Japanese Maple Group

[Theodore]

Seer's of Ausbonsai!

I have this group of Japanese Maples that I grew from seed in 1997. It started as a group of 5, grew to 11 and now has the unfortunate number of 8 trunks.

I have attached an assortment of photos that show the progression of this group. I am now at a loss, to the point of not even knowing what the front should be and also if I should be removing a trunk or adding one???

I'm sure the wise heads in this forum will provide me with some insight.

Happy to hear your thoughts.

As a group of 5 (1992-1994)



A group of 11 in 2001



And in 2006



Then in 2008



And today! The current front and close up of the trunks.





And the back.






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[Watto]

I'm not concerned by the number of trunks as after 7 it doesn't really appear to matter optically. That said, the addition of another tree may help to "close the gap" in the general appearance.

[terry.muller2]

My comment Sir Theodore would be normally that the main tree is a dominant central tree that is taller, thicker with higher branching. At this stage you could start by encouraging side branch ing to the outside trees with their trunks tapered away from the main tree. Once branching starts to develop the process of bonsai training will continue. It's early day's yet.

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[shibui]

I like the picture of the current front as the best view. Rear view does not give a good look at the trunks but with a few of the lower branches pruned maybe?

Like Watto, I don't find these 8 trunks offensive so not a problem for me. The gap in the canopy does distract a little though.
Removing the smaller tree and moving the 2 on the right a bit closer would solve both issues in one go. Might need a smaller pot after reducing the spread of the group. Already seems to be a long way from the pot in both front and rear views.

That smaller tree might make a nice shohin maple. It seems to have smaller leaves than the others already.

[Theodore]

Thought I would post an update on this one. I did read the post about bleeding Japanese maples when they are pruned this time of year and nearly didn't proceed but bit the bullet and went for it anyway.

Here are the before and after shots.





I know it is far from show quality and I am well aware of its failings! None the less, I grew all these trees from seed in about 1998 so it is quite special to me!

For those of you wondering it did bleed, but not all he cuts. Was a bit concerned at first but after a couple of hours it had stopped so I sealed them up.

The two trees on the RHS concern me and need a lot of work. As you can see I pulled the inside one in to get it more vertical and to close the gap and I think it made a little improvement. The right hand most tree needs shortening I think. Would be pleased to hear any opinions!

Thanks for reading
Theo

[Kevin]

Hello Theo,

I think it's coming along great.
The number 8 is reportedly the Chinese 'Lucky Number'

But, i miss the frog, i really liked him.

Good luck with your forest, i'm extremely keen for one myself and would be proud if i had one this good.

Thanks for the updates,
Kevin

[Theodore]

A quick update on this group. It has grown very strongly this spring, so thought I'd give it a bit of a tidy up.

Before shot


After shot


I'm happy-ish with the left side, right side needs some work.

Here is a quick shot of the trunks and the moss. I have no problems growing moss!

Theo

[Kevin]

Looking Good Theo

Kevin

[Thymetraveller]

That is a cracking forest!
You must feel very proud having grown the stock yourself!
To my mind it has a very natural look about it.

[melbrackstone]

Really enjoyed seeing the transitions Theo. I wonder if you could tell me the dimensions of the pot please? I'm considering starting a Trident maple forest here in Brisbane, but not sure whether I will have to go much bigger and deeper to allow for the heat in summer...

[Theodore]

Kevin, glad you like it.

Thymetraveller, it is quite special to me, many flaws but I'm responsible for all of them!

Melbrackstone, the dimensions of the pot are approximately 55cm x 40cm x 5cm. This needs regular watering even after rain as the canopy is very good at deflecting water out of the pot.

Theo

[melbrackstone]

Ta Theo, I hadn't even considered that part of the equation!

[Matthew]

Theo

Looking good and great to see a early shot of when this group was started . I didn't realise you were in Wodonga . Im in NE vic outside Greta South so not that far from you . I assume you know Neil from the club . Ive been meaning to get to one of the meetings but its about 1 1/2 hr drive from my place and time just never seems to be with me . I see this group continuing to develop well , im sure the current weather we are having will see it boom . Ive never seen such good healthy growth on my trees like this spring

[Theodore]

Hey Matthew

I do know Neil and I'm actually the current secretary of the Albury Wodonga Bonsai Society so we would love to have you come along to a meeting.

If you send me a PM with your email address I can send you our monthly newsletter.

Theo

[GavinG]

Nice group, happy history. My only query would be that the highest tree on the right is also the farthest out - would you consider bringing it in closer to the centre of things? Because those two trees have grown so close together, it might be easier to cut them both of the root ball as a unit, and just rotate it so the tall one is inside.

Next twenty years looking good.

Gavin