Root Over Rock Trident Maple

[thumblessprimate1]

I must have been inspired by @Brian Van Fleet to do a root over rock trident maple when I started this who knows maybe 3 years back? I got the cutting from @Eric Group. I cant remember but I think it's spent its time growing in containers. This time I'll continue but will let roots escape. I checked and notice more roots need to thicken and bind to the rock. Progress is going well though.


Last time I used friction tape for binding, and I like it. After a few years, it breaks down and is easy to remove.

There's a gap between rock and tree that needs to be resolved. I am considering grafting to help close that gap.


Much of the top of the tree is unimportant to me right now. I may completely replace it with grafting. I've considered using Miyasama or Mino Yatsubusa.

 

[Shibui]

My advice is don't let the roots get too carried away. Trident roots thicken incredibly quickly and can completely swamp the rock. ROR looks best when there is some rock between the roots.
Also need to watch that the trunk does not get too large and thick. Big tree on small rock looks unbalanced.
You have chosen both rock and trunk shape well for this one. Not all combinations look as good. I look forward to seeing some branching and ramification developing.

 

[thumblessprimate1]

My advice is don't let the roots get too carried away. Trident roots thicken incredibly quickly and can completely swamp the rock. ROR looks best when there is some rock between the roots.
Also need to watch that the trunk does not get too large and thick. Big tree on small rock looks unbalanced.
You have chosen both rock and trunk shape well for this one. Not all combinations look as good. I look forward to seeing some branching and ramification developing.

Agreed. Thank you!

 

[thumblessprimate1]

I recently grafted Mino Yatsubusa and didn't share that. Looks like buds are swelling and stretching out the film.

 

[thumblessprimate1]

Leaves continue to stretch out from the Mino Yatsubusa grafts. I decided to just leave it in the greenhouse until all this fluctuation in temperature into freezing passes. This is fun so far.

 

[Arlithrien]

I recently grafted Mino Yatsubusa and didn't share that. Looks like buds are swelling and stretching out the film.
View attachment 282926View attachment 282927

You appear to have planted your trident using 100% DE. Let me know how it turns out as I am considering trying it, either that or with pine bark mixed in.

 

[thumblessprimate1]

You appear to have planted your trident using 100% DE. Let me know how it turns out as I am considering trying it, either that or with pine bark mixed in.

I have two in 100% DE. So far ok. Will post more pictures months later.

 

[Arlithrien]

I have two in 100% DE. So far ok. Will post more pictures months later.

Do you have others not in DE for comparison? Or a general feel for how they do in a traditional substrate?

 

[thumblessprimate1]

Do you have others not in DE for comparison? Or a general feel for how they do in a traditional substrate?

No. I downsized my inventory several times. I think I have little time, so I try to keep things simple and consistent for speedy work.

 

[thumblessprimate1]

I haven't updated in a while despite having things go on with this tree. Leader cut back. All grafts look ok. The strongest one is growing the most, especially after I cut the leader. The second strongest actually had all its leaves die and grow new ones. I don't know what happened. Maybe something bumped into it? Either way, I thought I was going to lose it. Nothing critical as I made more grafts than I think I needed anyways.

 

[mikeTF]

Have any updates @thumblessprimate1