In the spring of 98, this is what the tree looks like. It is only a little taller then when I collected it seven years ago. Now, I focus on increasing the twigginess and to protect the tree from putting all energy in the top. Pinching much harder in the top as compared to on the lower branches does this.

A problem is that the tree is still growing vigorously and the bark tends to callous in around the jins. I will have to do some more surgery to prevent this. By doing some more carving, I can also make the middle part lighter and create a better taper. Also, it is time to wire everything again since that branches tend to strive upwards. If I am successful, I will be able to remove some more branches in the future.

The goal is to have a few hanging branches on a thick well-tapered tree. That way it will look tall and old. This Larch is not there yet, but it is on its way!