Help With This Trunk Chop

El Dolo

Hey everyone. I have a new batch of maples to work on, but they have horrible, or no taper at all. I want to improve this with a low chop, but i've never preformed this before. 3 pictures follow. The first is the average size of the 5 new maples I have, but not the exact one I want to chop. (they came about a foot taller, but I already pruned off the top to encourage lower growth and help the little buds to gain energy)

Attached Images

japmaple.jpg (37.4 KB, 178 views)

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El Dolo

This is the base of the one I intend to chop. The trunk is about 1" in diameter. I was hoping to make that new red sprout into the new apex (or atleast use it as a start). I dont intend to chop untill winter, but when I do, should I reduce slowly or just go for it?

Attached Images

maple base 2.jpg (70.0 KB, 169 views)

El Dolo

Here is a close up of the area I want to chop down to. I chose this hight not only because of the trunks girth but also because I want to cut below that ugly scar above the new growth. So, like i was saying, should I reduce slowly as to induce more growth in the area below the designated cut or am I worrying needlessly? I intend to cut this december. That is, unless I am warned not to . Regards.

-Roy-

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maple base.jpg (66.9 KB, 166 views)

bonsaikc

If you want to save that little sprout, cut back the upper part of the tree to encourage it. When you do chop, leave about a 2 inch stub above it to dry out. Later you will want to carve that stub to make a place for it to heal. Cut too close and you will probably lose the sprout.

Chris

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El Dolo

thanks for the feedback. All the chop's I have ever seen are angled but I read somewhere that a flat cut is actually best. Any comments on this? I'm a little apprehensive about this as this is the first massive reduction I am attempting and I have already grown to love these tree's . I'm also excited about the new possibilites though

spoonman

if you wanna cut closer, i use cut paste, and spread it over my cuts.

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"Little laurel trees, your roots can find
No mountain, yet your leaves extend
Beyond your own world into mine
Perennial wands, unfolding in my thought
The budding evergreen of time."
-Kathleen Raine, The Trees in Tubs

Carl_Bergstrom

Good advice from Chris (bonsaikc).

Cut back by at least half now to encourage your little sprout.

Next winter, cut 2" above the sprout and leave the stub. You can clean it up in a year.

Then let the sprout grow, no pinching or cutting back.

Best regards,
Carl

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