Inherited Japanese Red Maple - Ideas to fix double scar

[leatherback]

Having fun there are you!

Looks very much like a (shin) deshojo to me. Good stuff! I have a tinkertree just like this.

Once it is gorwing well.. Have you considered reducing the top a little?
e.g.


Really looking forward to seeing this tree in 5 years!

 

[Adair M]

Good work!

One thing you might consider is to paint the trunk with a dilute solution of lime sulfur. That will ”whiten it up” a bit, and really bring out the contrast between the trunk and the beautiful red leaves. I believe that BVF does (or has done) that with his red maple. It will also help with any fungus that just might be there.

 

[Deep Sea Diver]

Having fun there are you!

Looks very much like a (shin) deshojo to me. Good stuff! I have a tinkertree just like this.

Once it is gorwing well.. Have you considered reducing the top a little?
e.g.

Really looking forward to seeing this tree in 5 years!

Decidedly fun times!

Good idea, yes I was, also thinking perhaps an airlayer on top. Maybe do some thread grafts too...

For tangible plans, I’m leaving the top alone for now to help heal the wound. The plan is to check progress and rework the roots in the interim. I did a half dozen cuttings of this maple last year and am waiting to see if any survived in the cold frames. If these did I’m in business next year.

cheers
DSD sends

 

[Deep Sea Diver]

Good work!

One thing you might consider is to paint the trunk with a dilute solution of lime sulfur. That will ”whiten it up” a bit, and really bring out the contrast between the trunk and the beautiful red leaves. I believe that BVF does (or has done) that with his red maple. It will also help with any fungus that just might be there.

I like this idea!, thanks! I’ll give it a try as soon as I can get the tree back on the bench and out of the spring rains of Puget Sound. Presently I’m working roots on the rest of our little maples.

cheers
DSD sends

 

[leatherback]

I’m leaving the top alone for now to help heal the wound.

Absolutely!
Just keep track: Once the top is so heavier that removing it will create a wound the size of the one you are trying to heal, it might be time to consider a cut-back (If you are considering it)

 

[Deep Sea Diver]

Thanks! I’ll keep an eye on it.

I’m wondering about the feasibility of air layering the top as part of the cut back.