Flawed Japanese Maple Bonsai Reboot

Raft? Windswept? This Japanese Maple bonsai has several options but also several flaws. I remake the bonsai using advanced techniques, but will it succeed?

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[marlabakes]

I love these discussion and especially all the root work. Even if you're not confident about the graft, it was really interesting to see and I'd be interested to see an update, even if the graft doesn't take like you want. It's a learning experience! Also, the clipping sounds on the buds and the roots are just great 👌🍃

[yaroslavpronin]

It seems that YouTube recommendations has given me another diamond among bonsai channels. Don't stop making videos!

[acer_p_bonsai]

Nice work today! Always love seeing more Japanese maple bonsai content. 👏🏽 🍁

I just did 3 thread grafts on my Seigen this spring. They’re growing out nicely; almost time for an update video.

I appreciate your humor mixed with serious effort to create high quality trees! 🙏🏽 🪴 🍁

[bonsaiexpression]

So much correction work. Well done with that root work Darren. Not sure I'd go in the same direction as you with the rest of the tree. That's the great thing about bonsai and everyone's style and approach being different. I think I would just cut my losses and chop the top and start again with a powerful trunk. Build a tree from there up. Good luck I hope the graft takes.

[johnrb]

Generally don’t need (at least I have found) to remove bark on young whips they fuse regardless.

[Benw]

I did this with an elm last year. Literally identical to what you did here. I’ve obviously seen many videos etc… for thread grafting. I feel like I perfectly executed the procedure at the right time of year. It failed and half of the trunk completely died off on one side, do to drilling a hole through it. Idk why it failed but even more, I can’t believe a little tiny hole would’ve caused so much die back. Good luck!! 👍🏼

[lidiagracielamontaldo]

Excelente, gracias por compartir. Saludos 🌎👍

[stephenhogan]

Awesome video !
Just wondering right at the end you were showing how some leaves were popping higher up the tree before the graft !
Would it force the energy down to the graft it you cut off the top of the tree ? And would hopefully encourage back buds on the trunk ?

Would be keen to hear your thoughts .

[Noah]

Great video!!!
Can I use this method for larch branches? If so, when is the best time? Thanks

[eeeealmo]

I thread grafted one of my arakawa maples this year and the threads were the last to push when all of the buds opened. Don't know why that's the case but I wouldn't worry too much

[umbertoholmes]

I just read in a book about this kind of branch grafting, that you don't have to scratch the bark of the branch. Maybe the scratching caused some damage...?

[marcus]

I really loved this tree. If i had the $$ I would try to buy it from you. Lol Good luck

[lolpwndk]

Now i've never done a thread graft yet, but it seems to me that people are not really sure if peeling bark off of the graft really does anything? from the videos ive seen people do just fine without and i figure its just another headache that might not be necsessary🤔

[nat-xsfs]

What was the little dowel that u used to plug the hole up made from, does it have to be maple?

[johnrb]

Brother drill from the exit side much cleaner exit hole 🕳️

[MartijnSinkeler]

The end wasn’t promising.. 😮 I had a snapped branch and have the same now.. 😖