is it too late in the season to do trunk chops/major prune on J maple?

[bonsaichile]

I think patience can be learned, especially after having made a few mistakes.

True that. We've all been there!

 

[potatofarmer]

Look. Let's start from the basics. Tree seeds to have some decent nebari (we dont see it now) and interesting beginning of the trunk (Let's say first 5-15 cm). If you want to improve nebari, you have to do it in spring, during the repotting. Take it out, chose good roots, remove thick roots, eventually pot it on piece of wood board( check @clem s threads).
If you want thickening of the trunk, you need to let the tree grow, do not remove anything. Let the current foliage contribute to trunk thickening (starting now until end of growing season).
And we are back as square one, you will eventually chopp it to desirable height in May 2026.
That's how I would look at it strategically.

turns out you were 100% right. it bushed out completely and looks better now and should be perfectly fine next year.

i'm going to be pushing my plants a lot harder. it's time to get shit done next year.

 

[Attmos]

I would like a thread on the topic of light and trees. Most trees are not exposed to the sun 360 degrees so do these statements apply? If I have afternoon shade does the tree's growth calendar shift? If your bench is between two buildings does the tree pick up seasonal queues differently? If all light is light then all that matters for chop timing is how much time you have before first freeze.

I have a few semi-tropical trees that seem to grow better in the winter when they are under 12 hour artificial light vs the variable ~8 hours outside, so I always wondered if they are more active when the photoperiod is closer to their native habitat.

The way I understand it is that even in shade, plants are getting an enormous amount of light.