I've experimented with trying to turn my maple more japanesy. I cut about 40% of the foliage off. Then, in order to train the branches to grow more horizontal I hung little bottles, some filled with water onto the branches. I'm happy with the the outcome.
What do you reckon?
Here is what the maple looks like now.
Well I had my Japanese gardener ( Fumio Ueda) here last week. I showed him what I did with the bottles. He said that the tree would naturally grow more horizontal branches over time. He cut a bit of the main leader. I've removed all the bottles now.
How long will you leave the bottles on do you think?
It looked a bit like a mop before.
I must remember to take a before and after picture next time.
I should clarify, when I mentioned that I took half the foliage off I meant I cut various branches out.
What a great idea. Looks good