16th August 2008. These photos of the front and back of the tree were taken before trimming. The new growth was left to grow on this time to try and thicken up the branches as they were looking rather weak.
26th September 2008. These photos were taken two weeks after trimming.
24th October 2008.
Close-up of the front of the trunk after it has been cleaned and this can be compared with the photos above. It was cleaned with methalated spirits and gently with water and a toothbrush. Care has to be taken to make sure the bark is not damaged as it comes off very easily.
24th January 2009. These photos show the front and back view of the tree in winter image.
At this time there is only the slightest hint of green on a couple of shoots, but last year on the 28th January the leaves were beginning to open.
The tree has put on reasonable growth since it arrived in the UK in January 2005, but could probably have improved even more with more regular pruning. Check this page.