Hi All , I posted in another section on this forum with my questions , but I don't know if anyone saw it so I am giving a link to the original post in hopes someone can give me some information. I addressed the post to Michael because he knows the history of this tree . Layne does as well. The upshot is , I had to prune severely due to dieback. All that remains on the tree are 1/4 of the branches . I have spotted new growth cracking from the main leader in 3 places, but one of the breaks is coming from below the graft line . Here are the pics of the main leader and you can see discolor in areas along the trunk http://www.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/forums/showpost.php?p=27051&postcount=14 What can I do with this tree ? Can I grow the root stock portion ? What types of maple do they usually use for rootstock ? I am one of those gardners that like to save everything if I can . Provided there is nothing caustic wrong with this tree I would like to try . Can you tell from the pics what might be going on ? Any insight or info you can give me I would appreciate it. If you need more detailed pictures I can provide this as well . Thanks Laura
Laura, I felt you deserved some reply. I have 2 good sized 8-10 year old Viridises but would not categorize myself as any expert, but my plants are hardy despite their delicacy. Your tree seems very much alive especially the 2 bud breaks above the graft. I would forget the 1 on the rootstock. Keeping faith with a plant in trouble is a gardener's love. I prune former branches flush with the trunk leaving no unsightly nubs. Watch for signs of new growth there as well, but I think your plant will be fine. Good luck.
