Hard pruning Acer palmatum

[anttal63]

Yeah I was thinking about a single trunk line but I think this guy will be grown similar to the famous Walter Pall multiple trunk tree. I'm sure you know the one.

But thanks for your opinion.


Cheers.

Yes i know the one and this definately has the potential to come out like that if left in its current state.

[craigw60]

Hi Ant I think there would be a real danger of the tree dying back down to the roots with such large cuts so low down on the tree, I know what you mean about a single trunk but that would entail some pretty major pruning. I would cut all the trunks as low as possible create a new leader on each of them and then spend some years growing the new trunklines.
Maybe I am too rough with my trees but I have had some die back on palmatums after really hard pruning.
Craig

[anttal63]

Hi Ant I think there would be a real danger of the tree dying back down to the roots with such large cuts so low down on the tree, I understand now but i cant see it happening if done the right time of the year.( As soon as leaves drop, nice clean cuts, even carved and then sealed well) I know what you mean about a single trunk but that would entail some pretty major pruning. I would cut all the trunks as low as possible create a new leader on each of them and then spend some years growing the new trunklines. Thats what i would do too, especially when you are younger than Walter Pall and could do it better! Just because he has won competitions doesnt mean it cant be improved upon! Maybe I am too rough with my trees but I have had some die back on palmatums after really hard pruning. GO hard or go home i say Craig!
Craig

[craigw60]

I am probably a bit old fashioned but I still look to the Japanese for inspiration, I was thinking of those big tall soft tapered multi trunk palmatums with a massive slab for nebari. With the correct root work you could achieve something close to that look with this tree.
Craig