Josh, thanks for the advice...I think I understand your logic. If I can force myself to wait (LOL) I will probably mark it in place so the lawn guy doesn't mow it AND so I can find it in the winter. Gardengal48, you are right, there are several others, though this particular one is the biggest and quite vigorous-looking. I am *guessing* that it might already be a year old? I really don't know much about JMs other than the fact that they grow quite slowly, and I really really like them!

"We also learned that the potting mix the JM's arrived in was heavy on the bark side.This is commonplace with all growers and grafters of JM's. It ROTS within 6-12 months, so the bark must be removed from the JM's whenever you up-pot...... Remember this: Growers don't ship plants with sustainable soil. It only lasts 6 months." I am going to disagree with this :-) While I don't do it commercially, I grow all my JM's in containers and have for many years.......my oldest is approaching 30 y.o. And my potting mix is and has always been heavily barked-based as it produces a very freely draining, textural and extremely durable media. With this barked based mix (the 5-1-1 discussed intensively on the Container Gardening forum), I do not need to repot or refresh the soil for 3-5 years depending on the container and the size of the tree. Even at that point the soil is still in reasonably good condition. The location and depth of the perched water table is entirely dependent on the soil media being used, not the size/depth of the container. It is quite possible to maintain a small seedling or 1 year graft in a 4" pot or a larger, 7" deep trade gallon for as long as necessary before up-potting provided you are using a highly textural soil that allows for fast drainage. Due to the vagaries of soil physics and water movement, there will always be a PWT in the base of the container but the better the potting mix, the lower/thinner the PWT will be. The reason growers focus on bark-based mixes is for this very reason. They hold up well long term yet provide the aeration and very necessary fast drainage but the degree of moisture retention JM's are happiest in. And also maintain a low PWT. Although it would not be my first choice, your perlite based mix should offer a similar situation. However, I would encourage you to disavow yourself of the notion that a barked based potting mix deteriorates rapidly. 30+ years of using it and growing a large collection of containerized trees (a variety but primarily JM's) has adequately proven that to be inaccurate :-) I would also encourage you to read this thread on container soils and water movement thoroughly to educate yourself on the many qualities of a bark-based mix.

ya they can take more sun- introduce them slowly, just like any other seedling. How big's the pot they're in? I usually use a styrofoam "coffee cup" or somesuch untill they're about 12" tall, then transplant to a big pot & let 'em go. Often they'll appear to 'pause' for a bit, then jump. But just like heating water... The more you watch, the longer they'll pause.

Don't know if it happens so much with JMs but with some trees,when multiple branches/trunks grow surrounding one in the middle,the central one often dies off as it gets harder to keep it supplied with nutrients etc.as the other branches grow.The other trunks have overtaken the central one so maybe it was gonna happen one day anyway.I expect the stump is dead now so wouldn't worry too much about dark patches. Not sure about the green stuff,could it be just harmless lichen?One of the resident experts will be along to throw light on the whole situation I'm sure :) As for the seedlings,just dig'em up carefully when big enough to handle and plant in a free draining container and position in a sheltered spot 'til bigger.