trident maple bud

[bonsai beginner]

Hi everyone, I have a question. I have a trident maple that i got at a local nursery here in Houston. It was in a 20 gallon container. I planted it in the yard for 3 yrs and then in nov of 14 i did a trunk chop and put it in a wooden grow box. I realize now I did a couple of things wrong. I did the trunk chop too early and i cut it down to no branches. I cut it below the 1st branch because the 1st branch was about 3 ft from the soil line. My question is how to tell what the dormant buds on the trunk look like before it actually looks like a bud? here is a pic. thanks in advance for the help and replies. I feel reel stupid asking but I cant find anything on the net. sorry for posting pic so many times lol trying to figure this out . Forgive me as I am the Bonsai beginner

 

[bonsai beginner]

lol wow didnt even add pic after all that lol will try again.

 

[edprocoat]

You should see a little bump coming from the trunk. It should start out a light red color. Mine are already growing with full leaves and branches about 12-15 inches long but I am in Florida with them right now. Have you seen if any Tridents in your area have budded out or grown in your area yet? Maybe you could return to the nursery and look at some others, or call a local club and ask them about it as every place is different. My only worry is the amount of roots you have exposed as they may have died off possibly weakening the tree or killing it. Possibly it could be just slow to come around. Mine were cut lower than that and way below the existing branches.

ed

 

[bonsai beginner]

I am used to seeing the red bud but so far no red. I know it is probably just slow/ I check the cambium in different areas and its still green. I see places on the bark that are becoming bumps cracking the bark. Ill get pics of it tomorrow. After I put it in the wood box it was put outside. Is it possible that the bumps that are appearing could be the buds coming out?

 

[bonsai beginner]

Also a week after i put it in the box my wife and i changed the soil to a better soil and the were new white roots everywhere.

 

[bonsai beginner]

I havent seen any tridents budding here yet but i dont get out much as I am disabled. and thank you for your response

 

[Smoke]

The good news is, you can do no more damage.

I think the trunk is long enough and has enough stored energy to push buds and grow leaves. Get your self a magnifying glass. Check for horizontal rings around the trunk. These are nodes and these lines are where the buds will come from, right at that line. They will not come from above it nor below it and the grey part inbetween will never make buds. At this point you will learn patience. Watch the watering because you have no transpiration with no leaves so water when dry. The magnifying glass will become your friend for the next week or so. Check daily and when you see the first sign of a pointed red bud pop on the trunk, you are home free.

Now you have buds on the trunk. Let it grow for at least three months without pruning to make sure there is no die back on what is left of the trunk.
Good Luck, Justin Case

 

[bonsai beginner]

thank you smoke. I thought it may be slow. I water just as you suggest. I did alot of reading and research before the big chop, LOL patience that is def a learned trait. Im learning

 

[Bunjeh]

Tridents are hard to kill. Give it time. A watched pot never boils. I potted a bunch of trees over the winter and every morning I have been going to check and the changes were indiscernible. This week I went on a business trip for three days and suddenly when I came back there were buds everywhere. Step back. Give it time.

 

[bonsai beginner]

thank for the reply. Yes my wife says the same thing. My bald cypresses are going crazy as are my maples.

 

[bonsai beginner]

thanks again. I will try to get new pics of my trees posted today. I admire everyone on here and you have some beautiful trees. Since Im not very mobile anymore this forum is the closet thing i have to friends and being in a club. It is our hope I might be a little more mobile in a year or two. Even tho I have not done post I read every one I can, I even might make a short reply sometimes, just reading your guys posts makes me feel like family and welcome. I am thankful. thanks for all your posts,and thank you B.N. for having the site.

 

[sorce]

thanks again. I will try to get new pics of my trees posted today. I admire everyone on here and you have some beautiful trees. Since Im not very mobile anymore this forum is the closet thing i have to friends and being in a club. It is our hope I might be a little more mobile in a year or two. Even tho I have not done post I read every one I can, I even might make a short reply sometimes, just reading your guys posts makes me feel like family and welcome. I am thankful. thanks for all your posts,and thank you B.N. for having the site.

That's a good feeling BB. Though you ought have a real name, being family.

Mind over matter, if you want for mobility, you can achieve it.

Welcome to Crazy!

Sorce

 

[bonsai beginner]

lol i agree i need to change my name just havent done it. yes i find ways to move the things i need moved...we have good kids around here