Ken...after seeing all your photos I am reminded of my fall trips to the nurseries; you get to see what thrives and what simply survives in your area, but with horticultural practices being the wild card. (hey...that means you're the Joker!) You are leaning and doing a lot there. The Zone 5 folks should be paying close attention as they add to their conifer collections.

You already know that the Chamaecyparis nootkatensis 'Van der Akker' should have been pruned to a single leader for that upright arrow look. It will probably turn into a beautiful broad weeping tree. Your visitors will gasp with amazement!

Thanks for all the pictures,
Barbara

"Chamaecyparis nootkatensis 'Van der Aker' .. do you think????? .. any suggestions what to do with it???"

You know what to do...start over...cut all the junk out and keep the strongest leader.

I would keep the skirt portion for a while to help promote growth while establishing a dominant leader'

Nice Pinus resinosa 'Quinobequin' and Pinus thunbergii 'Thunderhead'.

Dave

What color is your Chamaecyparis nootkatensis 'Van der Aker'? Does it have a blue cast or is it frost? I think the form of yours is great and may look like a fantatic fountain in years to come.
Gary

frost on all

aker is green ..

ken