Thanks Wood. That all makes perfect sense. I have decided on a couple trees where i want to go with them. One of my tridents is 3" at the base before it starts to flare, so i think it will be ready for what i have in mind in a year or two. I have already started working some branches for possible final branches, and have lots of sacrificial branches also. When i plant, i spread the roots out, as much as possible, and plant on a tile or board. I guess i am mainly thinking about the nebari, getting the crown and roots to start fusing more, and i thought since i had the time, and it was so accessible, i could start some root work, but thought actually taking the tree out of the ground wouldnt be so good, so thought i would try this method. I have another one thats not as big, but a good size that had alot of radial roots, and i thought i would just leave it. I have a notebook with one page per tree that i write in everytime to document everything i do, and to measure the rates of growth, so it will be interesting to see which works better. I agree about the different techniques, probably most everyone is different in some things, so i take it all in and use my best judgement for what to do, or possibly the judgement of someone i know has been doing many trees.
Ive been reading all of Brents articles, and blogs, and it has really opened my eyes in the past month. Thanks for sending me your blog info. I know what ill be doing for a while. Thanks again. I love this (hobby). It kinda sounds weird even calling it a hobby, its a huge part of my life.