Someone recently asked me about carving a bougainvillea. I guess it makes sense because my big bougy has what may seem like pretty severe carving. But this was not by design. As my article on my bougy describes, I found that tree in a neighbors trash heap and it was split lengthwise. So any carving I do to it is out of necessity since the wood is already exposed and dead.

Here is my response to him.

I'm not an expert on carving and have limited experience at it. Out of my several bougainvillea, only one has any carving, and that was out of necessity as the tree was split lengthwise when I found it. I would not carve a bougy just because. They rot very easily. Wood hardener will help, bit it won't stop it.

However, if you wish to do so to yours all I can say is that they are very resilient and can survive pretty severe treatment. That said, keep in mind that once you cut it that's it. There is no going back. So think about it hard before you do anything and take your time. It should take you a year or so to complete your carving.

Practically speaking, the carving process is pretty straight forward. I don't use any heavy duty power tools. The bulk of the work I do manually. I use chisels, gouges, knives, pliers and what ever else will help me work the wood with as little trauma to the rest of the tree. A Dremel tool with a carving bit is the only power tool I use.

Good luck with your tree.
Ed