Crab Apple growth rate?

I just learned from the original owner that my collected apple is a crab apple (see this original thread https://ibonsaiclub.forumotion.com/t9077-apple-malus-quince-urban-yamadori ).

I did not mention it before but I also collected and planted portion of the taproot and it now have several tiny shoots/leaves. It is very squat, wider than taller. The top (cut area) is about 5" all around. If I move it to a larger training pot next season and leave the branches grow wild, how long will it take to have a descent trunk from it? If it is slow, I might end up carving portion of the stump.

Below are 2 pictures taken today. Thank you.

That's one massive chop if that was what was under the other tree. WOW. With a lot of growing out, I could see an interesting clump-style tree from this someday. It's not an uncommon styling for a crab which suckers so much anyway. There are also some nice Bonsai I've seen which were grown around a hollow stump, creating a semi-circular forest setting around a "pond". It'll be fun to see how it flowers.

Joey,

The chop you see here is about half of the top's base. The top had a couple of sprouts earlier then dried. It is showing some healthier looking buds again (similar to these) and I hope the news ones make it.

Good idea about a clump style for this...I just might do that. Thanks!

how long will it take to have a descent trunk from it?


27 years 9 months 3 weeks and two days.....




Actually I doubt if that will ever get to the point where you could use that stump as the begining of a single trunk tree. Clump style will most likely be the way to go.

Thanks for the laugh and input Bob!

Bob Pressler wrote:how long will it take to have a descent trunk from it?


27 years 9 months 3 weeks and two days.....




Actually I doubt if that will ever get to the point where you could use that stump as the begining of a single trunk tree. Clump style will most likely be the way to go.

So Rob, are saying that had the chop been higher on the original tree, with the ends of making this a larger bonsai, this stump might have been able to be a lg single bonsai?

Chris

I would let it grow where it has sprouted, for a long time, and then chop it back ... do this for a few years and see what happens. It will grow faster if you put it in the ground. The stump reminds me of a turtle
Best,
Todd

Fore wrote:

Bob Pressler wrote:how long will it take to have a descent trunk from it?


27 years 9 months 3 weeks and two days.....




Actually I doubt if that will ever get to the point where you could use that stump as the begining of a single trunk tree. Clump style will most likely be the way to go.

So Rob, are saying that had the chop been higher on the original tree, with the ends of making this a larger bonsai, this stump might have been able to be a lg single bonsai?

Chris

I personally think it could have been a better and bigger bonsai and would be lot faster to develop.


regards,
jun

Fore wrote:

Bob Pressler wrote:how long will it take to have a descent trunk from it?


27 years 9 months 3 weeks and two days.....




Actually I doubt if that will ever get to the point where you could use that stump as the begining of a single trunk tree. Clump style will most likely be the way to go.

So Rob, are saying that had the chop been higher on the original tree, with the ends of making this a larger bonsai, this stump might have been able to be a lg single bonsai?

Chris

If the chop was higher then it could have been possible, yes.

Guys,

I would have gone higher if possible but cannot. The base of the top portion (which is exactly where this was chopped) is twice as wide. It is a major reverse taper and shaped almost like a "b" and "p" put together. I cannot keep them together so it was chopped. This is just a "trimming" I decided to salvage. Far from perfect, but better than nothing. Don't you agree?

Someone actually informed me offline that there is a possibility it was grafted and that the top may not be the same tree specie as this bottom portion. I am hoping they are different and would love to find out later. The color and bark looks different but it could be due to the fact that this is buried underground all these years (maybe decades).

Bob Pressler wrote:Actually I doubt if that will ever get to the point where you could use that stump as the begining of a single trunk tree.

Not to question your wisdom but I disagree. I believe any base can be made as a single trunk tree base. It may take a while but it can be done. It is no different than starting from a small cutting or a seed. I actually have a better start than those having all the roots in place.

I am ready to go with the clump style but contemplating to go single trunk just to prove this belief wrong.

Another idea....

What do you think about replanting it by turning the 2nd pic 90 degrees clockwise? In effect using the clump there as the top or possibly the root (currently pointing 7:30) if it sprouts? The chop in effect will be on the side but in an angle and can be carved later.