mackomon

I bought a Japanese Red Maple last August which was dug up from the seller's backyard. I put it into a large pot and the result as of June 17th is many dead branches (branches on the left) but new growth has appeared on the trunk due to new buds and one remaining branch at the top of the tree. I believe the transplant shock and my poor handling of the roots have caused the distress.

Although it is late, the tree seems to be growing vigorously from these new buds (although the sparseness doesn't really suggest vigor at this time of year in Philadelphia). The tree is about 6 feet tall with a 2inch diameter trunk.

Any suggestions with this Japanese Red Maple. I was thinking a trunk chop about 2 inches above the vigorous leaf bud growth closest to the soil. Should I trunk chop less than a year after potting it and with the resulting dead branches? Is it healthy enough and is it the right time while it's growing new leaves?
(I've read some about trunk chopping but would like opinions for this tree.)

I was thinking a trunk chop would allow the tree to focus its energy on leaf and branch growth closer to the base of the tree rather than growing new leaves on the upper branches.

Should I keep the dead branch as jin? Too bad I can't air layer the branches, because they seem dead or dying (well maybe I can air layer the top branches).

Thanks!
Jimmy

Attached Images

	JRMaple Tree.JPG (67.9 KB, 89 views)
	JRMaple Trunk 2 Layers.JPG (66.2 KB, 78 views)
	JRMaple Trunk Detail.JPG (71.1 KB, 108 views)

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