Japanese Maple, progression of a beginner

[bonsai_beginner]

Hi

So I've decided to create a thread on my new Japanese maple tree to show the progression of it throughout the years as a beginner bonsai enthusiast, and also to get some fantastic advice from you all on how and what I should do.

So let me start by showing you the tree. These photos are from the front( or my perceived front), then rotating the tree clockwise


Front


Side


Back


other side

https://vimeo.com/138698101

base

I have selected this front because the large branch at the back (more visible in the side profiles) doesn't really work so well at the front or either side, (it's kind of thick)

I have done some wiring, just to flatten out the lower branches and to encourage growth with the top leading shoot.

I've also done a quick drawing of what I'd like to do with this tree



I'm also contemplating removing this section highlighted with the red circle (thoughts?)



Any advice on this tree and my ideas is very much welcomed and encouraged!
I want to hear your thoughts and opinions on the direction of this tree.

Thank you all
DK


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[Isitangus]

Hi DK if it were my tree, I'd be air layering above that strong right branch about half way up, then using that branch as the new leader. This would introduce some taper and increase movement and give you a more powerful little tree.
Just my 2c and I'll be keen to see what other recommend.
Angus


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[Truth]

For starters, I hope this tree doesn't permanently live inside. It really needs to be outside to experience the winter cold and change in weather cycles, or else it'll die.

Now generally, people try to stick to a 6:1 height to trunk width rule to give bonsai the illusion of age and power. Some people even try for ratios as low as 3:1 for things like tridents, ficus ect. Japanese maple are naturally a more slender tree, so ratios of 12:1 can work. I wouldn't recommend going much thinner than that, or else the tree just looks juvenile.

Now what does this mean for your tree? Essentially, if you want to stick with your current height, you'll need to do a great deal of thickening of the trunk. That'll take a significant number of growing seasons, sacrifice branches and unrestricted growth. The problem though, is that this will bring a lack of taper to the trunk.

To develop bonsai, we do a number of trunk cuts to show taper and movement in the tree. You grow your trunk to an adequate thickness, you chop, and rewire a new leader in a different direction. That's probably the most commonly used method to develop informal upright style trees, a style the Japanese Maple really lends itself to.

Your tree is a bit straight. It's not pencil straight, but it's lacking a bit of drama that you could otherwise encourage out of it. Furthermore, it's still a bit thin.

Now what do I recommend? Growth for a few years outside in the ground, or large pot with good drainage. This will give you some girth to work with, and a solid trunk to chop low, maybe above the current first branch, shortly after. This also eradicates the issue with the whirl of branches higher on your trunk.

But ultimately, have fun with it. Learn the tree, and how it responds to certain techniques. Do you know if it's a wild-type seed grown Acer Palmatum, or a specific cultivar? That will tell you more about it's growth characteristics and what you can expect from it. Some cultivars can be quite slow to grow and develop. Good luck with your journey! Definitely keep us updated with your progress

[treeman]

I would do the following. Try to develop the tree as is without doing anything that may discourage you. In other words no ground planting and no heavy chopping. Leave that for your next tree/s. On this one, just concentrate on one thing. That is pinching the new growth. Pinch out the centre bud as soon as you can grab it. Later in the summer, defoliate and repeat. This will be the most inspiring thing you can do when you look at the ramification next winter. By then you will have a bit more of an idea about the direction and where to prune etc. Really important with these is to remove ALL of the buds coming from places you don't want a branch to be. (they can come from anywhere - especially after defoliating) The apex is the most difficult area. It always wants to thicken too quickly. Don't allow it to! Pinch and cut back more there than anywhere else. On the very top of the tree where you have wired up a new leader, you only have buds at the top so I would cut down the the buds at the bottom of that twig and let them grow. In other words: no wiring, no pruning just pinching this year. Then show us a pic this time next year......... (and yes do the red circle thing. Just one bud/branch)

[bonsai_beginner]

Thank you both for your input!!
This tree does stay outside and received quite good sunlight. I just took it inside to take the photo on a plain backing so you can see the tree better.

I definitely think I'll put it into a big pot (styrophom box) and let it grow for a few seasons. Get some thickness in the trunk and then decide what I'll do with after its grown a bit. Is it too late to repot this tree into a bigger container?

This tree was purchased from bonsai sensation nursery however I don't know what type it is (wild or not)


Thank you very much for your detailed comment truth! It's really appreciated


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[bonsai_beginner]

Treeman I like this idea! I think I might incorporate the two. Plant it into a larger pot/box and pinch back like you have said. I'll remove the wire and cut back the apex and remove that lump in the red circle, leaving only one bud behind.


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[treeman]

Treeman I like this idea! I think I might incorporate the two. Plant it into a larger pot/box and pinch back like you have said. I'll remove the wire and cut back the apex and remove that lump in the red circle, leaving only one bud behind.


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Don't repot. It will weaken the tree and you will not get the same response from pinching.

[bonsai_beginner]

Oh okay! So keep as is and just pinch back.

I can fertilize the same? (Every 3-3 weeks in the growing season?)


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[treeman]

Oh okay! So keep as is and just pinch back.

I can fertilize the same? (Every 3-3 weeks in the growing season?)


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Absolutely!

[bonsai_beginner]

Perfect Treeman! Thank you so much for your help. Can't wait to see what happens

I'll keep this post updated throughout the progress of this tree!

Thanks


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[longd_au]

I would work towards the plan you envisaged and sketched and develop the skills, ask the question as you need it while having fun doing it.
Most likely, as your bonsai knowledge and skill matures, you will change your mind on the direction of the tree along the way. In most cases, more than once.
(Either that or the tree dies or ends up in some corner of the backyard and forgotten while you move onto another hobby)

Fortunately, the latter did not happen to me and as my bonsai knowledge improved, so has my ambition to create a dream tree. Getting there or not is another question but it has fueled and locked in my interest for bonsai.
Without knowing, it has become an obsession. That is what my other half observed anyway.
Just my from a newbie.

[bonsai_beginner]

I would work towards the plan you envisaged and sketched and develop the skills, ask the question as you need it while having fun doing it.
Most likely, as your bonsai knowledge and skill matures, you will change your mind on the direction of the tree along the way. In most cases, more than once.
(Either that or the tree dies or ends up in some corner of the backyard and forgotten while you move onto another hobby)

Fortunately, the latter did not happen to me and as my bonsai knowledge improved, so has my ambition to create a dream tree. Getting there or not is another question but it has fueled and locked in my interest for bonsai.
Without knowing, it has become an obsession. That is what my other half observed anyway.
Just my from a newbie.

I think this is the way to go. Definitely just work on it and enjoy it. Have some fun with it and develop some skills that will benefit me in my future trees!

It's definitely becoming a little bit of an obsession for me too hahaha and I'm only 21 so I'll have lots and lots of time to really develop and grown some lovely trees (hopefully that is! Haha)

Thank you


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[JaseH]

This tree was purchased from bonsai sensation nursery however I don't know what type it is (wild or not)

..thought I recognised this tree, I remember you buying it on Sat when I was there

[bonsai_beginner]

This tree was purchased from bonsai sensation nursery however I don't know what type it is (wild or not)

..thought I recognised this tree, I remember you buying it on Sat when I was there

Yes! I bought this and a juniper and my friend bought two as well


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[bonsai_beginner]

Just a quick update on this tree. It has leafed very well with new growth everywhere. I am currently pinching to increase ramifications as was suggested to me.

Here are some updated pics





Unfortunately there was an accident with my lowest branch and it was unintentionally removed [PENSIVE FACE]




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