Tree "Sculptures"
From the Hands of
a Davey Foreman
T
rees inspire human beings to breathe
deeply, relax and simply appreciate Mother
Nature. But trees also inspire artistic creations.
Bonsai trees originate in China, where people
first brought the outdoors inside. As Buddhist
monks introduced the tiny trees to Japan,
bonsai tree care soon developed into an art.
Artists shaped bonsai trees into animals
and dragons, or other objects within their
imaginations. Years later, artists learned pruning
techniques to shape bonsai trees into miniatures
of larger specimens in the landscape.
Jeff Corbin, a foreman on the United
Electric account, has practiced the art of bonsai
for 10 years. He discovered the concept while
attending a bonsai group meeting in Pittsburgh.
"I first saw the trees on display, while they teach
how to trim the roots," Corbin explains. "It
piqued my interest."
Working with bonsai trees is an extension
of Corbin's daily work. "My whole life revolves
around trees," Corbin says. Yet, altering bonsai
trees to look like the bigger trees they duplicate
takes a lot of patience. Corbin adds, "I find it
incredibly interesting to learn different aspects
of the tree—how it grows and how to alter it."
Corbin's favorite tree to work with is the
Japanese red maple. "When the tree leafs out,
a full grown leaf appears and you need to pluck
it," Corbin explains. "As you keep plucking,
the leaf will be the same shape as a full-grown
leaf, but smaller. Eventually, the tree will change
colors in the fall. It's great seeing the oranges,
reds and yellows of the leaves."
Pruning bonsai trees while enjoying his
coffee and reading The Bulletin is one way Corbin
enjoys a relaxing moment during a busy day.
Jeff Corbin enjoys
his coffee while reading
The Bulletin and practicing
the art of bonsai.
The Bulletin
Around the World
The Davey Tree Expert Company
P.O. Box 5193
Kent, Ohio 44240-5193
