So today I had a chance to work on my huge Trident maple which I enjoy a great deal.  Every winter I watch as temperatures drop and leaves start to fall letting me know that it is almost time to work on this amazing tree.  Only problem I find is that this tree takes a lot of wire and the large stuff too (5mm wire).

The branches needed to be flaten out into pads to allow for more interior growth and open spaces between the branches.  This year the tree has developed well and lots of new developments.  Next year at this time it should be looking very good.  As you know by now this phot is not of the front of the tree, but instead the left side. 

The reason I took the photo from this side is to show a problem that I have with the tree itself.  I am in dire need of a low first left branch.  two years ago I had one pop out but it didn’t make it through the next year.  I am tempted to thread graft but I thought I take a look at what is goin on the trunk.

However as I looked closer

Then even closer I was amazed to see the smallest of little growth popping out through the very old trunk of the tree.  Although it is appearing a few inches away fom where I would prefer it to be, I can certainly live with this.  Let’s just hope this liitle branch makes it this year and becomes the strong primary branch of this tree that it so badly needs.

Share on Facebook

It has been just about two years that I tried an approach graft on my trident maple.  Well today as I was doing some repotting I looked at the graft and see that it was successful.

You can see at #1 the branch that was used for the graft.  Number 2 is the new branch.  You can see how much bigger it is than the original branch.  This shows that the branch has grafted to the cambium of the tree and is now sending food down to the roots.  The size difference is sure indictaion of a successful graft.  Section 1 has now been cut so the branch is own it’s own.

 This photo was taken when the graft was first started.  You can see how clean the cut was before the cambium rolled over the graft.  Also the branch was the same thickness at both ends.

Share on Facebook

I have learned so much from this tree.  My first carving, and very first apprach graft were performed on this little tree.   Such easy material to work with, and the leave size reduces so naturally.

Share on Facebook

Spring has finally arrived in Orlando, and the trees are coming to life! My Large Trident Maple has been pretty sluggish this year, but this weekend’s warm sun has it popping with new leaves all over.

I just love the new leaves that come in red. It will just be a few weeks before the turn a bright green, but these colors look so beautiful!

Share on Facebook