Arakawa Japanese Maple

It had an off year last year. It wasn't looking as strong as I am used to seeing. In part it needed to be repotted but some of its branches also needed to be rejuvenated but a hard pruning which also served to balance its energy throughout. The pruning was done in June of last year and it activated many adventitious buds along the branches. They did not grow but simply the tree set itself up to explode this year specially after receiving a vigorous repotting.
 
MACH5 said:
They did not grow but simply the tree set itself up to explode this year specially after receiving a vigorous repotting.
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Sergio, awesome tree, congrats!
What do you call "a vigorous repotting"?
 
Clicio said:
Sergio, awesome tree, congrats!
What do you call "a vigorous repotting"?
Click to expand...


Thanks! I probably should have said a "thorough repotting" in which roots were carefully combed out, crossing roots or stray ones either repositioned or cut off, bottom roots eliminated and overall root mass cut back by about half. Fairly standard stuff but was much needed! 🙂
 
Dav4 said:
Such a great tree, Serg. This thread is almost 9 years running and the tree just keeps getting better. (love the pot color with those emerging leaves!)
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Thanks Dave. It is becoming increasingly challenging to keep all its parts going. Arakawa as they get older have a tendency to shed branches. So correct and timely energy distribution becomes quite critical.

Also, thus far apices are quite strong but mindful that they can weaken as they age. Just part of its genetics. So another thing one must be mindful of. Aggressive treatment of their apical region is not recommended unless it is a young tree. I suspect that this is the reason you find many arakawas in Japan that are grafted with those strange looking smooth bark nebaris.
 
Wow, gorgeous tree. It will serve as my muse for this maple.
 

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dbonsaiw said:
Wow, gorgeous tree. It will serve as my muse for this maple.
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I love arakawa! But they do come with some quirks. One of then is that they tend to grow straight branches. This is a common tendency. Make sure you address those as soon as possible either by wiring them or cutting them back depending on their size. They will bud back readily except on already areas with developed bark.
 
Looks So good! Pot color fantastic also.
 
I just spent an hour or more reading this thread from #1... regardless what you grow this should be first thread that you should read. The amount of patience and persistence you have Mach is simply unbelievable... plus several different techniques you're using to make your tree perfect. Almost 10 year long thread... extremely inspirational. So much appreciated to keep this thread going...

Regarding the tree members already said it all... simply amazing!
 
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