Acer rubrum (American Red Maple) Project

[lewisjk]

I hope you've gotten rid of those basal root sprouts. They'll inhibit growth up op.

[dbrock]

I let it grow at first because I was debating on a twin trunk, like a Mother/Daughter, because the base is real straight and maybe a little boring. I have since changed my idea and removed them. I now have chosen my new leader and am planning to keep one or two other shoots to start as side branches. Really want to limit to probably one and the leader and let them go crazy. Just fertilize and water the heck out of it and let those two shoots thicken as much as I possibly can. I have a long growing season, so I hope to get a two inch leader by the end of the season. I must admit, I am really just echoing what Graham Potter did in one of his early videos with an English Hornbeam. I want to get developement that will give good taper to the trunk and then start that task of developing limbs. Anyone have any thoughts or ideas?

[dbrock]

Spring has made it here finally and I am now starting the development of the upper portion of the trunk. The leader has a good start on the growing season I would say. Yes, I did experience some die back, so I will probably need some carving eventually.

[plantmanky]

Spring has made it here finally and I am now starting the development of the upper portion of the trunk. The leader has a good start on the growing season I would say. Yes, I did experience some die back, so I will probably need some carving eventually.

dbrock,

Looks like you have a fine start on the growing season already. It should be intresting to hear back about how much girth you get on that leader this year. My tree finally put out it's first flowers and seed this year albeit just a few but flowers none the less. I just love these mulit-year projects and seeing the advancements from year to year! Keep up the good work and keep us informed on how it goes!

Randy

[dbrock]

I can think of only one thing more fun than watching the progression of a tree; that is making the progression come to life by your own hand. I would love to see an update photo of your tree Randy.

[plantmanky]

I can think of only one thing more fun than watching the progression of a tree; that is making the progression come to life by your own hand. I would love to see an update photo of your tree Randy.

dbrock,

Here is an image of the tree just leafing out and if you look closely you'll see the seed haning. It has more work to be done but it's getting there.

Randy

A_rubrum1_0311_sm.jpg (245.86 KiB) Viewed 1375 times

[pJkatich]

Randy,

I like the direction you are going with this red maple. I think it will make a very nice tree in a few more years.

If I may ask, what is the trick to getting them to flower?

I have been growing my local variety of Acer rubrum for a number of years and have never seen a flower on any of them.

Regards,
Paul

[plantmanky]

Randy,
I have been growing my local variety of Acer rubrum for a number of years and have never seen a flower on any of them.

Regards,
Paul

Paul,

I don't do anything special but have noticed that some individual trees are reluctant to flower. I have another Red Maple that i'm working on and it, like yours, has never set a flower for me. I suspect that it's an age thing but that's just a guess. I have a Drumond's red maple (A. rubrum subsp. drumondii) that consistently flowers and sets seed every year. Here's a picture of it from Last year. Maybe it just takes some kicking to get their attention! lol

A_r_drumondii_0110.JPG (144.52 KiB) Viewed 1364 times

[dbrock]

I like both of your Red Maples. The flowering thing may be age. Mine shot out one set of flowers off that one taller leader. It has only been collected one year but the base is atleast 25 years old.

[plantmanky]

Thanks dbrock! I'm not satisfied with them quite yet. They still need some age on them and they definately need some canopy clean up work.

Paul, I was thinking last night that it's important to consider where and what wood is removed on older trees as red maple I believe flowers on wood from the last season or two. That just means that some of that wood needs to be left on the tree for flowering to happen. Just a thought! Not sure if thats the issue.

Randy