Trident ground layer separated (update)

[davetree]

Here is a trident maple that was layered early last spring. I let it grow for a year to really strengthen the roots before attempting to separate the layer. I could see this spring that the roots were mature, and the tree was ready. When I slipped the container off the top you can see all of the roots. Some had grown down into the pot below, some had grown from below up into the top. Getting the roots untangled was a major chore. I wrapped loops of wire around the new roots to pull them out if the way. Sawing through the trunk was no easy task either. I left about two inches of base below the roots so the tree would have a stable base, and wired the tree to the container by using the main branches with padded tied down wires. Here are pics of the progression.

 

[davetree]

And here is the tree in its training pot. A year or two here and into a nice bonsai pot. Maybe this Reiho pot.

 

[Poink88]

Very nice!

Looks like you got a good root distribution as well. One side is stronger but I am sure that can be easily fixed over the next repottings. You think that has to do with heat it got on one side? If so, maybe you need to situate it 180 degrees around for now?

 

[davetree]

I don't know why one side has stronger roots. I tried to rotate the tree once a week last year. There is really only a two inch gap where there aren't any radial roots. A couple of thread grafts should do the trick.

 

[thumblessprimate1]

A question popped in my mind about the thread grafts. I normally thread graft for branches, so I would make the hole directly through for the branche to exit at the desired spot.

For root thread grafting, and I may have seen this in pictures frequently, could you make the branch exit from the base and resurface from the soil to create less visible scars? Would it have to exit living tissue or could it be heart wood?

 

[Poink88]

A question popped in my mind about the thread grafts. I normally thread graft for branches, so I would make the hole directly through for the branche to exit at the desired spot.

For root thread grafting, and I may have seen this in pictures frequently, could you make the branch exit from the base and resurface from the soil to create less visible scars? Would it have to exit living tissue or could it be heart wood?

The only place that matter is the area it will bond with. It should work but so much more work to go under esp with Trident that heal very fast. I would go with simple approach graft and not thread graft myself.

 

[GrimLore]

The only place that matter is the area it will bond with. It should work but so much more work to go under esp with Trident that heal very fast. I would go with simple approach graft and not thread graft myself.

I would agree with Dario on that 100% and so far it has been working well on all Maples for me. I understand I do not or did not own every variety but that would include at least 12 different types over the years.

Grimmy