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Competing branches

9 years ago

Hello!
I recently purchased a few 2-3 year old low grafted j maples. I've noticed about 2-3 inches above the graft, the tree branches off into two equally thick lead branches that both extend equal in height to the top of the tree. My question is this, do I remove one early to begin the process of creating one central lead despite it making up 50% of the tree? Or should I leave be and let it grow?

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Comments (2)

gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
9 years ago
Leave it be and let it grow. Japanese maples (and most other, even larger growing shade trees) do not develop a defined leader (read up on decurrent growth habits). It is extremely common and somewhat expected for a low graft JM to produce offset or competing branches. Essentially, it is just the rootstock up to the graft that produces any 'trunk' or leader.....after that it is just the branching habit of the grafted scion that will create the shape of the tree. And close or tight crotch angles are generally of little concern as well
Xavier thanked gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
Xavier
Original Author
9 years ago
I really appreciate the info! Are there any other resources you think I should research to help me for my jm's? I am growing them in containers at the moment but hope to transplant them into my yard one day.
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