Cutting off trunk

[Nor Cal AC]

I air layered the top of this Japanese maple last year. I want to cut off the top 90° angle. As that portion of the trunk is dropping bark and will most likely die off. I'm in northern California with moderate weather from now till the end of spring in June. Is now a good time to do it? any information and inspiration regarding this tree would be much appreciated.

 

[Nor Cal AC]

Maple

 

[Hack Yeah!]

I think you should wait until it leafs out and make your cut at the new leader to save you some time down the road

 

[Nor Cal AC]

I think you should wait until it leafs out and make your cut at the new leader to save you some time down the road

That's kind of what I was thinking. I get a little overzealous when it comes to timing on repotting air layers and cutting back. I know I shouldn't rush things especially when it comes to bonsai.

 

[Nor Cal AC]

On a side note. Do you think that is a ground layer graft at the base of the trunk. I've been thinking it is, if so, in my opinion not that bad.

 

[Hack Yeah!]

I don't see anything that looks like a graft, are you talking about that big root? It needs planted much lower whatever you do. Maybe make some small wounds and bury it deeper after you cut back those big roots

 

[BonsaiDTLA]

On a side note. Do you think that is a ground layer graft at the base of the trunk. I've been thinking it is, if so, in my opinion not that bad.

Idk what you mean by `ground layer graft`, but I would recommend considering on ground-layering right about the roots, to develop and achieve a superior nebari with radial roots.

 

[Hack Yeah!]

Make a raft!

 

[Nor Cal AC]

I don't see anything that looks like a graft, are you talking about that big root? It needs planted much lower whatever you do. Maybe make some small wounds and bury it deeper after you cut back those big roots

The crinkling just above the roots is what I was referring to. I have wanted to cut some of the unsightly large roots.

 

[jquast]

On a side note. Do you think that is a ground layer graft at the base of the trunk. I've been thinking it is, if so, in my opinion not that bad.

Personally, if this were my tree, I'd ground layer it and get some better looking roots on it.

 

[sorce]

I'd go in this order, being sure to get that cascade started with the first layer, then get it, then fix the base.



Sorce

 

[Nor Cal AC]

I'd go in this order, being sure to get that cascade started with the first layer, then get it, then fix the base.

View attachment 355450lots of colors. What exactly do you think I should do.

 

[Nor Cal AC]

I want to cut the trunk just above the upright portion of the tree. That area would be several inches above your yellow mark. Just above the last branch that is growing. I believe the trunk above that is dying off as it has no branches and the bark is starting to peel off. Should I do the cut now or once it has started leafing out

 

[Nor Cal AC]

Sorce, I would love to hear your opinion, as I have grown to appreciate your opinion.

 

[sorce]

I'm sorry, I missed the possible dead trunk part.

I'd be most interested in those 2 bends over the base.

If the green and yellow airlayers are a no go, that low branching is nice enough to work the base.

Sorce

 

[MrWunderful]

Chop tridents mid summer.
And i would ground layer for better nebari, but that is my opinion.

 

[August44]

I don't know. I think I would start over again, with a different tree. I see nothing about that tree that I like...sorry!

 

[Nor Cal AC]

Chop tridents mid summer.
And i would ground layer for better nebari, but that is my opinion.

If it matters, the tree is a lacy leafed dark green jm.

 

[MrWunderful]

If it matters, the tree is a lacy leafed dark green jm.

Yeah not sure why I said Trident. I would still shop mid summer, but dissectum varieties can be more difficult.

 

[Nor Cal AC]

Is now a good time to cut the trunk back? Or should I wait? I am having a hard time downloading pics. The tree is full of leaves