Timing beginner Katsura almost got away from me

[Japonicus]

Still trying to just keep a maple alive in a pot. I don't think I lost any last year or over the Winter.

A Spring storm with hail and a cold front yesterday, and leaves starting to show today.
I'm planning on the next reduction to be the larger of the two forks mid ways up.
I was ill prepared to pot up waiting for the last of the hard frosts, I was researching my soil components just yesterday.
I hate two stepping.


I'm afraid to cut back to the 1st branch just yet in lieu of foliage/strength. Plus I'm shooting for roughly a 20" tree.
Will check wire in 2 weeks. Having kept a couple in pots alive over the Winter and changing up the soil, maybe next year
a more drastic cut, maybe just mid ways.

Should I reduce it mid ways at this point now, or let it put on roots and recover then reduce next year
given the current reduction today?

 

[LanceMac10]

You have some cambial damage at the first branch area.

 

[Japonicus]

You have some cambial damage at the first branch area.

Good eye. Bad practice. You mean here from 2 years ago when I tried to bend the trunk

Then cut pasted it back together? I think that's the damage you're seeing. It has healed better than expected.
I was advised to cut it below the break then, which would leave no viable branch, I just can't break that barrier yet.
Yes it's a mental thing. I could have cut it above the damage spot today and probably been ok. Trying the stages approach.
Today I just tried to leave more foliage for recovery, but if I should reduce more this go around is unclear to me.

 

[LanceMac10]

Leave it alone for 3-5 years?

Or learn to appreciate a JM with a large portion of deadwood on the lower trunk....but that's the result, regardless.....

 

[Japonicus]

Leave it alone for 3-5 years?

Or learn to appreciate a JM with a large portion of deadwood on the lower trunk....but that's the result, regardless.....

I can't leave thinking I understand your angle, would rather know for sure.
Are you saying that since I broke the trunk trying to bend it previously, that there is
going to be a large portion of deadwood? It sounds like that's what you're saying since
either way (leave it alone for 3-5 yrs) results in the same outcome.

 

[LanceMac10]

No bonsai techniques needed here, outside of benign neglect.

ya'll "Pacinoed" this rig....

 

[Japonicus]

No bonsai techniques needed here, outside of benign neglect.

ya'll "Pacinoed" this rig....

View attachment 362064

Will do
Had I been prepared for this I'd had some proper staples and tacked it down to a round bit of wood.
The thick saucer takes up too much room to give more tilt to the trunk using this pot.

LOL @ Pacinoed. Let's hope it's not a kiss of death at least.
Trying a mix of Pine Bark, Monto Clay and Lava Rock 2:1:1