Just let the tree grow for a while. Let more branches go and when they start to lignify then cut and start the bending process. Just walk away from this tree for the next few months!!!
Its no different than any layer really. Start em late spring and by midsummer they are usually full of roots. The layers need to stay very moist. I don't have any threads doing it but me and many in my area have had success. You may need a greenhouse in your area to keep humidity up.
Crepes grow SUPER fast. You could get a leader 2/3 the thickness of the base in 3 years easily. And as long as branches are extending and are around pinky thickness or smaller will still be supple enough to bend easily. The main issue with crepes is young branches like to pop from the trunk...
Look at the tips and in between leaves for new buds. If all tips are growing and new buds are swelling then the tree is fine. These have more of a reddish then white underbark and cambium layer. Its not really green except the new growth.
I'm in Florida and I've never had a trident or red maple leaf burn ever. They get a pretty good amount of Fl sun. The JMs I keep pretty shaded but they do fine as well.
Well they are good but since I moved to the country I can't do cakes anymore. But suggestion for your teabags if you wanna keep using them is 'Treetone'. Its what Bjorn was using for a long time. He's actually switched over to this other product that already comes 'pelletized' and its called -...