JM - Need a Branch at Lower Edge of Chop Scar

[Firstflush]

As pictured below, what do you think of bringing the branch up from below then a 90 degree bend about even with the lower edge of the scar. This would be the the first primary. Would you consider this or would you rather thread graft over winter into spring? JMs are considered not strong growers where I live in southern CA.

 

[Hack Yeah!]

I have a similar situation, I'm planning to thread graft

 

[penumbra]

In this situation I would do a simple approach graft.

 

[Firstflush]

In this situation I would do a simple approach graft.

Doesn’t the graft placement come off the trunk tangentially with an approach, then you have to put a hard bend in it to get it perpendicular to the trunk, right?

 

[penumbra]

Doesn’t the graft placement come off the trunk tangentially with an approach, then you have to put a hard bend in it to get it perpendicular to the trunk, right?

Perhaps to a degree this is true, but the grafter has much to do with this.

 

[Firstflush]

Is it bad form to bring that branch up and have the pad even with the scar?
Obviously, having a branch exactly at the scar is best I’m aware.

 

[Potawatomi13]

Why bother? Just bring down branch above. Scar will heal, foliage will cover.

 

[Shibui]

If you really want to make a Japanese maple with horizontal 'bonsai' branching then a branch from that position might be useful.

If you would like to make a Japanese maple that looks like a real Japanese maple you won't make horizontal branches. JM natural growth habit is big, upswept branches, almost sub trunks that then sweep out to form the horizontal branch 'pads'. The current low branch is ideally placed for that. The one on the other side could be pulled up a bit to get a better angle.

Trying to look closer at the bottom edge of the scar. Not entirely clear but that edge may not be the full extent of the dead bark. They normally die back to a teardrop shape rather than straight across at the base. It is probable that the dead bark extends down at least to the next old node?? If you intend to use any form of graft you need live cambium to graft to.

The low branch up and bent 90 would be the least desirable option.

 

[TomB]

The low branch up and bent 90 would be the least desirable option.

Yep. If you want a branch there, then thread grafting is the best solution.

 

[Firstflush]

Why bother? Just bring down branch above. Scar will heal, foliage will cover.

I see what you are saying. That branch above the scar going left is going to be the new leader.

 

[Firstflush]

@Shibui
I see conflicting info with people for and against, but I just re-injured the leading edge of the entire perimeter of the cut wound. It has been healing quickly and the scar wound has been slowly creeping inward to cover the historic chop point. The bottom wound edge has creeped a tiny bit lower like you noted.