Questions on a Japanese Acer Palmatum

[MY NELLIE]

I have a small acer (3 years old) since last July and I would like to start making a project for this tree.
I have already read "la storia del Andrea's kaede" and of course all this information is invaluable. But due to the problem of language I would like to ask some more clarification...

I intend to let it grow unrestricted so that it gets a better trunk.
- Should I prune the branches now?
- Should I cut back the apex to the desirable (when finished) height now?

I intend to use some twigs for grafting new branches where I want them to be.
- When do I do this? Now or next spring during repotting?

Any other information is greatly appreciated!
Thank you very much!

[alexarbi1@virgilio.it]

Originariamente inviata da MY NELLIE

I have a small acer (3 years old) since last July and I would like to start making a project for this tree.
I have already read "la storia del Andrea's kaede" and of course all this information is invaluable. But due to the problem of language I would like to ask some more clarification...

I intend to let it grow unrestricted so that it gets a better trunk.
- Should I prune the branches now?
- Should I cut back the apex to the desirable (when finished) height now?

I intend to use some twigs for grafting new branches where I want them to be.
- When do I do this? Now or next spring during repotting?

Any other information is greatly appreciated!
Thank you very much!

hi nellie.
first you have to know that the palmatum is not strong as the bungerian, so it's used to build a more femmine tree with a slender trunk...
so, you can prune right now the branches, and at the same time you will cut the apex, so you can find the best conicity (I don't know if is the right term).

I think that is a bit early to think about the new branches...first you have to worry about the trunk and then when you will have the correct size you will graft in the correct point, where you need a branch...

i hope to be the understamble!!

[MY NELLIE]

Thank you for your response, alexarbi1!
Everything is quite clear and I do make out what you mean!
So, I can proceed by your suggestions.

A new question though:
- I understand that I should cut the apex to the point that an existing branch will be the new apex so that taper is achieved in the future. Is this correct?

[alexarbi1@virgilio.it]

Yes this is the correct way!!
It will need some years, but the result will be the best!!

[MY NELLIE]

Originariamente inviata da alexarbi1@virgilio.it

... ... It will need some years, ... ...

Yes, I know.
But the hopefull fact is that acers are fast growing, aren't they?
Anyway, I do have patience (which is the first we need in bonsai) and I'd like to see a decent acer bonsai out of this pencil-size tree!

[diego]

Hi my nellie, I quote Alex's answers.
Acer palmatum has less vigour then trident, but is more elegant (IMO).

If you want more suggestions, post photos of the tree

[MY NELLIE]

Thanks, Diego!
I would feel embarassed to post photo.... It is just a small pencil-size tree...

[diego]

Ok, if it's so small, repot in a big pot and feed it with a lot of fertilizers!!!