Owen, the concept of professionals is new to the general bonsai hobbyist in the US. I hope that we will see more and more good work as the numbers of trained professionals continues to increase. Japanese trained as well as US trained over time. The quality of trees can only continue to improve. Good luck.

John, both you and Owen answered my question perfectly.  I've often wondered about "is it mine if I have someone else work on it"...in fact it came up when I signed up for a workshop with Ryan O'neil at the upcoming Midwest show called "Bring Your Own Tree" workshop.  So Ryan will be helping me on my Bald Cypress, and maybe my maple as I'm not sure how much work can be done on the BC due to me hacking off all the old/wrongly grown/out of proportion branches.  Thanks to Don Blackman for teaching me how to work on these trees.  So I'll bring a 'backup' tree just in case...this is a rare chance for me to get a real pro's advice and hopefully a little work.  Ryan's work speaks for itself.

But getting back to your gorgeous pine John, I can understand your reasoning, and Akio did a fantastic job.  If it was mine, and if I could afford it , I would've hired him too as the tree is so old, with so much history, and a good chance of doing well in a show.  It's very interesting in these old trees to have so many famous professionals style over time.  It adds interest to the 'story' of the tree immensely.  And I'm sure you're right, a tree like this is an investment, and will outlive us.  Thanks for the perspective, I feel a bit like Owen, in that my view has now changed 180 degrees )  I had mixed feelings about it at first, and signing up for Ryan's workshop, but now I feel much more 'secure' in accepting help from others.....and perfect timing for me too. lol 

Thanks for a great conversation guys!  And I hope John's right, that we will embrace the consult of professionals, japanese, americans trained in Japan, and pros being taught right here by american  pros.  It's an exciting time to be in bonsai in America. 

I really like the idea that John's tree underwent:  Plant the graft for a ground layer...quite smart. 

And John, I am SO envious of you!   I keep looking at the photos, just an awesome bonsai, both before, and after an incredible styling!  Please keep us updated...pics next spring?   

I can only add my compliments on this tree. It is fantastic. I can also add that having someone else work on your trees (with you assisting or observing) can open up a wide world of possibilities that you may have never considered or have ignored.

I experienced something of a revelation when I took one of my bigger, older trees to a professional a couple of years ago. My design for it had stagnated. I couldn't really see it, until someone else pointed it out.

Other people have a way of seeing things you have overlooked, ignored or rationalized over the years in developing a tree alone. I can't tell you how many trees I've seen in exhibitions and in collections whose development stopped decades ago because the owner refused to actually see what the tree needed. Working alone with trees is working in a vacuum. Other knowlegeable people force air into dated and self-stunted designs.

I too, am not a fan of grafted white pines. This tree, however, is a whole different animal. Very fine! I'll look for it at the BIB shows.
Paul

Akio came in for a visit, here is the tree after being cleaned up and adjusted. A day full of work

John,

Is this tree still at Boon's?  If so, I am looking forward to seeing it when I go there for the Fall Intensive.

I can only imagine how stunning this tree must be in person...