Just let it grow

[Homer911]

I am fairly new to bonsai and i would like some members opinions on bonsai growth.

I have recently reduced a large broom style maple down to just a trunk. It has burst into growth in the spring with many shoots.

viewtopic.php?t=19755

So my question is - should i just let it grow in peace for the growing season or do i continually remove unwanted growth? What are the advantages?

Well, how i see it is that removing unwanted growth will re direct energy to the areas that I want to encourage. This should reduce the time it takes to reach the required length and girth.

Maples are apecly dominant so most of the growth is at the top. I want to increase the size of the branches on the lower half first before i increase the top section.

Obviously i would not fully defoliate the tree but just reduce the number of branches/leaves.

Any input or previous experiences would greatly help.

Thanks


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[kcpoole]

I remove any branches that will not be required in the final design as early as possible.
That is unless they are being kept for a sacrifice branch.

Do not defoliate a tree in development stage either

Ken

[shibui]

Do not defoliate a tree in development stage either

Normally true but if you have a tree with very strong apical growth and lower branches are weak or struggling then selective defoliation is a good option - take leaves off strong, upper parts but leave lower, weaker parts alone to grow and strengthen.

I certainly agree with Ken about removing unwanted growth as soon as you identify it - minimises scarring, directs energy to desired areas and speeds development of the parts you want. Leaving some extra shoots can help thicken the trunk/ branch if that is needed but sounds like you are past that stage and looking at refining the final tree.