What to do with this Trident?

[jsmn]

Any thoughts on how to style this maple. I think this will be a challenge for me given my level of experience and need some idea`s on where to go. I`m thinking of chopping all the branches off back to stump or should i try to do something with the growth it has. Tnx.

IMG_0606.jpg

IMG_0607.jpg

IMG_0608.jpg

[Chris Sirre]

Hi JSMN,

I would start with cleaning the base first. I can see some different designs in the tree but would like to get a clearer picture of the base. On the last pic there is a big branch at the base that can come off. The second picture could be a possible front. Looking forward to see the next pic.

Cheers,

Chris Sirre

[bodhidharma]

Hi jsmn, firstly it is a Trident Maple and i think it has huge potential. As Chris said the lowesrt large sacrifice branch can come off but if you strip it back to the trunk you will have a very scarred up trunk line for a long time. It would make a fine twin trunk but you would have to cut the long straight upward trunk off and select a new leader for the second trunk. You will save a lot of trunk scarring that way. Go slowly, join a club and get some help.

[jsmn]

Thanks for the suggestions. I was concerned about the scarring i would cause. I`ll take the lower branch of first and go from there. Would that be ok to do this time of year?

[Webos]

something like this?

[Chris Sirre]

something like this?

Hi Adam, that's almost the exact copy of the drawing I did of it. I left it at work otherwise I could scan it in.

Cheers,

Chris

[Webos]

scan it and get it up Chris! would love to see it

[jsmn]

Thanks guys the ideas provided has helped a lot. Nice work on the virt. I plan to take off the lower branch on saturday unless someone advise me that this will hurt the tree cutting it this time of year.i will update pics as i progress.

[jsmn]

lower branch now removed.

IMG_0671.jpg

IMG_0676.jpg

IMG_0674.jpg

IMG_0673.jpg

[craigw60]

Hi Jsmn, I would not be in the least bit woried about the size or positioning of the scars on this tree, tridents are famous for their ability to heal really big wounds and this tree needs some very hard cutting.
Craigw

[jsmn]

Thanks Craig. I think i will cut it right back.

[jsmn]

After cut back. Any suggestions?

IMG_0678.jpg

IMG_0679.jpg

IMG_0680.jpg

[Mojo Moyogi]

Any thoughts on how to style this maple. I think this will be a challenge for me given my level of experience and need some idea`s on where to go. I`m thinking of chopping all the branches off back to stump or should i try to do something with the growth it has. Tnx

Thanks for the suggestions. I was concerned about the scarring i would cause. I`ll take the lower branch of first and go from there. Would that be ok to do this time of year?

Thanks guys the ideas provided has helped a lot. Nice work on the virt. I plan to take off the lower branch on saturday unless someone advise me that this will hurt the tree cutting it this time of year.i will update pics as i progress.

Hi, just spotted this thread and I am amazed that nobody advised jsmn to hold off on drastic pruning until after winter

Cheers,
Mojo

[Ash Barns]

Hi, just spotted this thread and I am amazed that nobody advised jsmn to hold off on drastic pruning until after winter

Cheers,
Mojo[/quote]

Mojo, like you I must have missed this thread too. From what I read jsmn asked quite a few times when to carry out certain cuts but then perhaps his audience did not comprehend when to do such work. I guess all you can do now jsmn is seal the wounds and hope for the best. It should be said though that Trident Maples are a pretty tough breed.

[jsmn]

Thanks guys, exactly what i presumed. oops.