Deodar cedar graft solution

[Jaymac42]

So I bought this cedar when I first started getting into bonsai and didn’t know much about grafting and that. I thought this had a cool trunk so bought it and let it grow. anyway did some digging and realised that it is grafted by the looks with alot of swelling and the roots are down alot lower than I thought. Anyway do I have any more options on thickening the trunk below the graft? I was doing some reading on people slicing the trunk to create wound and achieve swelling but not sure how risky that is. Or am I better of trying to air layer to bring the roots up higher to graft. Any ideas

 

[Shibui]

My bet is that's an old wire scar. It is possible the wire is still in there but the bark has grown completely over the wire.
Unfortunately, cedar are not known for the ability to root so I'm not sure how successful layering is likely to be.

There's very little risk from slicing the bark vertically. I've used that technique on a few trees here. Not convinced that it was hugely successful but did no harm to the trees. The cuts do promote some extra swelling but where I used it the swellings above also kept thickening quicker too so no net benefit. Maybe you'll be luckier?
I'd say you have nothing to lose with the trunk looking like that so I'd cross fingers and try.

Another real good reminder to always check for nebari before making a purchase.

 

[mwar15]

If it was me. I would stick it in the ground for a couple years. See if the graft junction smooths out of gets more exaggerated. Then maybe chop it above that bottom bud. Then start a new tree. That is a 10 year plan. Or sell it or donate it to a club auction and focus on another tree. This is why starting with the best material possible sets you up for success.

 

[Jaymac42]

Yeah after abit more experience I know what to look out for now before buying trees. Pretty well expected these answers though just wasn’t sure if there was anything else I could try or if anyone had tried this on cedars before. Might give the slicing a try and see how it turns out thanks