Japanese maple nebari advice

[Dcj6311]

Any advice on number one how and where to post on this site and if I’m doing it right then I need advice on how to fix the roots on this maple and curious if anyone knew what causes the roots to do this they flare out and go straight down almost like a claw
The tree was labeled shishi yatsabusa but comparing to others online it doesn’t look anything like one

 

[Dcj6311]

Any advice on number one how and where to post on this site and if I’m doing it right then I need advice on how to fix the roots on this maple and curious if anyone knew what causes the roots to do this they flare out and go straight down almost like a claw
The tree was labeled shishi yatsabusa but comparing to others online it doesn’t look anything like one

 

[shimbrypaku]

Not sure on the cultivar, only an experienced maple grower could possibly identify, then it’s only a guess if you don't trust the tag or nursery.

But it looks like the maple is grafted high on the trunk. You can keep the tree as is and attempt to flatten the root base over time or attempt an air layer above the graft. If you have never attempted an air layer, I would suggest practicing on less expensive material first.
One other thing, you could also try cuttings from the tree, they are pretty easy on maples after they harden off in the spring.
Many different ways to accomplish cuttings on a maple, just search the site.
Thanks

 

[Dav4]

The roots are like that most likely because the tree has been grown out in round, tall nursery containers where the strong roots tend to grow straight down. Fixing them will be difficult and time consuming. It’s also a grafted tree which is inherently not ideal. I personally would recommend studying up on ground layering which would, if done correctly, give the tree a completely new and, most likely, much better nebari. It’s not difficult, either. Anyway, good luck with your tree.

 

[Shibui]

Trees grown in nursery pots. Roots grow out then down when they reach side of container. Ideally the roots should have been pruned or straightened when it was moved from round nursery pot to bonsai pot but commercial just want to pot and sell to make $ so many do not do any more work than necessary.

Remediation options:
New roots can be grafted.
Existing roots can be chopped before the bends. Some risk with this but it could be done if there are other roots to support the tree while the chopped roots regrow new feeders.
Existing roots can be layered to get new roots growing above the bends - much more reliable and should give good results.


Grafts are not inherently bad for bonsai. A very few that don't heal over give grafts a bad rep so many growers steer away from grafted trunks.
The existing nebari is not great. Just a few thick roots with lots of space between.
Given both these factors I can see why others are recommending layering to develop a completely new nebari. Trying to improve the existing nebari will likely take many years and lots of work with no guarantee of success anyway.

 

[Sifika]

It was probably grown with in a plug as a young tree. Which is kind of a wrap around the roots so its easier to plant the tree in pots/ground etc.

 

[chance]

You could air layer above the graft, then the next year, once the rootstock grows it’s own top, ground layer the rootstock at about your current soil level or a bit above.

Another option for the bottom half would be to do a bit of root work and plant the bottom half in the ground for a few years (ideally on a board/tile). Probably want to plant it a bit deeper than its current depth and hope it thickens enough for your “claw” to just become part of the trunk and your nebari to really be a bit lower than that.

 

[PaulH]

You absolutely need to air layer above the graft to make this a decent bonsai. I've done so with a number of garden center maples with good results.