Question about trident chop

MrMiyagi

I would rotate it a tiny bit counter-clockwise as suggested and go with the leader that's already in place. I think it already has a great trunk line.

Attached Images

virtual 1.jpg (33.2 KB, 34 views)

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eeiko321

oh man, thats a NICE tree............
i like it!

if your gonna experiment and risk ruining it...sell it to me!!!!!!!!!!!!!
lol

well are the branches brittle?
why not train some of them.....get the shape right....
if it was my tree id keep most of those branches....train them......and get good ramification

its got very nice taper already.
thats one awsome tree man!

NeilDellinger

It depends on if you want a tree with quick taper or not. If you do not chop, you will see the best result in terms of branching by removing the majority of the existing branches completely and starting over...not a big deal or an extremely long project. Trident branches can be built quickly while still ensuring good movement short internodes and some taper.

I would suggest reading one of the progression series on this forum about developing trunks for shohin, featuring a trident maple. Could provide some insight.

If you select the leader you pointed to, wire it into place (only the 1st 3 inches or so matters) and let it go wild for a season several feet tall, it could be 1-1.5 inches in diameter by this time next year.

I see the top 1/2 as being too straight & the taper stops at your chop line indicated.

Nothing ventured nothing gained.

Myrtle

Here's a rough virt.
It doesn't have the most dramatic trunk in the world but I think it's definitely worth keeping.

Attached Images

	trident stump.JPG (24.6 KB, 27 views)
	tri virt leaves.JPG (35.7 KB, 14 views)

Ralph

Myrtle,

I think your virt is very doable using the exisiting branch that is being trained as a leader in an earlier shot. Like Gary says pot it down, and focus on branch development while letting the leader grow wild and chopping it every year to the desidred point. The is excellent pre-bonsai material will teach the artist much over the years while it develops, and can be a fine tree one day. Give it to me, and I will be showing this in about 4 years.

__________________
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Spring is upon us!


-Paul S.

Myrtle

I agree Ralph. Why chop this tree and wait years for it to grow out when it has a good trunk already. Training branches would be a lot more fun than watching a new trunk grow.
After looking at the virt a second time, I gotta revise it.

Attached Images

tri virt leaves.JPG (38.4 KB, 18 views)