Just purchase this tree for a fair price as I like the trunk on it, but then realised the shape is not right.
Please see pic for reference, can I get some opinions on what I can do with this tree.
Currently I think the canopy is way way too big for the trunk and it look out of shape.
I have to disagree with Watto in this instance. The fact of the matter is that this material is very poor and should have been passed by. As is, it will never become a good bonsai and there is nothing to be gained by saying otherwise. That's the bad news. The good news is that you can use the well developed trunk as a good foundation to form a good tree out of it with a solid plan and some dedication. If all goes to plan you could end up with something special. To make that omelette you are going to have to break a few eggs. If you have a clear plan and know exactly - well more or less - what to expect each year, you will feel good about taking it on. If you don't you can quickly become disillusioned with it.
I know you don't beat around the bush in your critique and are one of the sites straightest shooters but....
If your going to be that way (which is fine) to avoid putting recipients and viewers off side I think you need to be a bit more constructive.
Elaborate on your plan / views so we can all benefit.
FWIW, I don't think it's fantastic material either but some have different expectations regarding tree's and the calibre of product they hope to achieve.
Not all of us expect show worthy trees / results.
One of the fabulous things about growing bonsai is as you get old and decrepit your trees get old and beautiful
I know you don't beat around the bush in your critique and are one of the sites straightest shooters but....
If your going to be that way (which is fine) to avoid putting recipients and viewers off side I think you need to be a bit more constructive.
Elaborate on your plan / views so we can all benefit.
I'm happy too and I have many times before. I was just waiting to see if Kev is open to the idea. It is his tree and his decision. If he is I will be happy to give detailed instructions for as long as it takes. It is important however to lay down the hard facts right from the start and take it from there. In other words ''this is the ground you're standing on at this moment and it's from here that you start to build''.
FWIW, I don't think it's fantastic material either but some have different expectations regarding tree's and the calibre of product they hope to achieve.
Not all of us expect show worthy trees / results.
[/quote]
That's just a question of time.
Last edited by treeman on March 20th, 2017, 12:20 pm, edited 2 times in total.
Am I correct - are there red leaves on the left of the tree and green leaves on the right? As I understand it the red leaves are those of the variety you want. Photos against a neutral background would help.
If the leaves on the right have reverted to green, then that whole side needs to go. That would resolve, in a drastic way, your design problems... I can see a convincing tree with the trunk and the left hand branch both leaning further over the left, but it will take some time. These special-leafed maples are not common, and well worth the extra effort to get something that works over time. If you are going for drastic work, it might need a grow pot (larger) for a few years. If you are feeling a bit out of your depth, a club might help with the slow development over time.
Best of luck, I would certainly like to see it come good.
I know you don't beat around the bush in your critique and are one of the sites straightest shooters but....
If your going to be that way (which is fine) to avoid putting recipients and viewers off side I think you need to be a bit more constructive.
Elaborate on your plan / views so we can all benefit.
I'm happy too and I have many times before. I was just waiting to see if Kev is open to the idea. It is his tree and his decision. If he is I will be happy to give detailed instructions for as long as it takes. It is important however to lay down the hard facts right from the start and take it from there. In other words ''this is the ground you're standing on at this moment and it's from here that you start to build''.
FWIW, I don't think it's fantastic material either but some have different expectations regarding tree's and the calibre of product they hope to achieve.
Not all of us expect show worthy trees / results.
That's just a question of time.[/quote]
Thank you in advance Mike.
I like a person who call it as is, yes please help me reshape this maple.
Any idea would be appreciated.
Yep. We need to wait until Autumn. When most leaves have fallen. Then we can bare root it, have a look at the nebari and decide where to cut and what angle to plant it. In the meantime, you should decide if you are planting in a box or in the ground. The ground is fine (recommended) for the first 2 years but needs to be well drained and prepared. If you are using a box, or other container, you need to find or make one.
treeman wrote:Yep. We need to wait until Autumn. When most leaves have fallen. Then we can bare root it, have a look at the nebari and decide where to cut and what angle to plant it. In the meantime, you should decide if you are planting in a box or in the ground. The ground is fine (recommended) for the first 2 years but needs to be well drained and prepared. If you are using a box, or other container, you need to find or make one.
Cheers mate.
When is the best time to bear root a maple?
I'm think to keep it in a pot for now as it's my best tree with the best trunk I have.
I do have other maple which I am planning to put in a BIG training pit to thicken up the trunk.
Am I correct - are there red leaves on the left of the tree and green leaves on the right? As I understand it the red leaves are those of the variety you want. Photos against a neutral background would help.
I am also concerned that this tree is actually a combination of the grafted variety and rootstock. If some of these branches are from the rootstock it will impact on what you can design from it.
Am I correct - are there red leaves on the left of the tree and green leaves on the right? As I understand it the red leaves are those of the variety you want. Photos against a neutral background would help.
I am also concerned that this tree is actually a combination of the grafted variety and rootstock. If some of these branches are from the rootstock it will impact on what you can design from it.
One side of the tree is red in colour because I defoliate that side from sun damage a few weeks ago from the 40+ days here in Syd.
It all the new growth on that side. It is actually one tree not a combination of grafted variety.
