Acer palmatum progress..which front?

[bodhidharma]

I have been developing this Maple in bits and pieces over the years and have arrived at a decent trunkline and some branching. I want to get serious in its development now as it has potential. It is a recipient of a failed experiment to improve its Nebari and will get a layer next Spring, probably above the marks. Can i get an opinion on which front people prefer. It is subtle i know, but makes a huge difference. Had to purchase another size comparison as somebody drank the last one.

[Gerard]

I like the chivas.....is this a trick question?

[bodhidharma]

I like the chivas.....is this a trick question?

Ran out of Glenfiidich But, seriously, no. Look at front one and two, they are different. More pronounced in real time, but still different. I am leaning toward 2 but undecided.

[Gerard]

Yes I considered this and feel that the movemet in the top third of thr tree is better in pic 3

[bodhidharma]

I agree, its much more pronounced sitting here looking at it.

[squizzy]

Maybe but the first section of the trunk is much straighter in the second photo which keeps distracting me?

Squizz

[GavinG]

I'd think of no.1, leaning quite a lot over to the left, so that the first left branch is almost horizontal. It's so strong, I think it needs to be flat. Decision time might be when it's bare? Or when you've absorbed its spirit after copious contemplation. Great core for a good future.

Gavin

[Scott Martin]

I think the 2nd option. The lower branch appears around the trunk a little further while in option 1 it is coming almost straight out at you.

There is another branch a little further up that'll need to go as it crosses the trunk and looks a little awkward.

Front 2 for me. Nice flowing trunk line.

[Bougy Fan]

Number 2 for me - just looks better

[Meagi]

Hi mate I looked at this 50 times all three are nice but number 1 that left branch jumps out at me ...and takes my eyes off the beautiful movement and taper this tree has .
Pic 2 and 3 are very close but 3 just does it for me style and grace all in one .
Lovely trunkline and movement mate going to be an eye stopper for sure in years to come !
Nice defined leaves already mate,superb branch movement ...a+++
Really like this maple .
Cheers

[Mojo Moyogi]

I think the 2nd option. The lower branch appears around the trunk a little further while in option 1 it is coming almost straight out at you.

There is another branch a little further up that'll need to go as it crosses the trunk and looks a little awkward.

Front 2 for me. Nice flowing trunk line.

Number 2, exactly what Scott said, with a little turn your #1 branch gets a pleasing exit angle and goes from ho-hum to ooh yum

Cheers,
Mojo

P.S. the only difference between #2 and number #3 is a bottle of Scotch, otherwise the same angle, meaning that anyone that likes #3 is a victim of suggestive marketing

[eddieperth]

Total newbie here...but #3 feels right to me.

[EdwardH]

I prefer photo 1 as it shows more trunk movement. Then again if you find the decision to taxing I will gladly take it off your hands
Wouldn't want you to get a headache thinking about which way to go

[Ray M]

Hi Bodhi,
This is my two cents worth.

Bodi Maple-2.JPG

Regards Ray

[bodhidharma]

Yes, i think the consensus is leading up to the last decision by Ray. It is the way i am leaning also. I will layer it with ringbark and tourniquet method in Spring and get to work on it. This could be a nice tree in five or so years. A good one for future generation people.