Making a shohin DeShojo maple

[davetree]

Here's a tree I have had and didn't really know what to do with. So I chopped it back, removed all the thick branches except the first branch, and cut everything else back to one bud. This tree has really nice spring color, and when I get some branches on it, it will be a little fireball. About 7-8 inches tall, with a nice base. From Don at Gregory Beach Bonsai.

 

[davetree]

I hate that sideways picture thing.

 

[drew33998]

I think you should really grow the first branch out for several seasons to fatten it up. Would consider removing the second one and starting over but not sure I would as it has some nice characteristics. But I would def. let the first one to the right "escape" for a good while. Just my .02

 

[Kodama16]

Love the little tree. Lots to come from it. One of my favorite maple types.

 

[discusmike]

Maybe make that second branch the primary.

 

[davetree]

Maybe make that second branch the primary.

That's the plan unless I get rid of it and make the right branch the first branch.

 

[M. Frary]

I hate that sideways picture thing.

It helps me to imagine what a cascade deshojo maple might look like.

 

[fore]

Maybe start working on that nebari

 

[bwaynef]

Here's a tree I have had and didn't really know what to do with. So I chopped it back, removed all the thick branches except the first branch, and cut everything else back to one bud. This tree has really nice spring color, and when I get some branches on it, it will be a little fireball. About 7-8 inches tall, with a nice base. From Don at Gregory Beach Bonsai.

Can you post a pic with something in it for scale? To my eye, that looks considerably larger than shohin.

 

[davetree]

Maybe start working on that nebari

Those aren't roots on the left if that's what you mean. I run my steel tie down wires through a piece of plastic tubing to keep from cutting into the roots. The nebari is actual not bad but I do need to graft roots in a couple of places.

 

[davetree]

Can you post a pic with something in it for scale? To my eye, that looks considerably larger than shohin.

Certainly. Here you go.

 

[davetree]

Maybe start working on that nebari

You're right there is a big gap right in front. I was planning in grafting regular Japanese maple seedlings. I haven't found anything that says I have to use DeShojo. Any opinions ?

 

[discusmike]

Don't see why that wouldn't work, bark color might be a little off, some people lighten the trunks with diluted lime sulpher, you might want to look into if it would make the seedlings blend nicer, or talk to Brent n get deshojo seedlings.

 

[davetree]

I can always take cuttings from this tree, which I will probably do.

 

[discusmike]

That makes sense Dave, hopefully we will have the nice weather for cuttings soon.

 

[MACH5]

Nice little tree Dave! I also thought of it as much larger until you posted the lighter for scale. In time this can make a really charming tree. I like this tree even more knowing is a shohin

I have a couple of these and they are absolutely gems in the spring! Some of the best for spring color. Have fun with it!