Too late to chop?

[BonjourBonsai]

My plan is something like this. I know it doesn't really follow the classical rules of form and branch placement, but I feel I'm getting closer. I'm certainly learning.

 

[BonjourBonsai]

I'm thinking I should rub off these buds because they aren't in a place where I want new branches. But should I let the tree grow free these season and clean it up next year?

 

[leatherback]

I'm thinking I should rub off these buds because they aren't in a place where I want new branches. But should I let the tree grow free these season and clean it up next year?

I would remove those specifically now. They will just cause swelling in a spot that is due for swelling already.

 

[BonjourBonsai]

A question about nodes... I've got this long section between them on this branch. Will leaves ever sprout on a branch between nodes or would I have to graft some material in there?

 

[0soyoung]

A question about nodes... I've got this long section between them on this branch. Will leaves ever sprout on a branch between nodes or would I have to graft some material in there?

No. Nothing will happen in the internode, unless you graft.

Speaking in botanical-like terms, a true leaf has a bud at the base of the leaf axil --> axillary buds at the base of the petiole. These are nodes, because a new branch can only grow from a bud. An internode is the stem between nodes --> by definition nothing new can happen there other than radial growth (cambium activity).


It is just stunning how simple this is.
Isn't it? (I ask rhetorically).

 

[leatherback]

or would I have to graft some material in there

Secret option nr two. Once the plant is healthy, in summer, trim back this branch (a bit?) and wait for side-branches to pop. These normally grow slower, and with shorter internodes. This is one of the things I watch out for when growing out: Removing long internodes and keeping the good ones.

 

[BonjourBonsai]

No. Nothing will happen in the internode, unless you graft.

Speaking in botanical-like terms, a true leaf has a bud at the base of the leaf axil --> axillary buds at the base of the petiole. These are nodes, because a new branch can only grow from a bud. An internode is the stem between nodes --> by definition nothing new can happen there other than radial growth (cambium activity).


It is just stunning how simple this is.
Isn't it? (I ask rhetorically).

Thanks, that's what I thought but I was hoping there might be a different answer.

 

[BonjourBonsai]

wait for side-branches to pop.

Do you mean that branches might sprout from the crotch or from the closest internode if I trim the end of the branch a little?

 

[leatherback]

Do you mean that branches might sprout from the crotch or from the closest internode if I trim the end of the branch a little?

Yup, exactly that. In general, once maples are healthy you will be cursing the tree as you have to go through the tree several times a year removing new branches.

 

[BonjourBonsai]

Cool, thanks. I've been making a mistake though... I haven't waited until maples were completely healthy before cursing them

 

[BonjourBonsai]

Made some refinements today.

 

[BonjourBonsai]

I'm not sure what to do with the branch in the blue. I originally thought it might be a new leader but now I'm reassessing. There are nodes inside the white circles. I'm thinking now to go chop at the red line and allow the first white circle to grow. Then make the section on the right the new leader.

 

[BonjourBonsai]

Maybe let it go to the right some. Kind of like this.