AusBonsai

Here is one of my Trident maples. This one has its roots clasping a water worn stone and currently stands around 50 cm tall. All sides have some faults so no side stands out as the best viewing angle so I have not been able to decide on the best front for this tree. I think there are 3 possible fronts.
Bear in mind that the top needs to be reduced but we need to decide on a front in order to decide where to reduce it. I may also need to remove 1 or more of the lower branches depending on where we decide the front will be.
Any thoughts or preferences?

I like the current front i think it features the rock best and visually is nicest to me


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Fantastic tree. Love tridents.
I'd also keep the current front.
I'd cut the top, and add two new lower branches.

Stunning tree, agree with the current front as well, but would not go for the additional two lower branches. Would reduce the height of the tree to the level indicated by wrcmad, and then re-grow the apex to roughly the same height as the current top left branch. This way the existing branch structure should work. The initial reduction would result in better taper and additional branch development towards the apex, and a more compact tree.

I also agree that the current front would be the best of the three possibilities. I would imagine the tree to lose the top of the trunk from where it loses its movement and becomes straight. Once reduced, the tree's height would be nicely proportionate to the width of its base and would taper beautifully.

Adam

I am going to be different and pick possible front "A"

I like the movement from the groun on this one and then would chop at the 5th branch.

Ken

I like the "now front" with the exception of the branch halfway up. If it were to be moved to the right by wiring it out it would fill that gap?

It feels right with the current front for me. I would consider shortening the tree at the fifth branch too.
A beautiful tree.

Hi Neil,

Nice tree. I think each front has its merits and faults. I think before you can make a decision you should really unearth more of the root base. As it is a root over rock i would be looking at which front brings this aspect out the most and then approach getting the branching to fit this front. You may need to graft new branches and or you may get away with the old ones. Also shortening the trunk will highlight the base further but this is a bit dependent on the front you end up selecting. There may also be scope for a left or right angle change come re-potting time but again this will be a little dependent on how the roots look below the moss and upper portions of the soil. attached is a quick virt with some angle change.
With this option you would have to grow out the left first branch and reshape the head etc but i think it makes for some interesting movement. I did take some artistic licence on the roots so it will be interesting to see it this is actually do-able.

Talk soon,
Joe.

Like Jow/Joe's idea of lean the t/maple over to the left. It appears to create and highlites bit more movement in the trunk. I'd still shorten the apex to the fifth branch
Cheers Rod

Yep, current front, lean to the left, grow the top to straighten up just a bit. Nice rhythm in the branches - not even, not predictable, but harmonious.

Please keep posting its development.

Gavin

rodm wrote:Like Jow/Joe's idea of lean the t/maple over to the left. It appears to create and highlites bit more movement in the trunk. I'd still shorten the apex to the fifth branch
Cheers Rod

This.

I like Jows virt too. I like the movement and the lean as the lower trunk looks too straight after the roots at the moment. As he said, we need to see what more is happening under the soil/moss first.

I love your trident Neil....A tree anyone can desire...
I like the current front and the new lean to the left suggested...Without trying to teach you anything since I know your experience, I would not chop the top now...I would fatten it a bit more...before doint that and you have perfect branches for a new apex...leaning to the right.
I am going to do a virtual for you...just to have some fun.

I had another look at the tree today. I think Jow could be on to something with his lean to the left so cleaned up the moss and some soil but did not have time to photograph - tomorrow