Recently a photograph was sent into Burke’s Backyard showing what appears to be a number of eucalypt trees (See photo). In actual fact this is just one tree. Whilst this look may have occurred naturally it is an effect you can create in your own garden.
How to do it
- This is a bonsai method used to create a tree with multiple trunks.
- When the tree is very young and the trunk is very flexible gently bend the trunk along the ground. Note: It is important that the tree trunk is very flexible before bending it, so as not to kill the whole plant.
- Secure the trunk to the ground with some wire.
- The top part of the tree will die and the side shoots will become dominant and grow up, creating multiple trunks on the one tree.
For more information
Further reading on Bonsai, Peter Chan’s Bonsai Masterclass, (Simon Schuster, 1989).
