Japanese Maple progress....Far enough now

[bodhidharma]

I think the Maple has now reached a point where we are getting to SNAP time, although that has not happened. I have pruned it quite heavily and pulled some branches down. Although the branches need to come down a little more they will look better with ramification. I snapped the main secondary on the lower branch but i think it looks better and inspires me to work on better branching. What think you all

[simonm]

what is the wrapping around the trunk for? is it to keep the tree from potentially snapping when you bend it the way you have?

[Bretts]

Looking better all the time Bodi.
It will be intresting to see if you can get away without adding lower branches

[bodhidharma]

G'day Simon, 100% right, it helps the tree to give and supports the trunk, just like a corsette . It also helps to stop marking the main trunk from the Bender (thingy)

[NathanM]

Wow, that’s looking good Bodhi!!! That’s a fair bit of extra movement for a tree that size. Well done!
I want some maples. They can grow here, but they never seem too happy. And we don’t get pretty colours in autumn 
I was in Toowoomba on the weekend and my mum has an acer palmatum growing in her garden, a nice big old thing, but she won’t let me dig it. Had beautiful red autumn leaves!! Might take a pic when I’m back there next weekend

[bodhidharma]

Looking better all the time Bodi.
It will be interesting to see if you can get away without adding lower branches

Thank's Brett's, yes but deep down i hope i am having to add those branches just so i can keep changing the tree

[kcpoole]

How long will you leave the "Thingy tm" on ? and how much Spring back do you think you will have

Ken

[bodhidharma]

G'day Ken, The Bender thingy will come off early summer. i will wait one week to see if and how much it springs back (hoping for the "IF") If it moves to much i will do it all again. I know it can now. What was interesting was that it moved better when i turned it (the tree) in early morning as compared to the afternoon. I dont know why that is.

[Dumper]

Bondi
I envy you maple
Btw. Where can you get a bender that is that huge?.
or did you make the bender yourself?

John

[bodhidharma]

Bondi
I envy you maple
Btw. Where can you get a bender that is that huge?.
or did you make the bender yourself?

John

G'day dumper, the bender (thingy)actually came in a job lot that i bought three years ago. It was in as box of trunk benders that i bought second hand. I am going to get a quote to see how much it costs to get them made

[alpineart]

She does look like a dancing Queen now ,very nice job .I'm gunna give it a go one day , but i think i will start on a smaller trunk as my luck runs thin when i torture my trees .Got far too many trunks to carve at the moment .Cheers Alpine

[craigw60]

Hi Bodhi, I would be really surprised if you get any spring back on a tree with wood as hard as a maple, not like its a cedar is it? I am also astounded that you got it to move at all.
Craig

[bodhidharma]

Hi Bodhi, I would be really surprised if you get any spring back on a tree with wood as hard as a maple, not like its a cedar is it? I am also astounded that you got it to move at all.
Craig

G'day Craig, Comforting to know; thanks for that. I am with you though i do not think it will budge either. I didnt know that it couldnt be done and just went ahead and did it. No apprehension or worry. I personally think that helped. Its on my agenda to pay visit up your way and check your place out. Is that cool

[craigw60]

It would be my pleasure. My nursery is pretty much perennials so its a bit scrappy at this time of year but you will probably bypass them for more interesting territory.
Craig

[bodhidharma]

I posted this tree umpty dumpty years ago and have not bothered to update it or lost it in the tons of info here. I used the drill out technique on the tree and posted it on another thread but will hook up with this one. I am about to prune this tree ready for a repot and will share its Autumn colour. The trunk has nearly healed completely from its ordeal and is enjoying life in its updated Japanese pot. Along way to go and i dont know if i like its direction but i will wait another few years to see where it ends up. Maybe in the garden?