Japanese Maple

[BobbyLane]

I first saw the tree in someone's front garden a couple weeks ago, while on my walk (I'm a postman) suffering in the hot spell we had, leaves all crispy. I knocked to see if anyone was in but no answer. Well today I had the delivery van, had a parcel drop off a few doors down, so knocked again and a chap answered, asked him about the maple and if I could buy it, since I can see its not being cared for, he said I could have it for nothing, since he's always going away and has no time for it. He wanted to keep the flowerpot it was in, so I slipped the tree into a mail bag and stuck it in the mail van!
Apparently on its own rootstock from a seedling about 15 years ago.
It's suffered some die back which is fine by me, the tree has some character though and the base is OK.
I plan on keeping everything, but will reduce the root ball

 

[leatherback]

good to find stuff like that and be able to take it!

 

[BobbyLane]

good to find stuff like that and be able to take it!

Yup and this guy wasn't a bonsai guy or anything, just someone that keeps a few plants in flowerpots.

 

[Cadillactaste]

Great score! What amazing potential. Glad you were able to save it.

 

[The Warm Canuck]

Nice tree!

 

[BobbyLane]

I reduced the roots and put the tree in a box

 

[BobbyLane]

In spring I will reduce the second left branch to where the nodes get tighter, the first right branch will be reduced to the longer shoot further back for taper. The leader on the right will be reduced and both left n right leader will be moved to go more left.
Will tidy up the deadwood and reveal the live veins

 

[NateDyk47]

Great find, especially for free! Do you have any concerns reducing the root mass like that in autumn?

 

[BobbyLane]

Not in my climate no, ive done it many times before.

 

[BobbyLane]

Well she's up n running. Looks like a standard A palmatum which isn't a bad thing..
Will let her run and maybe cut back around June..
Just been watered. Base is a bit dark from where it was under the soil previously

 

[19Mateo83]

Very nice spring color to it too. Great rescue!

 

[Rodrigo]

Nice find! Love being being surprised by better nebari under the soil that's crazy how much was under there!

 

[BobbyLane]

From the other side

 

[BobbyLane]

I reduced the roots and downsized the training pot. Maybe could of went harder on the roots, but will see if any new roots emerge from the cuts I have made.

I did have another angle in mind, but ive decided there is more interest from this view.
Felt a few of the branches were a bit long/straight, so reduced to lower shoots, ill be able to get more taper/movement.

Not your typical maple, she's the Old Lady of the forest...

 

[pandacular]

Cool, I like deadwood on maples, and this shari looks quite nice.

 

[Cadillactaste]

Cool, I like deadwood on maples, and this shari looks quite nice.

Me too! Likewise...

I'm glad not only could you see it needed saved. But love seeing the direction you are taking with it. Makes me smile.

 

[pandacular]

Me too! Likewise...

I'm glad not only could you see it needed saved. But love seeing the direction you are taking with it. Makes me smile.

I almost tagged you because I knew this would be your speed...but I figured you'd see it anyway!

 

[BobbyLane]

I think the other angle has a more airy, open look to it. But when I was repotting the tree a couple days ago, I kept looking back to the deadwood side. Would be a shame not to have that as the main feature, might as well embrace it. Its been there a while and is weathered in nicely, with nice viens along the side.
You get the feeling the tree is looming over the viewer from this more upright angle.

Here's a couple possiblities

 

[BobbyLane]

Little bit of colour

 

[BobbyLane]

So why did I mercilessly hack back my only J Maple a few weeks ago?

Well, it kept catching my eye from a position low at the base. It appeared that this angle that was growing on me had a lot going for it.

Aged bark, a powerful base and root flare, strong branch stubs, well positioned for an angled cut that would create exaggerated taper.
This cut was made directly between 3 established branches, this could give a chop a great chance to callus over.

So it seems like a fun evolution. it's heading towards one of those powerful little sumo Maples, but without the horizontal branch style. Will be a more naturalistic branch habit.

Today I uncovered the top soil, because when I made the root cuts I didn't have any Grey cut paste, ive now applied the paste over the Kyonel used. I noticed a new root emerging at the back.

Topped soil back up


Today I made a little split in this fat root and applied hormone.