2 Japanese Maple Questions

EarthgirlOK

Again, inspired by Jennifer of Jtriptow’s post “Let’s Talk About Brooms Baby,” (great thread, Jennifer) I got to thinking about a couple of things I’m working with. I posted a question about a ginkgo in a separate thread. This one’s about first styling of a Japanese Maple, and a restoration of another Japanese Maple.

Restoration Question: I bought a nursery stock Japanese Maple with about an inch and a half sized trunk. It’s grafted, and the graft isn’t pretty-the root structure stinks as well. When I brought it home (this was during my very uneducated, highly eager period of bonsai “artist” development), I hacked away at it. I let its sprouted branches grow without rubbing off any of them. It is horrendous. But It’s a Japanese Maple, right(?) so I’m not going to trash it.

My question; should I layer for a new nebari above the graft? And should I perform a more educated trunk chop at the top and hope for an amended appearance? Can both of these things be done in the same growing season, or a year apart from each other?

I realize a picture might be helpful, but really what I’m hoping for is general input, not just for this specific tree.


First Styling Question: My second Japanese Maple question is about the tree I posted asking for a Japanese Maple Virt.

http://forum.bonsaitalk.com/showthr...70818#post70818

It has branching low on the trunk, which is what sold me on it. Two of the branches coming off of the trunk are very heavy. There are other branches that are pretty well positioned that are younger and smaller. It will need its apex reorganized, branches wired and pruned, and roots pruned and repotted.

When I first started in bonsai, I bought and read A LOT of books and magazines. I read lots of websites on the internet. But, really, there isn’t a lot of information about timing of various functions, other than wait for spring or summer. Not a lot about how much, and what things you can do to a deciduous tree in one growth cycle.

Should I remove the heavier branches and hope the smaller ones near them develop in better scale, or do I prune and wire them and begin working on ramification?

Can I hard prune, wire, and repot at the same time?

I am a member of a bonsai club. They meet once a month, and have specific programs every month. I guess I could “ask around,” but I’m finding this forum so helpful, that I wanted to ask here first. (Our next meeting isn't until next month)

Thank you all in advance for your help.

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Sonlight NurseryGreen Country Bonsai Society

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Alasdair

i dont know how long the trunk is as there are no pictures, but i would sujest you attempt an air layer at the graft point (ish) well, more of a layers. Stripping away the bark and using a root homone liquid with built in fungicide to stop it becoming infected etc. Ive found that layering can produce some superb nebari, many roots in all directions. Then, after a few years for the roots to develop, depending on the branches, you should have a champion specimin of a maple!

Will_Heath

If this were my tree I would go about it in a two stage process. Let me first say that all the branches coming off the trunk could be a good thing if you allow them to grow out as sacrifice branches. They will serve the purpose of thickening the trunk.

I would plant the tree into the ground in the spring before the buds enlarge,without touching the roots at all. Then once the leaves have burst forth, I would ground layer the tree above the graft. Once the new roots have formed I would cut the old portion off, replant the tree into the ground on top of a tile or other flat object to encourage root spread outward. Now let it grow.

The following year or the year after is when I would perform the trunk chop, depending on trunk width.

my 1/2 cents worth,

Will

bwaynef

I too wouldn't hasten to perform both of these measures in the same year. Layer then chop in successive years.

EarthgirlOK

Okay. Sounds like grasshopper must continue to count the sands in patient meditation...

Two year process, at the least then.

__________________
Sonlight NurseryGreen Country Bonsai Society