Trident Maple - the early years

[Luke308]

Just thought I would post some pics of my Trident maple as it seems to be growing really well atm. I am also hoping for some advice on whether I should thread graft some of the longer branches to give me some lower branches or should I leave it to fatten up first?
Here is a pic as it is atm

18.11.11 012.jpg

18.11.11 013.jpg

And this is the same tree when I got it this time last year

TRIDENT000005.jpg

TRIDENT000004.jpg

TRIDENT000001.jpg

Notice the difference 6 weeks can make (the first 2 pics compared to this)

TRIDENT000003.jpg

Please feel free to comment and tell me where to chop if you recommend. If I lop the whole top off, will it throw shoots?
Im thinking I should defoliate 1 or 2 branches and thread graft them low on the trunk.

Thanks for any input

[kcpoole]

I would let go a s hard as you can till next winter then chop hard to build some taper in the trunk
Repeat over the next few seasons.

Eventually when you are happy with the trunk size cut back hard and see where the new branches develop. If you do not get them where you want, you can graft then

Ken

[Luke308]

Thanks Ken, just curious though, how far down the trunk would you recommend cutting when it is time to trunk-chop?

Thanks again
Luke