Ideas for cut or not

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I got this Trident Maple last September at Brussels. My plan was to let it have full top as it looked like that was where it was headed anyway. In January I cut back some long twigs and took these pictures. When I looked at them I thought it may have some other options, any ideas welcome. It must be re-potted this year in larger pot either bonsai or nursery, it is full of roots. It is slow to bud, no leaves are open now just getting buds. So I don't think it is too late to cut? (my other TDM is full of leaves 2 weeks ago)
Thanks,
Michael
 

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Zach Smith

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I got this Trident Maple last September at Brussels. My plan was to let it have full top as it looked like that was where it was headed anyway. In January I cut back some long twigs and took these pictures. When I looked at them I thought it may have some other options, any ideas welcome. It must be re-potted this year in larger pot either bonsai or nursery, it is full of roots. It is slow to bud, no leaves are open now just getting buds. So I don't think it is too late to cut? (my other TDM is full of leaves 2 weeks ago)
Thanks,
Michael

The top needs to be cut waaaaay back, especially that ramrod straight leader. It won't hurt to do it now, tridents are vigorous growers.

Best of luck with your trident project!

Zach
 

Alex DeRuiter

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I would consider air layering some of those larger branches off this season -- you can do more than one at once as long as there's foliage above the layering site.

I included a picture of where I would make the cuts. This would give the top some decent taper and follow the flow of the trunk. This is only one of many options, though. You could always sprout some new branches further down on the trunk and use one of them as the new leader.

Good luck :D
 

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treebeard55

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My suggestion is as drastic as axxon's (but tridents can take drastic.) I would cut at the yellow-orange line, and develop the tree with the leftmost leader.

That would suit my taste. What matters of course, Michael, is yours.
 

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ml_work

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Thanks for the ideas everyone.
It has been dark when I get home each day and I had move my trees from under the carport to shade area under the Pines. When the rain let up to a mist for a few minutes today I went out and looked that the tree. I had many more buds and some just starting to open. They are not full open but will be in the next day, I guess if I am going to cut it I should do so before the leaves open full?
Thanks,
Michael
 
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