MichaelMiller

Hello Victrinia,
This is my first reply on this thread, so bear with any mistakes. My suggestions are limitted to the health and vigor of this tree. I would keep it relatively(not totally) dry and protected this winter, and plan a major repot into a slightly shallower(1 inch) and wider(2-3 inches) pot or grow-box in early Spring. I'd also plant it slightly deeper, covering 1/3-1/2 of the exposed nebari. This would be a protective measure and encourage surface rooting. Some of the nebari could be selectively re-exposed later, after the tree has regained its vigor. Use a fast-draining, light mix. It's always a good idea to repot a new aquisition, so YOU know both the conditions of the roots AND what they're growing in. This tree in particular, I'm fairly certain I know the previous owner from who's collection it recently came. He... well... though he did add some lava & grit, much of his medium consisted of topsoil and thus didn't drain/aerate as well as I would like. This could account for some of the die-back. I helped him repot some of his trees, though not this one. This particular cultivar(Shishigashira) I've found to be tougher, and withstand drier conditions than most any other Acer Palm of the palmate group. So I think it would benefit from a fast draining mix, particularly in the western WA area. Enjoy this tree. I'm a maple lover... and am sorry you beat me to it. mike