Japanese Cherry Blossom trunk chop.

[Steven1969s]

Hello everyone.

I'm getting a few Sakura's this week and was wondering if anyone here has had any experience with doing a trunk chop on this particular tree.
I know I have to wait until spring.
The trunks of the trees I'm getting are only about 1" and about 2' tall.
Any help will be appreciated.
thanks,
Steve

 

[M. Frary]

If they are only a couple of inches tall why do they need chopping?

 

[Steven1969s]

If they are only a couple of inches tall why do they need chopping?

The trunk is 1" in diameter, but the tree is 2' tall with no lower branches.

 

[Steve Kudela]

The trunk is 1" in diameter, but the tree is 2' tall with no lower branches.

Why don't you put up a pic or two when you've gotten them? Please

 

[Steven1969s]

Why don't you put up a pic or two when you've gotten them? Please

Just got the trees today.

 

[Leo in N E Illinois]

Don't chop for several years. The trunks need to double in diameter.

Those trees are grafted. See the bulge above the short straight section above the soil? Never trunk chop low on these trees. Always leave six or more inches above the bulge that indicates the graft union. Branches that form above the bulge will be the Japanese cherry. Branches that form below the bulge will be a different species, usually manzard cherry. Manzard is used for disease resistance, not for flowers or fruit. Remove all branches below bulge if they form. These grafted trees can make nice bonsai, but only as larger trees. Think a three foot tall tree, (meter tall), tree, not a little desktop shohin bonsai. These will need to be grown out taller this summer, chop back in a couple years after trunks have increased in diameter, 4 to 8 inches diameter would be enough to hide the graft.

 

[Leo in N E Illinois]

If you want a smaller bonsai from these trees, you will have to air layer off their tops. Above the grafts.

 

[Steven1969s]

If you want a smaller bonsai from these trees, you will have to air layer off their tops. Above the grafts.

Thanks for the help.
Yes. Air layering was my second option. I also got a few crabapple's that I'll be air layering this spring.eve

Steve