When to chop Maple?

well this is necessary and continuously while the development tree.It helps the tree out more new buds and the distance of the buds will close together, so the tree will dwarf down.

For anyone interested, here's an update of this tree. I've really just let it grow throughout summer and it's done pretty well. I'll get more pictures after leaf drop.

Any updates?

This tree is still very much alive. It doesn't look much different than the last pictures, just bushier.

I was most interested if you have chosen a leader yet. I will be doing something similar.

I'm doing a similar project with an amur maple.

I have decent backbudding and I had a new main branch "trunk" grow out the top (see pic), in about 2 weeks. But yesterday the new top broke in the wind and is now 2" long. Can't wait to see how the tree reacts.

jimlau wrote:I was most interested if you have chosen a leader yet. I will be doing something similar.

Well, there was really just one bud in the optimal place that sprouted and could become the leader, so that's the only leader there is.

Good thread!  This reallys helps newbies follow along with the processes of "drastic pruning".  Keep us updated.  I think I will try something similiar with a Japanese Maple.

Here are some updated pics:

looks quite vigorous.

so you haven't chosen the main branches and top yet, where maybe you would prune the other branches so the energy only goes to the eventual branches?

jimlau wrote:looks quite vigorous.

so you haven't chosen the main branches and top yet, where maybe you would prune the other branches so the energy only goes to the eventual branches?

I've done nothing with this tree except contemplate selling it  

Ryan wrote:

I've done nothing with this tree except contemplate selling it  

Too bad you are on the wrong side of the atlantic..