Japanese Maple

[BobbyLane]

I first saw the tree in someone's front garden a couple weeks ago, while on my walk (I'm a postman) suffering in the hot spell we had, leaves all crispy. I knocked to see if anyone was in but no answer. Well today I had the delivery van, had a parcel drop off a few doors down, so knocked again and a chap answered, asked him about the maple and if I could buy it, since I can see its not being cared for, he said I could have it for nothing, since he's always going away and has no time for it. He wanted to keep the flowerpot it was in, so I slipped the tree into a mail bag and stuck it in the mail van!
Apparently on its own rootstock from a seedling about 15 years ago.
It's suffered some die back which is fine by me, the tree has some character though and the base is OK.
I plan on keeping everything, but will reduce the root ball

 

[leatherback]

good to find stuff like that and be able to take it!

 

[BobbyLane]

good to find stuff like that and be able to take it!

Yup and this guy wasn't a bonsai guy or anything, just someone that keeps a few plants in flowerpots.

 

[Cadillactaste]

Great score! What amazing potential. Glad you were able to save it.

 

[The Warm Canuck]

Nice tree!

 

[BobbyLane]

I reduced the roots and put the tree in a box

 

[BobbyLane]

In spring I will reduce the second left branch to where the nodes get tighter, the first right branch will be reduced to the longer shoot further back for taper. The leader on the right will be reduced and both left n right leader will be moved to go more left.
Will tidy up the deadwood and reveal the live veins

 

[NateDyk47]

Great find, especially for free! Do you have any concerns reducing the root mass like that in autumn?

 

[BobbyLane]

Not in my climate no, ive done it many times before.

 

[BobbyLane]

Well she's up n running. Looks like a standard A palmatum which isn't a bad thing..
Will let her run and maybe cut back around June..
Just been watered. Base is a bit dark from where it was under the soil previously

 

[19Mateo83]

Very nice spring color to it too. Great rescue!

 

[Rodrigo]

Nice find! Love being being surprised by better nebari under the soil that's crazy how much was under there!

 

[BobbyLane]

From the other side