Material and Readiness for Carving
The appropriate material choice for carving is dependent on:
- Whether the tree will improve in appearance by incorporating dead branches or a hollowing of the trunk?
- Are there features of the tree that are unsightly? If so, would carving overcome those inappropriate features?
How to ensure the tree is ready for carving:
- First ensure that the tree you want to work on is healthy (never work on sick trees – it will stress them and they will only deteriorate further).
- Ensure the tree is firmly established in its container; if necessary tie or wire it in position – it must not wobble while you work on it. This could damage the roots and possibly kill it.
- Study the tree very carefully – there is no hurry. Let the tree decide, bring out the intrinsic qualities of the tree. Do not impose an artificial style upon it just because you fancy it; it will never be successful. Let the tree talk to you and then we are ready to start work.
