Need Advice on this small Maple

j evans · Mar 23, 2015

I have this small maple and I forgot to put anything in the photos for size reference. Not being around it right now I would estimate it is about a foot to 14" tall. I like the shape the trunk has been taking but in reviewing it this spring it has opposing branches and I assume that will cause the trunk to widen in those areas. It appears that there are two or three sets of opposite branches so I would assume that is a natural occurrence? I need some advice on how to trim or shape this tree so it can make the most of this summers growth. Of course I am wanting the trunk to thicken up as it goes. Thanks. Jamie

Eric Group · Mar 23, 2015

What kind of Maple?

BethF · Mar 23, 2015

A couple of thoughts:

Is the tree root over rock? If not, you need to plant it lower in the pot.

If you want the truck to thicken, it will the years to do so unless you put the tree in the ground or a grow box for a few years.

Vin · Mar 23, 2015

First question; are you easily offended? Not that anyone wishes to offend but there are some obvious issues with the tree that need addressed.

j evans · Mar 23, 2015

Vin -

Not offended but I am trying to learn from others. All of my trees have issues of one kind or another. This is a tree I obtained when a friend passed away. I have just let grow for the past couple of years just to get back to the point of where it will stay alive. It have not water for a full season other what fell out of the sky and around here that is next to nothing. Now I want to try to make it better, or if I have to let it go and move on to something else. Let me hear what you have to say. Even if I don't like it I will learn. And by the way, I will ask opinions on the other trees with issues as time goes on. I appreciate your help. Thanks.

Vin · Mar 24, 2015

-- We all get kind of protective of our trees and when someone else starts criticizing them we put up our defenses. That's why I asked if you offend easily. Some on the site can be a bit harsh.

This is what I see: The tree seems to have some decent movement in the lower 1/3 but lacks significant taper. If it's just going to be a tree you keep as a reminder of your friend the taper may be something you can look past. There are also quite a few of what's called bar branches along the trunk. Bar branches are opposite one another along the trunk or other branches. They are not considered appropriate and just don't look good. The lower branches should also be larger and longer than those above. As you near the apex, those branches should be the smallest in diameter. Your tree doesn't really have a defined apex. There are a group of branches at the top of the main trunk that look as though they grew from a previous chop. They'll have to go.

There's more but as Eric asked "What kind of maple is it" and Beth's observation "is it root over rock"?

j evans · Mar 24, 2015

I don't know my trees real well. To me it is just a plain old maple. No it is not a root over rock. She liked the tangled mass of roots therefore she raised the tree every time she repotted. I will be working on that. The bar branches is what I am most concerned about right now as I don't want the tree to create bulges along the trunk and I would think that maybe I can still create some taper as I go. The roots I think that I can change over time.

Maybe I am optimistic but I don't have "great" trees to practice and learn on. Maybe I should just let this tree go and purchase better material?

Vin · Mar 24, 2015

Can you get a close-up of the area I circled? Maybe from opposite sides?

JudyB · Mar 24, 2015

I think that I would take off the top of the tree just above the circled part in Vins pic, and use the forward facing branch as the new leader. The bottom part of the tree has some promise, if you can get the tree replanted properly and start reducing those huge roots to get a decent base going. That should be your main focus this year, as roots take much longer to fix than the top of the tree.

j evans · Mar 24, 2015

Here are photos of all four sides.

JudyB · Mar 24, 2015

Here is side #3 poor virt showing what I was trying to describe in my prior post. Maybe turn the tree counter clock a tic too. It's a start!

sikadelic · Mar 24, 2015

j evans said:
Maybe I am optimistic but I don't have "great" trees to practice and learn on. Maybe I should just let this tree go and purchase better material?

You'll hear differing opinions on this, but I saw no way. Use this tree as a learning tool so when/if you start working with better trees you have some knowledge. Especially if this tree is a memory of your friend, give it your best shot to turn it around. Judy posted a really nice virt to get you started (if you like it).

We've all started with that a less than ideal tree. It may actually be much more rewarding to you if you can turn it into something much better than it is. Good luck!

j evans · Mar 24, 2015

Thanks Judy. That gives me a possible starting point. Should I address the bar branches before they cause too much of a bulge or just work on the roots and very top?

Vin · Mar 24, 2015

Mine is a little more aggressive than yours Judy:

JudyB · Mar 24, 2015

j evans said:
Thanks Judy. That gives me a possible starting point. Should I address the bar branches before they cause too much of a bulge or just work on the roots and very top?

Honestly, I don't see any bar branching. Bars are directly across the tree from each other. Most of yours are on different planes. Where you have multiple branches coming from the same spot, is where you'll get bulges. You will want to thin out branches that are redundant, or have no movement.
And Vin, yours is a far prettier virt too, I'm no good at virts!

Vin · Mar 24, 2015

Jamie, you do have options based on the virts. But they're just virts and it's going to take some work. However, I believe the tree has potential and it seems Judy believes that as well. Good luck.

Chops for my option.

Gaitano · Mar 24, 2015

Even if you don't see any promise, treat it as if it does. Use it to practice wiring and see how the branches respond. Let it grow out and cut it back to a few nodes and see what the tree does the following season. Repot and work the roots and try to get the nebari in order and headed in the right direction. Take notes on your actions and the trees reactions and use this knowledge in the future on other trees. Don't toss a tree you already own unless it's dead.

Who knows. Work it right and in a few years you may see something you really like

j evans · Mar 24, 2015

Here are the areas I thought could be considered as "bar" branches. It appears that the trunk is trying bulge out a bit.

Vin · Mar 24, 2015

Definitely the bottom photo. In the first photo, it is probably bulging because of the size of the branch on the left. In the bottom photo they do appear to be on different plane.

Brian Van Fleet · Mar 24, 2015

The upper bar branching circled in post 18 is where I'd prune the center out, wire the left branch upward and develop it as a new leader.

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