New Field Maple

[D805]

Those are 1x6 sides so it is 5 1/2 inches.

Thanks thomas. Looks like I might have a project for this weekend.

 

[augustine]

You can always "pad" your wires with something like cut up rubber inner tubes, plastic hose, similar material to protect the roots (or branches) against wire pressure.

 

[ColinFraser]

 

[ColinFraser]

All kidding aside, most of the trunk really does lack interest. I would seriously consider chopping it much lower . . . No, lower.
The base has potential, and you could go several routes - the fastest one might be to use those two lowest branches for something broom-ish like this:



Though you could certainly regrow some trunk sections for a tapered informal upright too.

I'm developing one too; check it out if you haven't yet: Liquidambar orientalis - SweetGum

 

[thomas22]

All kidding aside, most of the trunk really does lack interest. I would seriously consider chopping it much lower . . . No, lower.
The base has potential, and you could go several routes - the fastest one might be to use those two lowest branches for something broom-ish like this:

View attachment 131209

Though you could certainly regrow some trunk sections for a tapered informal upright too.

I'm developing one too; check it out if you haven't yet: Liquidambar orientalis - SweetGum

I like the way yours is coming along. I really like the air layered portion.
Pertaining to you vert. I have given this option much thought and it is a good option. There are two branches there in the exact spots you chopped and drew new leaders so it would be doable. But! I like my option a bit better and not just because it is easier quicker.
Here are a couple of verts so you can see my vision. Not sure about exactly how the twin trunk will tie in yet but you can see the height and overall shape I am going for.

 

[ColinFraser]

I like the way yours is coming along. I really like the air layered portion.
Pertaining to you vert. I have given this option much thought and it is a good option. There are two branches there in the exact spots you chopped and drew new leaders so it would be doable. But! I like my option a bit better and not just because it is easier quicker.
Here are a couple of verts so you can see my vision. Not sure about exactly how the twin trunk will tie in yet but you can see the height and overall shape I am going for.
View attachment 131252 View attachment 131253

Cool.
Interestingly, I think our virtuals highlight our different priorities nicely. You made yours with foliage, and I left mine without. Foliage can hide a multitude of sins in a pine or a juniper, but a tree that's laid bare every year has no secrets. I think in that state, a telephone pole of a trunk is a liability, but that is simply an aesthetic point on which we disagree - thank goodness that's allowed here
Thanks for keeping the thread updated; I'll look forward to its progress.

 

[thomas22]

Cool.
Interestingly, I think our virtuals highlight our different priorities nicely. You made yours with foliage, and I left mine without. Foliage can hide a multitude of sins in a pine or a juniper, but a tree that's laid bare every year has no secrets. I think in that state, a telephone pole of a trunk is a liability, but that is simply an aesthetic point on which we disagree - thank goodness that's allowed here
Thanks for keeping the thread updated; I'll look forward to its progress.

Your vert just had a shorter telephone pole. Ha Ha. Thanks for you input. It does have merit. The funny thing this tree was never bare this year.

 

[thomas22]

Update. Still not a Field Maple. Wired a few months ago. It leafed out so quickly. Not sure about final image but having fun with this tree. Suggestions welcome.