small japanese maple

[fredman]

Mmmm....see that thread!

Waiting anxiously as I can understand you now Sorceman

 

[BonsaiButler]

Thanks everyone for all your input.
I really do appreciate it.
As for cutting to the first branch, I totally understand why I should do it
And maybe I will eventually, but for now I'm gonna work on the roots let it
Grow, and try to wire movement into all those straight branches this summer.

 

[whfarro]

Thanks everyone for all your input.... let it
Grow, and try to wire movement into all those straight branches this summer.

If it was just that they were straight, wiring would have been suggested. The issue is that you have multiple nodes where branches have formed directly across from each other. This bar or ladder will most definitely lead to a trunk bulge and result some serious reverse taper issues as this tree grows.

You asked for advice and almost unanimously the responses are to chop it back. That would be my suggestion as well.

 

[Daniele]

You asked for advice and almost unanimously the responses are to chop it back. That would be my suggestion as well

And mine, from Italy, as well

 

[jomawa]

Take care of the fish bones.

I realise the fish bones would be taken care of if someone simply does the cut, but would someone please elaborate on exactly what the fishbones "were" in this case?

 

[sorce]

Branches.

Sorce

 

[whfarro]

I realise the fish bones would be taken care of if someone simply does the cut, but would someone please elaborate on exactly what the fishbones "were" in this case?

@garywood provided detail of these in the attachment highlighted in red. Branches that grow directly opposite at the same node will almost always cause the trunk to swell/grow in that area causing reverse taper issues.

 

[BonsaiButler]

here's an update after cutting off the suggested branches.