Afrocarpus gracilior (syn. Podocarpus gracilior)
Fern Pine
San Francisco, CA
May, 2011
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This tree had been continuously topped at the same point for years to keep it at the desired height of around 12ft. Consequently, it had developed what looked like shoulder pads on either side and a slight cratering at the center of the top. My first goal was to cut out the gnarled areas caused by the past pruning and establish a central apex.
I then focused on thinning the main body of the tree, trying to reveal the beautiful way the branches arch upwards before ending in a slight, elegant droop. I wanted to show areas of the trunk and scaffolding branches using the white backdrop of the house behind to contrast with the darker wood and foliage.
Other restrictions to consider during the pruning process were a sitting area directly to the left and a neighbor’s garage and driveway directly to the right. Both of these needed to be kept clear for access and unfettered enjoyment of the space. One danger in this scenario is to allow the tree to become too columnar in shape, stifling the energetic bounce and becoming boring to look at. I tried to avoid this by creating a silhouette with negative space in between the branches and an apex that reaches slightly to the right, creating a feeling of motion.
I continue to work on this tree twice a year. One of the biggest challenges is keeping it at the same height and width without letting the branches become too overworked and scarred in appearance. The neighbor with the garage takes swipes at it with pruning shears if it begins to encroach on her space, which I actually find helpful in establishing her idea of her boundaries so I can make adjustments for the future.
I then focused on thinning the main body of the tree, trying to reveal the beautiful way the branches arch upwards before ending in a slight, elegant droop. I wanted to show areas of the trunk and scaffolding branches using the white backdrop of the house behind to contrast with the darker wood and foliage.
Other restrictions to consider during the pruning process were a sitting area directly to the left and a neighbor’s garage and driveway directly to the right. Both of these needed to be kept clear for access and unfettered enjoyment of the space. One danger in this scenario is to allow the tree to become too columnar in shape, stifling the energetic bounce and becoming boring to look at. I tried to avoid this by creating a silhouette with negative space in between the branches and an apex that reaches slightly to the right, creating a feeling of motion.
I continue to work on this tree twice a year. One of the biggest challenges is keeping it at the same height and width without letting the branches become too overworked and scarred in appearance. The neighbor with the garage takes swipes at it with pruning shears if it begins to encroach on her space, which I actually find helpful in establishing her idea of her boundaries so I can make adjustments for the future.
