$35 Japanese Maple project

[Dav4]

I’m using epoxy to assist in healing defects in the trunk and lower branching. Let’s see how this looks in September. Truly stuck in the ugly duckling stage right now, but hopefully not for long .

 

[Dav4]

This one consistently has some of the best fall colors out of all the Japanese maples in my collection.
You’re up you’re pathetic

 

[clem]

I love the large base and the tapper & movement of the trunk. The bark becomes mature too

 

[Dav4]

 

[Dav4]

Leaves will be on the ground within the week.

 

[misfit11]

Not too shabby for $35... and about 10 years

 

[Dav4]

Not too shabby for $35... and about 10 years

Dude... it's the journey that matters!!!
... and now you've got me thinking what I could flip it for... see if the year over year rate of return on the initial investment is beating my IRAs

 

[Dav4]

Re-potted today. Clearly, maple roots really love akadama based soils ( though they grow just fine in other soils, as well, they develop a ton of feeder roots in Akadama). As the rootage strengthens and ramifies, it'll slowly get exposed.

 

[clem]

have you already decided which branch will make the new trunk line/crown ?
I was thinking of this branch, on the pics, which seems to be a nice continuation of the trunk ->

 

[Dav4]

have you already decided which branch will make the new trunk line/crown ?
I was thinking of this branch, on the pics, which seems to be a nice continuation of the trunk ->
View attachment 530541

I've been thread grafting multiple spots on the long upper trunk, but none took last year, so more were started recently. I want the tree to be taller than what you have in your picture but do believe the tree will eventually move back to the left.

 

[clem]

ok, it will be interesting to see how it evolves in the future (your artistic choices)

 

[GGB]

Glad I came across this, dealing with an identical root problem. Great turn around

 

[Dav4]

ok, it will be interesting to see how it evolves in the future (your artistic choices)

Unfortunately, the branch you propose to be the next section of trunk comes off the back of the trunk and there would be a large chop scar directly in the front. I'm trying to avoid that be starting some new grafts above the branch you like. The tree will still be compact but a bit taller than what you've drawn above. Hopefully, we have a good growing year and these grafts take so I can start to refine the apex .

 

[Dav4]

This one continues to develop slowly, mainly due to poor early styling decisions and subsequent inaction stalling progress. Ultimately, a lower apex - ala @clem 's recommendation- is the right call. I still haven't figured out where that might be, but the thread graft on the right with the blue tape is in the running. I definitely wish I had several wips to add more thread grafts... maybe next winter. The blue tape is there to remind me to let this branch grow without pinching next year.

 

[plant_dr]

I went back to the beginning of this thread to see how far this tree has come.. it is truly unrecognizable!! Wow!

What an amazing transformation! Proof of what can be done with plain piece of nursery stock if you are willing to be bold, (and patient!) Cant wait to see how it progresses in the future.