Acer Brilliantissimum Advice!

[T19]

Advice please!! I bought a young Acer brilliantissimum tree last year and was pleased with the shape and look. It looks like it's established well in the planter but this year it seems to have 1 branch that is shooting up really high. I was expecting the tree to consistently grow up and out. I've added some photos, the new dominant branch has got pretty thick at the base over the summer. I did notice some bark/trunk damage after I planted it - not sure if this has any impact - added photo also.

 

Should I leave it alone, or should I cut it out in mid-winter?

 

Also - should I get rid of the cane now?

 

Thanks in advance!

 

 

 

[AJStrees]

I would say there are two points to look at.

First is that it is a cultivated sycamore. Potentially that extra strong shoot is the original sycamore tree pushing through a damaged graft point. Or as sycamore does generally shoot up like that when young, it is just the natural habit. It would depend on whether the big shoot has different leaves to the rest of the tree.

Have you looked to see if the leaves are different on it?

[kevinjohnsonmbe]

What a disappointment!

 

Seeing the words "Acer" Brilliant" and "Advice" all in one topic heading I was expecting to see some of Acer Ventura's words of wisdom....  🤨

[T19]

I think the leaves point is spot on! Just looked at a photo from July and you can see what looks to be different leaves in and around that branch. They appear larger and not the same colour as the rest of the tree. Looks like that's my problem! Thanks AJStrees - can I cut it out?

 

[AJStrees]

You could cut it out and see what happens, unfortunately you might have to keep repeating the removal of the stronger shoot as it regrows. It’s similar with variegated varieties where the plant tries or does revert to it’s original state and the only way to stop that from occurring is to continue to remove the shoots.

 

Make sure to not to damage the graft point any further. In other words, don’t cut below the graft otherwise that will cause all manner of further problems.

[T19]

Yeah I reckon I will cut it out and see what happens. I'll go a cm or so above the graft point on your advice. As you say if it starts to regrow I'll remove the shoots.

 

Should I do it now or later? and how long should I leave the cane attached to the tree?

[AJStrees]

5 minutes ago, T19 said:

Yeah I reckon I will cut it out and see what happens. I'll go a cm or so above the graft point on your advice. As you say if it starts to regrow I'll remove the shoots.

 

Should I do it now or later? and how long should I leave the cane attached to the tree?

Normally cuts like that are best done when it starts getting cold. However it doesn't really seem to get very cold in winter these days. Potentially best to leave it till the leaves drop at least so the sap is not flowing up the tree. Best not to do it on a wet day due to the fungal spores in the air. Others might have better direction for you. 

 

The straps on the cane seem to be rubbing the bark off in places. Best to remove it if its well established in the tub. 

[T19]

Thank you - I'll do the cut when it's colder and the leaves have dropped and remove the cane also then see what happens.