mackomon

Thanks Ralph. Yes, that web page about trunk chopping was great. I definitely read it before posting. I just wanted some specific advice for this somewhat distressed tree, but with vigorous growth at this point. That's why I was thinking that chopping the trunk now will allow the tree to focus growth in the lower nodes versus the existing live branch at the top and the nodes up the trunk.

Joanie, I will try to drill some holes in the pot, but I bought a matching pot for another small tree and that one cracked already! So I'm hesitant to stress the cheap Home Depot pot. But as you said and what I've read, japanese maples are susceptible to root rot.

The consensus seems to be to remove the dead branches and let it grow for another year before trunk chopping.

Any comments about the pebbles on top of the soil? Should I remove them now that the soil has settled? That popcorn pic is hilarious. There is top soil beneath the pebbles...