Jin, Shari, Sharimiki & Sabamiki by Roger Snipes
Jin: Dead stub of a branch, or dead top of the tree
Jin is used to provide an interesting feature where a branch has been cut off, or to create an apex after a tree has been shortened drastically (struck by lightening look). It is primarily used on conifers. When creating jin, the branch should be carved into a pleasing shape that imitates an old dead branch; do not just cut it off and leave a stub.
Shari: Dead area on the trunk of the tree.
Shari is used to add an interesting feature to the trunk, especially in the front where a large branch has been cut off and the resulting scar would be unsightly and slow to heal over.
Sharimiki: Also known as Driftwood style.
This style is mostly seen on junipers and yews where the trunk is primarily dead wood with one or two live veins running up to the remaining branches. This style can be very dramatic.
Sabamiki: hollow trunk style
A tree with sabamiki has had a portion of its trunk hollowed out. This style can be very interesting and can add a feeling of great age to the tree. Sabamiki can be used on both deciduous trees and conifers.
Maintenance:
- All deadwood features should be treated with lime sulfur once or twice a year to prevent decay.
- Ideally, shari should not be carried all the way down below the soil line as the more constant moisture below the soil line can cause the wood to rot.
- The deadwood should be kept clean and free of moss, which will hold moisture and contribute to rotting.