Acer palmatum sharp's pygmy [#07]

[MACH5]

Who's talking about cutting branches off? Jeezuz!, I simply stated that area 1 will need attention at some point and the only way to attend to it is to prune it. Reduce it with a tool that cuts branches. Andrew came up with all this leaf cutting and balancing bullshit instead of agreeing proving he lacks the knowhow. There's no point in leaf cutting there. It will lead to increase in density because the number of buds will not be decreased. The branches need reducing and thinning, not the leaves. Then he comes back trying to preach to me about sugar. Further proving he's still in the practical experience gaining stage.

Messing around with leaf cutting here won't do anything. The branch is already too thick and won't get thinner.
Something like this is what will have to be done eventually. (if not more) You can talk about balancing vigour with leaf pruning all you like but the reality is that it needs to be branch cut.
The tree is outstanding quality, it will need guidance to keep it that way and getting better. This is one of the things needed....sooner or later.
Just what is the big deal exactly??? We are just talking about trees not here not children. Everyone should stop being so bloody precious. We all need to look at our trees with a critical eye if they are to improve. I always look for the faults in my trees and I want everyone who looks at them to point out faults as they see them, not just tell me how nice they look.
Merry Christmas all!
View attachment 126874

Michael, let me try and reel back the conversation a bit because I think there are two different discussions happening here. The cutting off of a branch refers to a comment made earlier, since branches coming at the viewer are generally not ideal. This specifically refers to a lower main branch slightly towards the left of the tree which protrudes forward. Ultimately I cannot cut this branch off as it will severely flatten out the tree and will reveal too much of its front. I mentioned that I may try and look for a slight change of angle in the spring to address this. This is entirely a different discussion than what you are referring to which is specifically the apex.

Again, thank you, and I thank all for your insights and comments. In the end, regardless of whether I agree or not, it's always helpful and informs the path forward. I wish all a Merry Christmas!!

 

[Smoke]

Michael, let me try and reel back the conversation a bit because I think there are two different discussions happening here. The cutting off of a branch refers to a comment made earlier, since branches coming at the viewer are generally not ideal. This specifically refers to a lower main branch slightly towards the left of the tree which protrudes forward. Ultimately I cannot cut this branch off as it will severely flatten out the tree and will reveal too much of its front. I mentioned that I may try and look for a slight change of angle in the spring to address this. This is entirely a different discussion than what you are referring to which is specifically the apex.

Again, thank you, and I thank all for your insights and comments. In the end, regardless of whether I agree or not, it's always helpful and informs the path forward. I wish all a Merry Christmas!!

I didn't get that from the conversation Serg...one is talking about a thinning technique and one is talking about a maintenance technique. One is talking like an apprentice who works and sees more finished trees and one is talking like a person who, like me, works with trees that have been developed from more rough beginnings and is still very much in training stages. I can see both their merits but in this case this tree does not need maintenance in that area it needs to be thinned out which you have already said you are going to do....

carry on.

 

[MACH5]

Thanks Al. Michael remarked about "who's talking about cutting branches off?". I believe this is in response to the above comment from Mike Frary who jokingly threatened to take the tree away if I were to do so based out of discusmike's post (#226) to cut the "offending" branch off. Phew!

I realize, that there is also a separate discussion namely with Michael and Andrew specifically about the apex. In any case all good and I think, with the exception of cutting that lower branch off, I did agree with what has been said.

 

[butlern]

Sergio, given your amazing tree I hope to tap into your experience and expertise.

I am wondering if you find these mottled patterns on the newer growth of your Sharp's Pygmy (pics of mine attached).

For mine, multiple sources suggested chlorosis associated with Fe deficiency. pH of the soil is 6.5, so the tree should in theory be able to mobilize micronutrients, and application of iron last week has not affected any change (about a table spoon of "Dr. Iron" spread evenly across soil).

Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance

Noah

 

[MACH5]

Hi Noah. I don't have it so much on my Sharp's pygmy but I do get it sometimes on other maples. I used to think the same thing and tried to supplement my feeding regime with iron. It did not help which led me to believe it was something else. I don't worry much about it anymore. As leaves mature, it tends to go away on its own most of the time. Just make sure you feed your trees appropriately and regularly.

Sorry that I do not have a definitive answer for you on this.

 

[butlern]

Thanks, Sergio.

The information you provide is still very valuable! I will be patient and see what "unfolds" this summer.

All the best,

Noah

 

[JudyB]

Hi Noah. I don't have it so much on my Sharp's pygmy but I do get it sometimes on other maples. I used to think the same thing and tried to supplement my feeding regime with iron. It did not help which led me to believe it was something else. I don't worry much about it anymore. As leaves mature, it tends to go away on its own most of the time. Just make sure you feed your trees appropriately and regularly.

Sorry that I do not have a definitive answer for you on this.

I experienced the same thing on my large maple this spring, but it did go away as the leaves matured. I chalked it up to not enough sun, but I could be wrong about that.

 

[MACH5]

I experienced the same thing on my large maple this spring, but it did go away as the leaves matured. I chalked it up to not enough sun, but I could be wrong about that.

Thanks Judy. Not sure. I've had that with trees under sunlight or very bright conditions. It is strange and do not know the cause. I think this in the end may just be "normal".

 

[butlern]

Thanks to you both, Judy and Sergio.

My pygmy gets 6-7 hrs of direct sun, so I don't think it a matter of too little sunlight (and it's still early enough in the season so that the sun is not too intense here in Iowa).

I will keep close watch over the next weeks and months.

Best,

Noah

 

[MACH5]

Thanks to you both, Judy and Sergio.

My pygmy gets 6-7 hrs of direct sun, so I don't think it a matter of too little sunlight (and it's still early enough in the season so that the sun is not too intense here in Iowa).

I will keep close watch over the next weeks and months.

Best,

Noah

Ok good luck and keep us posted. FYI Sharp's pygmy is one of the most sun scorch resistant cultivars I have seen.

 

[MACH5]

Didn't realize it's the first time I am updating this thread with pics this year. Not quite yet where I need this tree to be so delayed exhibiting it at the Winter Silhouette Expo this year.

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

Looks good, and would probably be a welcomed addition to the winter show!

 

[Dav4]

I think it'll pass muster, even in its current state of neglect. Looking forward to seeing it in person in a week or so!

 

[M. Frary]

Damn!
One of my 5 favorite trees of all time.
If I had the money I'd come down just to see this one tree.
It would be worth it too.
Great tree Sergio!
Love it!

 

[MACH5]

I think it'll pass muster, even in its current state of neglect. Looking forward to seeing it in person in a week or so!

LOL!!

Dave what I meant is that I am not showing this tree until next year or the following. Going in this year with my amur maple and a three point display with a princess persimmon and zelkova. Look forward to seeing you there.

 

[AlainK]

Splendid! Kudos on you...

 

[JudyB]

LOL!!

Dave what I meant is that I am not showing this tree until next year or the following. Going in this year with my amur maple and a three point display with a princess persimmon and zelkova. Look forward to seeing you there.

Can we get a preview of what you are taking????

 

[MACH5]

Can we get a preview of what you are taking????

Yes of course. I will try between today and tomorrow to post them. The persimmon may be later this week since I need to relocate some of its fruits for better balance. But I want to wait a day or two before the exhibit to do so.

 

[Vance Wood]

Beautiful tree.

 

[Eric Group]

Yes of course. I will try between today and tomorrow to post them. The persimmon may be later this week since I need to relocate some of its fruits for better balance. But I want to wait a day or two before the exhibit to do so.

Relicate the fruit? Like take it off and glue it back on somewhere else?