Japanese maple thoughts please

[Shinkitai]

I like how it is starting to look. I will be watching this with interest, I have a couple of maples in similar stages and I also found Paul's detailed response to be very helpful to getting my thoughts working.

[squizzy]

Little bit more work for this tree. I set a thread graft a while back and I just checked the join the other day and and it seems to be taking. Fingers crossed. what are your thoughts have I put it in the right spot? does it need more branching?

thread graft.jpg

Squizz

[Boics]

Good progression.

Thread graft looks to be in an ok spot.

Definitely going in the right direction Squizzy.

[thoglette]

Thread graft looks to be in an ok spot.

+1
Struggling with a ficus thread graft at the moment. Attempt Number One withered in the recent heat. Attempt Number two in place

[squizzy]

Thanks guys,

Good luck with attempt 2 thoglette.

Squizz

[squizzy]

Here is the maple ready for its spring dressing. I failed to get the thread graft to take successfully. I actually snapped it of whilst fiddling with the branches and I barely touched it. Will probably try another this summer in that blank spot on the middle right.

Squizz

[squizzy]

[Boics]

Hi Squizz.

Hard to tell from the photo's but it looks to me like there are far too many branches coming from the same spots?
If I'm not mistaken these will be and are currently creating some chunky bulbous areas?

No doubt won't be an issue when in leaf but when exposed right now it does look like a bit too much is going on?

Shibui did a cool thread on branch selection for Japanese Maples the other week..
Might be worth a looksee?

[squizzy]

Cheers boics

That's fairly accurate really. Have wondered for a while wether the top needed rebuilding and considered air layering the top off. Might be worth thinking more seriously about.

Thanks again

Squizz

[kcpoole]

Nice progression
I like the Taper and movement into the top section buwoud condire removin the last bit where it turns back to the left.
you have some shoots there you can use to replace it with and that will continue the taper to that last bit

Ken

[hugh grant]

that first branch is looking very nice!
the trunk line is rather nice movement wise, but have you maybe thought of rebuilding the trunk line from that significant 2nd left branch, will take some extra time to build the trunk and branches but it might be better in the long run???

[squizzy]

Hi Hugh.

Yeah I'd suggest there or maybe slightly higher maybe the next branch but make it the new leader or apex. It's thick I realise but I could take some bulk out of it with the dremel. I'm considering letting it all go this season and trying another thread graft in that bare spot though. If that thick section fattens up as a result it will make a great base once air layered.

Squizz