Thread grafting a new leader where none is present is a dicey thing to do. The leader should be a vigorous shoot that will grow rapidly. Placing a graft where there is no bud activity isn't likely to produce a viable leader.

You are in a typical spot that most bonsaiists find themselves in after a trunk chop. Buds are highly unlikely to form exactly where you want them after such an operation. You usually have to choose one that's aproximately in the location you want and go from there. The buds break where there is enough of a connection between the live tissue on the trunk and the roots. A "native" shoot will usually have enough of a support system to grow pretty actively. A thread grafted shoot on the other hand requires the plant to accommodate the new tissue with no underlying support system--something that the plant is unlikely to do.

As usual, Mark is correct. This is why we cut the trunks a little higher than the final height we want and take the bud we like best. Then later we can reduce the stub. I suggest sealing your cuts, letting the tree grow, then approach graft in the future if you like.

Chris

Here is a link that might be useful: Pruning including trunk chop

thanks for your help, guys.

Hi Dave,

Here is thread graft I put through this winter. Its not the best picture, but it give an idea of how I took a very vigorous shoot off a branch, drilled a hole in the trunk, inserted it through and let nature take over from here. It will take one season to attach if it grows well. I will leave it on till mid summer of next year just to make sure.

Also, when you thread graft, get the new leader or branch in place EXACTLY how you want it, because you can not move the branch a whole lot after the graft area is fused toghether.

Hope this helps,

Matt Ouwinga

P.S. I am sure you will do very well with this!

Graft area, note the graft paste, not needed, but won't hurt either.
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The whole tree
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