Finally, a big trident project

[Les]

Very nice Dav4, I plan on root grafting 2 maples this spring. Thanks for the detailed pictures it helps build my confidence in doing this.

 

[ConorDash]

Really looking forward to its progression .

 

[Dav4]

Hair cut!

 

[JudyB]

Such a nice young porker.

 

[barrosinc]

Why did you leave so many suckers (root grafts) at the base and not let them grow unchecked or cut them off completely?

 

[Dav4]

Why did you leave so many suckers (root grafts) at the base and not let them grow unchecked or cut them off completely?

I'm 98.5% sure they've taken and can be completely removed...but I can't be 100% sure until I see the actual roots. I'll know in less then a month and will cut them flush if they've taken, or they get to grow for another year.

 

[quietobserver]

I'm 98.5% sure they've taken and can be completely removed...but I can't be 100% sure until I see the actual roots. I'll know in less then a month and will cut them flush if they've taken, or they get to grow for another year.

Until then, you're 1.5% hedging your bets that they'll be 100% taken when you check on your 98.5% likelihood that you're good to go.....

 

[Dav4]

Until then, you're 1.5% hedging your bets that they'll be 100% taken when you check on your 98.5% likelihood that you're good to go.....

Exxxxxactly!

 

[Giga]

Your ok with making cuts with winter in full swing? Not worried about die back?

 

[Dav4]

Your ok with making cuts with winter in full swing? Not worried about die back?

I left 2 seedling grafts uncut on this one as they were somewhat shaded last summer and didn't grow vigorously like the others- you can see them in the second picture above if you look closely-...their buds are swelling and showing green. I've got several tridents beginning to stir at the moment. Granted, it's early yet, but even in normal years, buds start to move in mid to late February so a hard cut back in mid to late January is fine.

 

[Smoke]

Until then, you're 1.5% hedging your bets that they'll be 100% taken when you check on your 98.5% likelihood that you're good to go.....

I'll take 50% of that bet!

 

[A. Gorilla]

>>The pine style just doesn't work for this one

I love hearing that.

 

[Don Blackmond]

I'll take 50% of that bet!

like the big short

 

[barrosinc]

I'll take 50% of that bet!

 

[Dav4]

Another repot today. I was happy to see lots of roots filling the pot. All but one of the thread root grafts took, but only one of the approach grafts took. Still, I'm happy with the improvement in the nebari and it's only going get better. The approach grafts were redone, the stubs of the successful grafts were removed, and some roots were manipulated ala ebihara. Gotta love working these big tridents as they almost never disappoint.

 

[JudyB]

Good deal on the root grafts. This one has nice bark too.

 

[Dav4]

Wiring a tree.... in full leaf.... in the rain....

 

[Dav4]

This one got wired and cut back three times this summer, and all the root grafts were severed. Next spring to do list includes grafting at least one back branch and a few more root grafts.

 

[Waldo Street Pottery]

Lookin' tough Dr. Dave!

 

[Dav4]

Another warm, drizzly day... perfect for more root work!

The root grafts from the last 2 years are growing strongly.

I started some new approach root grafts...

... and some new thread root grafts.

Wired in.

My new favorite power tool for root work. I got this variable speed cutting tool at Harbor Freight for around $30 (with a coupon). It cut through a few heavy roots without difficulty and I used it to cut the wedges for the approach grafts...so easy!!! I think this one will be invaluable in the future reducing trunk bottoms, too.