a quick sketch. The branch labelled "no longer defining branch: could also be jinned to leave a large stretch of negative space to emphasize the long trunk line further. Olives are on deciduous species that typically feature lots of deadwood. This design emphasizes the thin, long, tall mostly straight trunk to give it a more bunjin feel. It would be a drastic restyle.
Oh man, I love the artwork and the design! Thank you! If I were to go this route making the back the front would probably lend itself better. The deadwood goes all the way through the tree, so it has that character both sides. It would be easier to create the new apex ( as the branch you have for the new apex leans away from the viewer with the current front and is in a good position from the back), also the main branch would be more towards the back instead of coming out towards you which gives a little more flexibility. I'll have to take an image of the back and post it. I also really like the idea of shortening the tree. I've considered a bunjin style before but never really liked anything I came up with.
If this were a brand new tree I'd jump all over it, the problem is I've had it forever so a drastic change requires more of a commitment from me, if you know what I mean : )
Totally understand! Fun thought / design experiment at the least! Thanks for sharing. What a great tree.