BarkLeafTrees
Mame
Yeah I think the back is my best bet. I don’t have any photos of the back of the nebari from last spring would of been interesting to see how much progress it made! Next year though!
Trident Maple Repot
- Thread starter BarkLeafTrees
- Start date
BarkLeafTrees
Mame
An update on this tree after another growing season.
Repotted into a shallow tray been in pond baskets for the last 2 years. Let’s see what this can do for the nebari.
I’m unsure about the top end of the tree and feel like I should select a branch to create a new leader with more movement further down. Somewhere around the red line? What does everyone think?
Repotted into a shallow tray been in pond baskets for the last 2 years. Let’s see what this can do for the nebari.
I’m unsure about the top end of the tree and feel like I should select a branch to create a new leader with more movement further down. Somewhere around the red line? What does everyone think?
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misfit11
Omono
The base is looking good. Nice radial roots. I don't really think it's necessary to do a chop. You've got nice movement and taper as it is.
Again, what I do think you need to watch out for is more than two branches emanating from the same part of a branch or the trunk. At the top, you've got at least three branches coming out at the same level. I would choose two. One will become the new leader, and the other will be a side branch.
The same thing goes for the first set of branches. You've got string tied around two of those. We're you planning on removing those? If so, I agree, and do it now.
Finally, I think it would be nice to have your first branch coming off of that first curve on the left. You can do a thread graft right there to place it exactly where you want it. You can take one of those longer whip branches to do the graft. Right now is the time to do it.
Cory
misfit11
Omono
If it was my tree, this is what I would do. I'd keep these branches and cut everything else (you need a couple/three back branches too but I just can't see them in the picture). You build your canopy on these few branches including the thread graft indicated by the black line.
I'd also tilt the tree a bit to the left.
I'd also tilt the tree a bit to the left.
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BarkLeafTrees
Mame
Yeah that lower left branch definitely needs to be grafted on and maybe one on the lower back as there’s only one back branch currently higher up.
I’m in two minds about removing those branches with the string around I’m definitely going to remove one but always think if you can see the trunk all the way from pot to apex it doesn’t look as good if you have to look through some branching but that’s just my opinion and not sure if I’d be able to pull off what my mind is seeing!
With the grafting I’ve never done either thread or approach but need to fill some gaps in the nebari so could I kill two birds with one stone with cuttings taken from this tree. Get them to fuse at the base and then where I want the branches to come out from as well?
misfit11
Omono
Yeah if you're on the fence about removing one of those branches, don't do it. It's harder to put them back on than to take them off. 
Thread grafts are definitely a lot easier than approach grafts. I've had some success with approach grafting roots but have never done branches.
With a thread graft, you simply drill a hole the same diameter of the material you are grafting. Drill exit side in. Then insert the thread through the hole until it is snug. It's nice to have a bud within a half inch or so from the graft site. This way you don't have a long internode before it branches again. Then you seal both sides with cut paste. Once the exit side starts growing strongly, you know it took.
For donor material on branches you can use a long whip branch and loop it back on itself into the thread. For grafting roots, you need seedlings.
Hope that helps.
Cory
Thread grafts are definitely a lot easier than approach grafts. I've had some success with approach grafting roots but have never done branches.
With a thread graft, you simply drill a hole the same diameter of the material you are grafting. Drill exit side in. Then insert the thread through the hole until it is snug. It's nice to have a bud within a half inch or so from the graft site. This way you don't have a long internode before it branches again. Then you seal both sides with cut paste. Once the exit side starts growing strongly, you know it took.
For donor material on branches you can use a long whip branch and loop it back on itself into the thread. For grafting roots, you need seedlings.
Hope that helps.
Cory
Juanmi
Mame
Please don't hate me for this.
Maybe is because of the angle the photo was taken, but it looks to me like the middle of the trunk is slightly thicker than the base.
So I would cut everything but the one branch on the left to grow a new leader and start constructing your tree again.
I know it would feel like throwing away maybe years of your work, so if you want to stick to the initial plan I won't judge you.
It's just what I think I would do.
Maybe is because of the angle the photo was taken, but it looks to me like the middle of the trunk is slightly thicker than the base.
So I would cut everything but the one branch on the left to grow a new leader and start constructing your tree again.
I know it would feel like throwing away maybe years of your work, so if you want to stick to the initial plan I won't judge you.
It's just what I think I would do.
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BarkLeafTrees
Mame
Hi Cory yeah I think I’ll go with the thread grafting then, I have another trident where I’ve swapped the front of the tree round, it’s got a big scar from an old chop that was done by the grower. It is healing but feel like I need to cover it somehow, what do you think?Yeah if you're on the fence about removing one of those branches, don't do it. It's harder to put them back on than to take them off.
Thread grafts are definitely a lot easier than approach grafts. I've had some success with approach grafting roots but have never done branches.
With a thread graft, you simply drill a hole the same diameter of the material you are grafting. Drill exit side in. Then insert the thread through the hole until it is snug. It's nice to have a bud within a half inch or so from the graft site. This way you don't have a long internode before it branches again. Then you seal both sides with cut paste. Once the exit side starts growing strongly, you know it took.
For donor material on branches you can use a long whip branch and loop it back on itself into the thread. For grafting roots, you need seedlings.
Hope that helps.
Cory
How it currently looks and how the scar had healed by last autumn.
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BarkLeafTrees
Mame
Yeah I can see what your saying the tree does lean forward at that point so maybe it’s just an illusion. That would eliminate the scar that’s there as well if I did.
I think I’m gonna get the thread grafts in place and spend this season working on the branches/apex.
misfit11
Omono
I'm not sure what you're asking here. Are you suggesting doing a thread graft where the scar is and place a branch there? If so, yes, that is possible. You need to do it where the cambium has rolled over so you have live tissue to graft to. This could potentially make the scar look more attractive. Additionally, this will help heal the scar over faster.
BarkLeafTrees
Mame
Repotted this trident today and placed some approach grafts to fill in some gaps. The big curved roof to the back of the tree is not great but I’lol have to address that at a later date.
Anyone having any tips for removing a big root like that, or maybe I’ll graft in the gap to the left and it will all fused over time.
Anyone having any tips for removing a big root like that, or maybe I’ll graft in the gap to the left and it will all fused over time.
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Juanmi
Mame
IMO you should try to fill the gaps and fuse the roots over time, beind a trident maple there is hope
