AusBonsai

So I have been offered a very large japanese maple tree from a friend. Its about 300mm girth and about 3-4 m tall.

Im looking for some advice from others who have dug this large and with maples especially.

What is the likely hooded of it not recovering? I know there are many variables but just looking for some experience. I know its not the greatest time of year to do it but i dont have a choice.

Thanks

it would be a pity to trunk chop such a large tree. What about leaving it large and potting it up as a patio plant ?

In 2012 I dug a large Japanese Maple from a garden and it was hard digging. For all those who say maples have shallow roots systems I would not concur. But anyway when I dug mine it was snowing so the weather was quite different to what it is now and I used a chain saw to reduce it to a manageable size and the trunk width was about 25 cm, a little smaller than yours. The good news is that it did survive and is now a long term project.
If you only have this opportunity to dig it I say give it a go. Defoliate, plant in a pot that is not oversize, keep in the shade. Of course get as much root as possible.
Keep us posted please.

Cheers watto,

Good info. I wouldnt be too concerned if it was in the winter but my my concern is that the tree is not dormant yet.

I would also be paying for the tree so its a gamble.



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I have a large maple project, after 10 years I am disappointed. It lacks credibility the chop has not healed, the apex has suffered dieback and the trunk got sunburnt a few years ago on a 40 degree day, as a result the bark has died down one side. Many years of work and I think I will chop and re design something with a hollow trunk.

My experience also Gerard. A 3oo mm trunk will need to be grown to a very large tree to be credible (6:1 ratio = 1.8m tall??) and will require a very large pot - 1m + long???

Big is good so bigger is better - Not in my book. Far better to look for good trees rather than big trees

Same experience as Gerard. Sunburnt down one side, dieback, pest and fungus attack, death. I'd probably try again if I was offered a tree for free, but I'd be much more careful. Very difficult species to dig. They put roots out in all directions and lock themselves in very well. Make sure you seal all cuts, fungus very easily attacks cut maples. I would probably not do it out of prime season either.

Good luck

Adam