low branches needed
- Thread starter jimlau
- Start date
discusmike
Omono
I wouldn't cut anything now,get it growing strong.
discusmike
Omono
The first branch on left growing vertical could eventually be your primary branch.
sorce
Nonsense Rascal
At that stage, I'd be looking to chop it way lower.
Don't know when, never done it, and I may even fish better with a Trident then grow one, that's why I'd be looking to!
Enter more qualified individual.
Sorce
Don't know when, never done it, and I may even fish better with a Trident then grow one, that's why I'd be looking to!
Enter more qualified individual.
Sorce
FrankP999
Shohin
You could try a thread graft.
markyscott
Imperial Masterpiece
Don't pinch. That is for developed trees. Right now you're working on trunk. So I wonder - what's your objective? Are you trying to grow a bigger tree or a smaller one?
Scott
Scott
jimlau
Shohin
going for a tree just a few inches above the established trunk.
markyscott
Imperial Masterpiece
The problems I see with the current image of the trunk are a lack of taper in the center 2/3 and a poor nebari. Are you happy with the trunk as is, or are there any issues that you would like to address?
Scott
Scott
jimlau
Shohin
I was going to try to thicken that top 1/8th or so. are u suggesting chopping it lower? it would take a few years to establish continuous taper if so, yes?
markyscott
Imperial Masterpiece
It really depends on whether or not you're happy with the present form of the trunk. If it were mine, I'd probably not be satisfied with it and would chop it lower to generate movement and taper. It really depends on your vision for the tree.
If you decide to chop lower, I plant my tridents in the ground while I'm developing trunk and in the pot to develop branching. While in the ground, these trees will put on 10' of growth in a single season (at least in Houston). I cut all those way back - that 10' of growth might only generate an inch of trunk that I keep. Have a look at Smokes post on trunk chop 101 - that set of posts does a great job teaching the technique.
Scott
If you decide to chop lower, I plant my tridents in the ground while I'm developing trunk and in the pot to develop branching. While in the ground, these trees will put on 10' of growth in a single season (at least in Houston). I cut all those way back - that 10' of growth might only generate an inch of trunk that I keep. Have a look at Smokes post on trunk chop 101 - that set of posts does a great job teaching the technique.
Scott
jimlau
Shohin
thanks. an energy question - does the tree have a bunch left if I chop now, or has it spent a lot of energy already with the current shoots (which have grown a few more days since picture) and I should let them contribute energy for a month or 2 before chopping ?
markyscott
Imperial Masterpiece
Early spring is generally a great time to chop. Where would you want to cut?
Scott
Scott
Paradox
Marine Bonsologist
Everyone always wants to chop everything..... This is not a bad trunk. I wouldnt chop this and even if I did, I wouldnt chop it now.
I assume you just got this tree(?) You have no idea how strong it is. Chopping it now might kill it.
Maples back bud easily if they are healthy. It needs to grow.
In any case I wouldnt chop it because you can develop a new leader from the top branches extending out.
I would let to grow wild this year and let it get strong. Maybe wire some of those branches and new leader when they are enough. Next year you can select which branch and leader you want, cut back and work on developing taper and branching.
I assume you just got this tree(?) You have no idea how strong it is. Chopping it now might kill it.
Maples back bud easily if they are healthy. It needs to grow.
In any case I wouldnt chop it because you can develop a new leader from the top branches extending out.
I would let to grow wild this year and let it get strong. Maybe wire some of those branches and new leader when they are enough. Next year you can select which branch and leader you want, cut back and work on developing taper and branching.
jimlau
Shohin
yeah, was thinking of chopping down to the left low branch, but I think I will grow up the top, where a year of taper already exists. I guess I was hoping to do more than grow that up, namely position the basic set of low branches too. but, to do that, I would likely have to pinch some or all of the high branches, right? to re-direct the energy?
anyway, I guess I could just let it be. and yes, did just get this.
markyscott
Imperial Masterpiece
If you're happy with the trunk, then it's time to develop branches. Do not pinch. Let the branches grow and wire into position in late spring before the new growth hardens off. But do not pinch. Cut back early next spring except for branches you want to save for grafting. This spring, feed.
Scott
Scott
mj_barb
Mame
FWIW I got one similar to this a few weeks back from Don B, and I plan on picking a leader and letting it grow for at least a year.
milehigh_7
Mister 500,000
Go read everything here: https://bonsaial.wordpress.com/trident-maples/ Also search the maple forum for the author 'Smoke'.
