AusBonsai

Hey all,

I picked up this maple about a month ago, and while I have an idea of the direction for the tree I thought I would post it up to see what everybody's opinions were.

I purchased this tree mainly for the trunk thickness, it has had a few chops so there is some scaring that needs to heal but for the price I paid I couldn't pass it up. Once I got it home and did a bit of digging I was also pleasantly surprised by what was going on under the soil

Here the tree's movement It has that big S that you see alot of in tridents but I am yet to see many Japanese maples that are styled like this, will it work?

And here are some shots of the trunk and nebari, the first one is for scale And one without, for a better look at the roots The sacrifice branch will go either in the next few weeks, or late spring to help with healing, and I may lean the tree over to the right a bit to soften the S, but I would love to hear what everyone thinks on either my idea, or any other possibilities

Kez

I think your idea is spot on.nice score

how far can you tilt to the right?
15 deg or more and use the section where you have wire ( cannot quite work out what is going on there). and having a tree not much taller than that.

Ken

I should be able to tilt a bit, as to the wire, well.......

I may have broken that branch when fiddling (used to pines and junipers) and I am hoping it will re-knit to the base of the branch. Lost the leaves but its still green under the surface so fingers crossed
Kez

There is an article in the current bonsai focus magazine that has a similar maple and they tuned it into a semi cascade. Worth a look

Can't help but think there must be a better front than the one you have shown us. What does it look like from the other side and from the left where the main trunk is?

Natural shape of Acer palmatum is multi trunked and is usually elegant and flowing but there are plenty of stunning informal upright bonsai as well and some thick, chunky ones as well.

The real question is not about the style but whether you can build a good framework of branches and twigs on this tree. A. palmatum is quite difficult and frustrating to get good ramification.