Major Root Prune - Trident

[Ryan1979b]

Hey all well after, it has taken me a little longer than expected to carry out this task. I ended up breaking my elbow in the snow which made it quiet difficult to re-pot my plants. Anyway I think I may have just got in in time, the buds have not quiet started to swell yet but will any day now. I gave it a fair prune as I have been trying to reduce the tap root for a while. I'm a little nervous that I have removed to much? I have included a photo of the tree last spring & it was in good health so hopefully it will bounce back fine.

I have potted it in a 50/50 Diatomite/Bonsai mix with a course granite/zeolite drainage base. I have placed it in full shade in a water tray & water well with Seasol. The tray will be removed in a few days and re-water with Seasol, I'm just try to allow the roots to soak up the Seasol.

Whats your thoughts on its bounce back rate & do you have any tips that may help its recovery.

This is year 4 from a total trunk chop

Trident 2010 Feb2.jpg

Root Cut.jpg

repotted.jpg

Cheers
Ryan

[Ninja]

Hi Ryan
I see a much shorter tree in this Maple. Are you planning to shorten it some time? or is this the tree you have planned?

[Ryan1979b]

Shortening is definitely a possibility, I'm going to let it rest for at lwast this year though & see what growth i get out of it.

[MelaQuin]

trident.JPG

Two suggestions with the dot branch indicating the new apex. I like the lower option... it will make the trunk look bigger. Nice shape to the trunk and the branching is coming along well.

[Guy]

yep the bend right is good but the bend left looks weird-(sort of contradictory)--air layer or trunk chop at bend left---top section would also be an interesting little tree

[Ryan1979b]

I think I agree with the lower option chop option, I night try and layer the top & see how I go. Its only small though so a layer might be difficult, do you think a cutting will strike OK using root hormone powder or should I try & layer it?

Might have to try & wire the apex up a bit or encourage a new leader from the apex branch (green dot) & shorten it all back?