Arakawa Maple

[Mellow Mullet]

I was wondering about that too, it looks a little different in person, but the two apexes bother me also. I am, however too chicken to remove one of them. I wish I had time to drive to the 'Ham and let you look at it in person. I am gonna repot it later in the Spring, which looks like next month this year, maybe I can work up some guts. Which one do you think needs to go? Or maybe I need to take more pictures first, since these only show two angles.

 

[quietobserver]

I was wondering about that too, it looks a little different in person, but the two apexes bother me also. I am, however too chicken to remove one of them. I wish I had time to drive to the 'Ham and let you look at it in person. I am gonna repot it later in the Spring, which looks like next month this year, maybe I can work up some guts. Which one do you think needs to go? Or maybe I need to take more pictures first, since these only show two angles.

Beautiful tree. Nice curves. These are so often so straight with abrupt turns that make them look awkward, but not this guy! I understand your apprehension in removing the double apex and possibly pi@@ing in the tree’s Wheaties so to speak. Best of luck with it, I’m sure you’ll make the right decision!

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

I was wondering about that too, it looks a little different in person, but the two apexes bother me also. I am, however too chicken to remove one of them. I wish I had time to drive to the 'Ham and let you look at it in person. I am gonna repot it later in the Spring, which looks like next month this year, maybe I can work up some guts. Which one do you think needs to go? Or maybe I need to take more pictures first, since these only show two angles.

From each angle you posted, I kept coming back to removing the more upright and letting the tree move to the right:

 

[Dav4]

From each angle you posted, I kept coming back to removing the more upright and letting the tree move to the right:
View attachment 224146

I'm with Brian on this. I've never worked an Arakawa so I can't comment from experience on how aggressive to be with the removal of the unwanted apex, but I suspect you could do it over 2 years while allowing the remaining apex to grow freely to gain strength. That's a sweet tree with wonderful movement, fwiw.

 

[MACH5]

You also could have this option?

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

@MACH5 I saw that one too, but the third trunk section was so straight and taperless, I’d be afraid it would always be a problem. It’s funny how similar these Arawaka grow everywhere, with a bit of a hook, then run straight up. Mine, yours, MM.

 

[MACH5]

@MACH5 I saw that one too, but the third trunk section was so straight and taperless, I’d be afraid it would always be a problem. It’s funny how similar these Arawaka grow everywhere, with a bit of a hook, then run straight up. Mine, yours, MM.

Yes they sure do! It's part of their genetics. Same with kotohime with a straight-like growth habit. I do wonder if that straight section can be improved by shifting that angle slightly? We really should see more photos. I also like the one you chose but it appeared to me as moving away from us? Tough to tell.

 

[0soyoung]

I'm with @MACH5 as this would lead to a narrower canopy which, I think, would be more flattering of the trunk. @Brian Van Fleet's fav leads to more of a low and sweeping (wide) canopy. But, ...

@Mellow Mullet, I feel your pain.

 

[dirk hoorelbeke]

Just to make the choice easier... I would like the double apex to stay. Let the lower branches thicken and catch up a bit more. The thicker branches / double apex adds age and it will be nicer to build a wider crown this way. Removing one of both decreases visual age significantly (on photo). Do you want to make a tree that stands out or do you follow mainstream? Always nice to see the doubt from the sideline, not the most comfortable place having to make the choice.

 

[Fonz]

Coming along nicely! Any idea on the new pot yet?

 

[Mellow Mullet]

Coming along nicely! Any idea on the new pot yet?

Still looking, if I don't find one soon, it may just go into a grow box until I can.

 

[William N. Valavanis]

I like your tree, but suggest you angle the trunk to the right, attempting to make the first right branch kind of parallel to the soil line. There should be no problem developing a good lower trunk and surface root appearance at this stage of the development.

 

[Mellow Mullet]

Update, well kinda:

I took some pictures before a repot at some different angles. I know that the apex needs attention, so what do you think @MACH5, @Brian Van Fleet , @Smoke, @markyscott , @William N. Valavanis , and, well, even @Adair M, where should I hack it?

 

[Mellow Mullet]

More:

 

[Smoke]

Why do you want to hack it? It looks like a maple tree for heavens sake!!

 

[Mellow Mullet]

This is what it looks like now, after the repot. I know that it is not the right pot, I need a glazed, maybe light blue or cream, but it is shallower and that is my goal for now.

 

[coh]

If you're going to hack it way back, please consider selling it to me first

 

[Mellow Mullet]

Why do you want to hack it? It looks like a maple tree for heavens sake!!

Good point, Al, I can always count on you to keep me grounded. Just trying to make this look its best. What is you honest opinion?

 

[Smoke]

Perfect, now just keep it tidied all year and prune growth for twigs. Looks awesome. Nice job!!

 

[Smoke]

I'm with Coh, I would take that in a heartbeat.