Understanding the value of grafted trees

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Could you root graft above an ugly graft union and get better results? I know it would be a lot of work, but I would imagine the result would be more natural over time.
 

Paradox

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Grafted trees are not accepted in bonsai.

Except for JWP grafted to JBP trunks. Although I agree most of them are really ugly.
I think the OP was mostly referring to trunks rather than the example that @Adair posted above which is a beautiful tree,
 
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Shibui

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More grafted bonsai:
IMGP0080.JPG
Shimpaku grafted onto juniper trunk. Each branch has been approach grafted onto the old trunk or branches.

IMGP0055.JPG

Japanese maple - 35 years. Previous trunk was tall and straight so a new apex was grafted on just above the first branch.

There are probably far more great grafted bonsai but as the grafts are not obvious many people just don't know they are grafted.
 

Pj86

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Interesting thread. Would like to see an example of a recently grafted trunk compared after 5-10 year progression.
 

leatherback

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Could you root graft above an ugly graft union and get better results? I know it would be a lot of work, but I would imagine the result would be more natural over time.
One could. But if the plant is known to layer well, I would always take the airlayer approach. Less work and easier, imho.
 

Forsoothe!

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I believe I implied, and everyone agrees, that if you can see the graft it detracts from bonsai, AND if you can't tell it's grafted it's acceptable. It is possible to make undetectable grafts and they are more difficult with some species. Like Corkbark. Also, you can generally predict early in a tree's life whether or not the graft will get uglier or if you have a good chance that it will be minimized over time.
 

Adair M

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I believe I implied, and everyone agrees, that if you can see the graft it detracts from bonsai, AND if you can't tell it's grafted it's acceptable. It is possible to make undetectable grafts and they are more difficult with some species. Like Corkbark. Also, you can generally predict early in a tree's life whether or not the graft will get uglier or if you have a good chance that it will be minimized over time.
You implied no such thing.
Grafted trees are not accepted in bonsai.

You’ve been proven wrong, and now you’re backpedaling.
 

JackHammer

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Could you root graft above an ugly graft union and get better results? I know it would be a lot of work, but I would imagine the result would be more natural over time.
I am actually thinking to plant it with the graft at or just under the soil line. The thinking is that roots will develop higher and then on subsequent repotting, I will be able to remove a large portion of the old root stock.
 

Adair M

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I am actually thinking to plant it with the graft at or just under the soil line. The thinking is that roots will develop higher and then on subsequent repotting, I will be able to remove a large portion of the old root stock.
It depends on the species of the tree whether it would work or not. What you’re talking about is called a “ground layer”. Some will, some won’t.
 

sorce

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FTR....for me...

A grafted tree is different from a tree with foilage grafted on.

A grafted tree is unacceptable 80% of the time.

A tree with grafted foliage is acceptable 80% of the time.

Dance semantics like this is a BALLroom.

Sorce
 

Adair M

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FTR....for me...

A grafted tree is different from a tree with foilage grafted on.

A grafted tree is unacceptable 80% of the time.

A tree with grafted foliage is acceptable 80% of the time.

Dance semantics like this is a BALLroom.

Sorce
Is this an “acceptable” bonsai?

BE5E0006-74CE-45B7-9ED2-932C5C1B4B7A.jpeg
 

Adair M

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Sure, if a bit lanky. Better lanky than janky though!

Sorce
It’s a graft. The trunk is JBP, the top is Mijami JWP. The whole tree is about 4 inches tall.
 
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