Japanese Maple Chop Advice

[Kodama]

Hello BNuts!
Got this Japanese Maple Ryusen from a nursery that will be getting repotted in spring.
Hoping to get chop advice as I think some of the branches are way too thick.
Should I chop all of the branches this spring and regrow all of them or do you see ones I should consider keeping?

Not sure if it will be possible to train branches other than in weeping style as that is the habit of the Ryusen.
Just hoping to develop better structure. Thoughts and suggestions welcome!
I thought it had potential but I could be wrong.

 

[Shibui]

It is common to have to remove most branches from fast grown JM in order to get better proportion and ramification in branches. Fortunately most Jm bud well from branch collars so you usually get plenty of new buds to develop new branching. The trick then is to slow growth so that the new branches have short internodes. I also prune regularly while regrowing branches to get better taper and some natural bends. Trying to hurry through to full size at that stage just defeats the purpose.

I would be wary of the higher cluster of branches. Removing 2 of those would leave a very large cut round more than half the trunk which could compromise sap flow to the top section and will take ages to heal. I usually go slower in situations like that - remove one branch flush but shorten the other one enough to reduce vigor but still retain viability. Only remove the remaining branch when the first is partially healed enough to have viable sap flow through the new bark - sometimes several years.

 

[Kodama]

It is common to have to remove most branches from fast grown JM in order to get better proportion and ramification in branches. Fortunately most Jm bud well from branch collars so you usually get plenty of new buds to develop new branching. The trick then is to slow growth so that the new branches have short internodes. I also prune regularly while regrowing branches to get better taper and some natural bends. Trying to hurry through to full size at that stage just defeats the purpose.

I would be wary of the higher cluster of branches. Removing 2 of those would leave a very large cut round more than half the trunk which could compromise sap flow to the top section and will take ages to heal. I usually go slower in situations like that - remove one branch flush but shorten the other one enough to reduce vigor but still retain viability. Only remove the remaining branch when the first is partially healed enough to have viable sap flow through the new bark - sometimes several years.

Ah ok. Thanks for the advice. I'm glad you mentioned that because I was thinking about reducing it all down to the trunk in one session. I'll slow the roll and make sure to keep a couple branches but I will just cut them back until I get the growth where needed. Much appreciated!

 

[Tidal Bonsai]

My 2c would be to remove the thick heavy branch at the top of the picture, and air later it under the bulge.

twin trunk JM

 

[Kodama]

My 2c would be to remove the thick heavy branch at the top of the picture, and air later it under the bulge.

twin trunk JM

Wow...good eye...thanks for the suggestion!
Hmmmm.....

 

[Tidal Bonsai]

Wow...good eye...thanks for the suggestion!
Hmmmm.....

Disregard my above post, I didnt realize this was a weeping variety. You can try to go against its natural habit, but I think you will drive yourself mad.

 

[Kodama]

Ok got a good winter silhouette for evaluation. I also tried a virtual edit of possible reduction.
Thoughts, suggestions welcome!

 

[Kodama]

Here's another virtual edit of the other side. I know it's not exactly the same but it's close to what I'm thinking.
Can't wait for the spring chop and repot.

 

[Kodama]

Is there anybody out there...just nod if you can hear me. Is there anyone home?

 

[Maiden69]

Before you move forward with chopping this tree, read this thread. While not a "how to style your weeping maple" thread it has a lot of insight on the tree and plenty of pictures of the progress made.

Weeping Ryusen Maple...winter was harsh

Weeping Ryusen Maple...winter was harsh...not even bonsai material Put a call into our local nursery to see if I should be concerned about our weeping Ryusen Maple. They said to give it two more weeks before getting concerned. This winter has been extremely harsh...Japanese Maples are seeing a...

www.bonsainut.com

 

[Kodama]

Before you move forward with chopping this tree, read this thread. While not a "how to style your weeping maple" thread it has a lot of insight on the tree and plenty of pictures of the progress made.

Weeping Ryusen Maple...winter was harsh

Weeping Ryusen Maple...winter was harsh...not even bonsai material Put a call into our local nursery to see if I should be concerned about our weeping Ryusen Maple. They said to give it two more weeks before getting concerned. This winter has been extremely harsh...Japanese Maples are seeing a...

www.bonsainut.com

Ahh yes, I have seen that thread before and they do look nice. Now with fresh eyes I am reconsidering the direction. Thanks for sharing!

 

[leatherback]

Is there anybody out there...just nod if you can hear me. Is there anyone home?

Nod.

But no input as I do not know the growth habit of this species at all.

 

[Kodama]

Nod.

But no input as I do not know the growth habit of this species at all.

Therein lies my dilemma...growth habit seems to be weeping.
However I am curious if it can be trained into a more traditional style or not weeping.
Thinking I would have to be diligent with clip and grow method not giving branches a chance to arc.
OR do I just go with nature and utilize the weeping for a better appearance. Besides the thread reference above I am not seeing alot of other examples of this species.
Guess I'm looking for opinions...maybe I should start a survey.

 

[leatherback]

However I am curious if it can be trained into a more traditional style or not weeping.

If thi is what you are after, why not get a regular japanese maple instead? Am I missing something?

 

[Kodama]

If thi is what you are after, why not get a regular japanese maple instead? Am I missing something?

Nah...and I know that is the obvious solution. I guess I was just curious if it could or should be attempted. Maybe this should be the first so then others will know? I mean what could go wrong? Ha ha

 

[leatherback]

"Lister to the tree, and let it tell you the way"