Here are two possibilities, a "safe" one and a twin trunk that I like better.

Chris

I try to go for the smallest tree. I find that in the last seven or so years that looking for the smallest tree within the tree is far and away the best use of the material. Trying to fix useless flaw always ends up being such a waste of time.

In the middle photo I think I find what would be a fairly pleasing trunk line after pruning away all the branches and taking it back to a stump. If the photo holds true this could be done fairly easily and a good tree could be a few years away. The nebari would need some work but tha would be a longer term study done at repots. I think the branches could be coexed along or a series of thread grafts done in one season.

I suspect this stump would be as shown about 5 inches across at the bottom and around 10 inches tall after chop.

close?

Al

I'm with Chris' first one...... not too sure on the twin trunk idea though

I take into consideration on how fast maples grow.
I suggest chopping and letting new buds form to grow the apex.
And grafting a new root to the side.

Man I suck at photo editing.

I agree with steve's virt. Everyone seems to have the same idea and I think its the best one. This tree reminds me of the trident I have and I'm going a similar route.

I'd go with Als but don't chop until it's growing really well. I find these guys die back at the drop of a hat and it can ruin a nice tree in no time.

BTW you owe me a shovel

Cheers
Ian

It looks like most d trees already, why bother it.........................

Ciao,
Harry

Hey Tom,

I am sure you already did something by now....But.... here is what I would do. I would go for something that was a bit taller and more natural then the smallest tree possible. I like the idea of keeping the secondary trunk on the left so that it keeps the major scaring to a min. but also looks very nice as a first branch.

Anyways, good chunk of maple there

Jason