Repot too aggressive and Front choice

[maroun.c]

Was given this acer palmatum last year. Was potted in bad nursery soil so had to repot today ( but late i believe)
Soil was sticky mud and roots were thing and long with little to no roots.




Removed most thick roots and ones growing downward



To many roots removed?

Last question is about the front of the tree:
This side has better lower branch placement with lower left and back branch yet weak trunk base

This side has better base but lower branches are in front, scar more visible, presume graft ?

And 2 other sides.
Thanks for suggestions on front and how to better manage this tree

 

[leatherback]

The last image would be my front.

I thiknk you took a lot f roots off, certainly considering the amount of leaves out already. I would keep it out of wind and full sun for at least 3 weeks, probably longer.

 

[Carol 83]

The last image would be my front.

I WAS going to say that, but since you already have, I'll just agree.

 

[Cadillactaste]

What Leatherback said... listen to him, he is trying to help you save the tree. Also, last image as well for the front.

 

[maroun.c]

Thanks for the replies. Will keep in the shade and will mist foliage for coming 2-3 weeks.

 

[Shibui]

I would have no problem with that root prune even though it is a fraction late with the leaves open.

Are you sure it is a maple? All maples have opposite leaf arrangement. I can't spot any branches that are exactly opposite on the branches or trunk but I can't see the new shoots where new leaves are growing.

Leaf and trunk look far more like Liquidamber which has alternate leaf arrangement and a distinctive smell when cut or when leaves are crushed.

Liquidamber is often confused with maple but care for both is very similar so ID does not matter so much.

 

[Gaitano]

I agree with Shibui, this looks like liquidambar (sweetgum).

 

[JPM]

I would have no problem with that root prune even though it is a fraction late with the leaves open.

Are you sure it is a maple? All maples have opposite leaf arrangement. I can't spot any branches that are exactly opposite on the branches or trunk but I can't see the new shoots where new leaves are growing.

Leaf and trunk look far more like Liquidamber which has alternate leaf arrangement and a distinctive smell when cut or when leaves are crushed.

Liquidamber is often confused with maple but care for both is very similar so ID does not matter so much.

I was thinking the same thing liquidambar sweet gum. My liquid Amber’s just opened up in the leaves look exactly the same!

 

[maroun.c]

Not sure if its a maple or not honestly. Was given to me last autumn where leaves were already yellow. Previous owner said it should get velvet red.
Yes a bit late for repot but leaves just started opening. When I got it leaves were the size of my palm. I'm hoping they reduce to this size but thats very optimistic.
Checked buds and couldn't find opposite ones. Not too many buds hinestlynwhichni guess would be expected as tree was moved by previous owner from nursery soil to even worse soil in a bonsai pot. Soil was so bad I had to repot but ill leave it to recover for couple years without disturbing roots again or styling or pruning ? If indeed a liquid Amber, any specific tips or things to watch out for ? Do they make good bonsais?

 

[maroun.c]

Remember the leaves had a smell, an Amber smell if i remember correctly when rubbed.

 

[Gaitano]

Mine does not like to get pruned/wired while dormant. I noticed some branch dieback after doing this. I ground grew mine (a volunteer) for several years and didn’t completely remove all the soil when I first potted it. I had to do a pretty good clean out this year. It leafed out bratty good and back buds well. All over. The bark got pretty craggy rather quickly.

 

[Shibui]

Liquidamber make good bonsai. Hardier than most maples but larger leaves than the maples commonly used for bonsai so it is shunned a little by many. Leaves do reduce a lot with good pruning and as ramification increases.
Fall color is better than maple in warmer climates which could be a win for you. Some species produce more yellows, some have strong reds and purple autumn leaf color. Color intensity is like most species and is stronger when days are warm, sunny and nights cold.
Care is similar to most maples. Ramification is easier to achieve because they don't have opposite buds so bar branches are not common meaning less thinning out redundant shoots.
Not sure which species I have here but I have not experienced the problems that @Gaitano has mentioned but whether that is related to species, climate or just luck I am not sure.

 

[maroun.c]

Thanks for all the replies. Hoping it'll recover fine from the root prilune will let it rest for 1-2 years before I repot with correct front on a nicer glazed pot and take it from there.