I purchased this Acer Buergeranum from Lone Pine Gardens in Sebastapol, CA in December of 2006. It was on consignment from a previous owner who had already done most of the styling, so I've only had to do a little bit of work on it. The next big project is to approach and thread graft new nebari (surface roots) to improve the base.
(click image for larger view)
Current root system needs work.
Trunk curves under adding a challenge to root grafting.
I purchased a few seedlings like this one for a thread graft / approach graft project. I'll wait until they're dormant before I proceed.
Seedlings are thread grafted through major roots to add some character.
I used a dremel to grind out a notch for the larger seedlings.
I drilled pilot holes for the nails to prevent splitting.
I cut a notch to make a sharp bend in this seedling so that it would fit in the desired location.
Wire was used to hold the seedling in position.
It would have been better to prepare the seedling the previous season.
Top view of dremel'd notch.
Nailed in place.
Sealed the joints.
Cleaned out the grow box for repotting.
Combed out and washed the roots.
Trimmed off the excess and circling roots.
Repotted in a well-draining soil mix suitable for my watering regime.
Early spring growth.
All of the grafted seedlings are thriving so far.
Growth has not been as vigorous as the Arakawa.