Japanese Maple Deshojo

Hi, just wanted to post this Deshojo to see if anyone has any ideas on improvement. I haven't done too much in the area of bonsai training with this tree. I haven't decided on the front yet... any ideas (sorry for the pics kinda hard to see)? I live in Northern California Bay area and it is just starting to leaf out so I'm trying to come up with a plan for this tree. Any suggestions or advise is appreciated.









Thanks for looking

Lots of potential, I would suggest working on the roots first to improve the radial spread of the nebari and to bring in the long lanky roots now. Waiting isn't going to do any good. You can also wire the branches you want to keep into downward position while they are still young.

PS My father-in-law's nickname was "Jigger."

I agree with Rob. Lots of potential here. I found that placing slow release fertilizer right up against the nebari and trunk, has helped my trident get better roots and better taper.

Is this tree grafted? I can't tell. The reason why I ask is that I have a poorly grafted deshojo that I've wanted to airlayer but have been told that the tree doesn't do well on it's own roots. This has always struck me as odd, but I'm a beginner and I'm not 18 anymore and apparently, I don't know it all.

Does anyone know if Deshojo is OK on it's own rootstock?

Keep us posted on this tree.
Have a great week!
~Sam

Sam Ogranaja wrote:
Does anyone know if Deshojo is OK on it's own rootstock?

Yup, mine is.
-Jay

If this particular Deshojo is grafted it is a very good graft in my opinion. I can't pick out the graft line so I'm guessing this is on its own roots? Very nice tree with good taper and interesting character. I'll be excited to see updates on this tree.

Jesse wrote:If this particular Deshojo is grafted it is a very good graft in my opinion. I can't pick out the graft line so I'm guessing this is on its own roots? Very nice tree with good taper and interesting character. I'll be excited to see updates on this tree.

Judging on the color variation at the base, I think it is grafted and agree that if it is, then it is extremely well done.

Great looking, material. I think the 5th picture looks like it could be a good front due to the thickness of the base and root spread. You'll want to improve the rootage as Rob stated earlier. There is a crossing root that should be removed now as it will only get worse with time... And as Rob said, pull down the branches and also get some movement into them if you can as this adds to the look age on a tree. Finally, you can disturb the bark on the edges of the larger cuts where it has begun to roll over and seal them with cut paste. This will help the scars heal a bit faster.

I'm a bit jealous of your tree as I've wanted a nice Deshojo to work on for quite a while now. Where did you get it, if I may ask? I'm in the Bay Area as well, Petaluma.