Rough Bark Japanese Maple - Arakawa, #2210

Aug 2023–lower branches not building girth, with respect to the trunk. And the trunk has a continuous width without taper. Seeking a lower branch to cut and grow as a new apex, smaller in proportion. And allow any low branches to extend out wild, to build lower branch size. Seek a new leader, eventually develop ramification.

Rough Bark Japanese Maple - rare (arakawa), Pacific Bonsai Expo, $75 —air layered, not by seed or graft.

It had a number of branches at the top (whorled) that was odd or to create a reverse taper. To remain small, I attempted an air layer before pruning some branches. In June it finally sprouted roots. Will remove and pot in the next few weeks. In the first image, the pink tape signified the proposed new apex.

Oct 2024 Cut Air Layer

While the intent is to create taper with. New apex, each air layer taken does not add to base trunk caliper—but over time it will help. Will place on a warming mat.