Nursery Japanese Maple #1

[Apex37]

I have other Japanese Maples, but surprisingly all are cultivars and none nearly this big. I picked this up at my favorite maple nursery in the area. This is the most I’ve spent on a Japanese Maple but it being seedling grown, airlayer opportunities, and a decent base with a leader already available really made this an attractive buy for me that I couldn’t pass up.

Here’s the tree:


Here’s the top portion:


Base (that right root is probably gonna have to go):



Where all would you airlayer the top at?
I figure either go with red for two layers or blue for one larger trunk option.


Would love to hear y’all’s thoughts!
I’m really excited to work on this one over the next few years.

 

[Hack Yeah!]

From the top portion I'd layer at your lower blue ring this year, bend up that low branch and shape for the future leader, air layer the upper portions next year... if you want more material?

 

[Apex37]

From the top portion I'd layer at your lower blue ring this year, bend up that low branch and shape for the future leader, air layer the upper portions next year... if you want more material? View attachment 534245

This was kinda my thoughts as well.
Thanks for your input and virt!

 

[Apex37]

Air layer started