Justeen - can you post a pic. (GNarly) branches and all to the gallery here (leave a note here to tell us)?

Can't get an image smaller than 61k or whatever! Oh well. What advice do you have for me since I can't get you an image?

Hi, not sure if that would work... write to Jerry Meislik (ficus expert) at www.bonsaicanada.com on the tropicals forum (let 1st pg load to reach the index). He'll tell you what to do and what doesn't work.

I'll keep trying, lucy!

Do you mean it was pollarded? Try thinning the branches to a few that you like and are evenly spaced and pretend that it is a tree that started branching really close to the ground(I'll try to find an example I can post). Then you can shape it as a broom and grow arial roots down from the branches(banyan like), Al can tell you how to do that; Al, where are you!!!

Like this, but not as straight up, more outward.

Here is a link that might be useful: {{gwi:4255}}

Here's a severe case.

Here is a link that might be useful: {{gwi:4256}}

You meen literally bury the trunk beneath the soil...interesting (rubbing chin).

What the heck are you guys talking about??

Read the first paragraph and you'll find out!!!!!!!!!!

Cut off all but the most interesting or strongest branch?

No, braches. Then spread them into a radial pattern. Justeen, I didn't mean bury it, but you can, judt make sure you have good branckes first. I may look better with surface roots though. Here, look at this link. (it may be a usefull site as well)
I LOVE ficus as well ;o]

Here is a link that might be useful: Banyan tree

Already saw that one! It's awesome, isn't it!?

Aye! It is! When I visited my aunt in Hawaii I saw my first real banyan trees and they were amazing! I can't wait to go back.