Acer

Ralph

This is the lower half of a young Japanese maple, that I layered at the main trunk. I performed the layer, because I needed experience doing it, and because I wanted a tree with lower branching. I suceeded with the upper portion. Now I have this lower bit, and as you can see it is a very straight trunk.
What are your thoughts or ideas for this tree?

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pict0031bjpg.jpg (56.1 KB, 213 views)

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Ralph

The lower branch on the right is about a third of the size of the branch to the left. if I planted this tree upright, I beleve that it would never be quite right, either branches starting to high, or out of proportion. My idea is to cut where the red line is, keep going with the semi-cascade idea, and keep growing the right branching , but train it in the direction of the cascaded part. Do you think this is artistically doable with this tree? All opinions welcome.

Attached Images

semi.jpg (34.0 KB, 208 views)

BonsaiMon

Ralph .. I see you have this tree in a large grow container. Might be best to let it go for a few years, maybe more, and see what can be done to thicken up the trunk and roots. Maybe even plant it in the ground. Grow the trunk and then begin your styling.

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peace,
tom stoute

http://bonsaiinsights.spaces.live.com/

Ralph

Tom,
Thanks for your reply. You were the only one. While it is young material that certainly needs to grow more, I don't understand how putting it in the ground will add any movement to the trunk.
Please continue to educate and critique.
Do you think that I could put a branch bender to that trunk, and force some movement into it while it grows?
Would not cutting it back where I suggested force back budding lower on the trunk?