Small shohin Japanese maple

This 5-inch tree is from a cutting struck about 3 years ago. It is doing fine, except at the base. I think it's too small to be grafted (and I want to keep it small), so any other suggestions on basal improvement are solicited and will be appreciated.

Jim,

Looks fine, wish it were mine.
You can of course will it to me.
I say just grow and time.
Thanks for showing.
Khaimraj

Hi Jim

If you every year, after the tree stopped growing in the top, in Denmark the beginning of august, gently take the tree out of the pot, and repot it in a bigger container, will the roots grow stronger and create a better base.....in late winter repot to the small pot again...do this every year...I do this with almost all my trees, it works.

Kind regards Yvonne

That sounds logical. I'll give it a go. Thanks Yvonne.

Jim,
I have maple envy, I think it would look great in my shadehouse, I have 2 small layers that I seperated in jan & can only hope they look this good in a few years time.

Yvonne,
I read this tip from you a while back & Thankyou
I have trialled it with a few trees and it definitely helps improve the roots & lower trunk but the trees seem to be developing faster up top too win:win

Hi MattA

Happy it works for you..but you will also have to prune it hard in the top, and leave the lower branches to grow longer, then will the taper arrive.

Kind regards Yvonne

I'd be tempted to thread graft or (air|ground)-layer to improve the base. The latter would probably yield the best results, but it'd set the tree back a few years before it'd be able to "stand" on those new-formed roots. Also, a very viable option is to turn the tree around and enjoy it for what it is.

Hi Bwaynef

Why not show us your tree, front and back.....I dont think Jim will mind we highjack hes page

Kind regards yvonne

Yvonne,

I was more afraid that if Jim, alters the proportions of his tree, trying to change or thicken parts, the maple would just lose the charm, it presently has.
Later.
Khaimraj

bwaynef wrote:I'd be tempted to thread graft or (air|ground)-layer to improve the base. The latter would probably yield the best results, but it'd set the tree back a few years before it'd be able to "stand" on those new-formed roots. Also, a very viable option is to turn the tree around and enjoy it for what it is.

Yes, well, I've already said I think it is too small to be effectively (and attractively) thread grafted, so that's out. I'm not sure I understand the "turn the tree around" sentence. But thanx for the thoughts.

This tree could easily be thread-grafted. I was aware of your sentiment when I posted and expected that suggestion to be panned. Perhaps I misunderstood what you see as being in need of improvement at the base. I simply thought that turning it around might hide any problems with the base.

Yvonne, what tree of mine would you like to see the front and back of? My comments are directed at Jim's tree.

MattA wrote:Jim,
I have maple envy, I think it would look great in my shadehouse, I have 2 small layers that I seperated in jan & can only hope they look this good in a few years time.

Yvonne,
I read this tip from you a while back & Thankyou
I have trialled it with a few trees and it definitely helps improve the roots & lower trunk but the trees seem to be developing faster up top too win:win

Hi Bwaynef

I took you for being MattA...a mix up.

Kind regards yvonne

JIM,, As far as i can see there is nothing wrong with this tree !! i asso would be proud to have it on my benches.. how you get cuttings to work is beyond me.. nice tree my opion.. take care john