Help With New Trident Maple

dustin

First Post. I need some input on my new trident with the apex and number one branch.

#1 branch. I like the higher curved down branch myself number 1. I planned on removing the lower branch and pasting the wound number 2.

Apex. If you can tell from the options I have, Im torn between the 1 and 3 branch. 3 is easier to follow up the trunk, but sways back a bit, wawy from front of tree. Where as the closer option 1 leaning toward the front, but has a sharp distracting turn in it. leaf is covering it here so maybe not a distraction.

the style I was hoping to achieve with this maple was a slanting style. Most of the tridents I see have had the ole chop done and follow an informal upright style. So I wasnt planning on going down that road.

Thanks for any advice....

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dustin

apex numbered

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dustin

one branch numbered

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ChrisM

dustin, here is what i'd do- prune the canopy along the red line, get rid of branch 2 and prune branch 1 back to be in line with the canopy. this will give the "same old, same old" look to the canopy (broom) but you will have an evident slanting trunk below it. just a thought.

chris

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DavidN

I'd love to see what the back of the tree looks like. The current front you are displaying has an obvious huge wound which is not currently hidden by any branches. This is pulling my eye to look at the wound rather the tree. That is why I'd like to see the back of the tree for possibly other options.

The good news is that you have a nice trunk to work with and branch selection should be made soon. Any of those branches on the right (first branch) can be used as long as it can be wired down slightly. The rest of the tree will need to come down similar to what Chris has suggested.

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dustin

as requested, thanks for the replies so far.

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dustin

closeup

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Jase1972

Dustin, assuming you were to use the current front/angle then perhaps something like this:

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DavidN

dustin
IMO the back of the tree is no good and the current front is what you should work with. I like Jase1972 idea for your tree with a bit more branching in the empty areas.

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Bonsai Northwest Inc, Melbourne, Australia

Bonsai Flora Nursery in Yarraville, Melbourne