AusBonsai

Hi all, i recently repotted this maple i got last week for 60 buks!!! so cheap i would like some help with the top structure?? not sure as to what look i want to go with? its nearly spring so probably best to prune back now.
some advice would be much appreciated thanks

I would be most tempted to wrap those roots around a rock.

Brian wrote:I would be most tempted to wrap those roots around a rock.

i nearly did, abit late now, maybe next year.

I'd be tempted to cut the top off it and make more curves in the future, or keep it small and develop it as a very classy shohin.

If you're on facebook, check out Haruyosi's work for some beaut little bonsai shapes.
https://www.facebook.com/Haruyosi-38298 ... 4/?fref=ts

The world is your oyster!

melbrackstone wrote:I'd be tempted to cut the top off it and make more curves in the future, or keep it small and develop it as a very classy shohin.

If your on facebook, check out Haruyosi's work for some beaut little bonsai shapes.
https://www.facebook.com/Haruyosi-38298 ... 4/?fref=ts

The world is your oyster!

thanks for you input! I'm sort off new to the world off bonsai terminology what does shohin mean lol?

Shohin is a small bonsai. https://www.ausbonsai.com.au/wiki/index.php?title=Shohin

Hi Levi, the roots are the highlight of this tree. If I were you I would cut off the top stuff about 3 cms above the start of the straight bit, and regrow the top to have a beautiful gnarled look like the bottom. That straight bit of the truck just loses all the charm of the exposed roots. Research "neagari" style bonsai and please please please don't put it over a rock!

Cheers,

Andrew

Andrew Legg wrote:Hi Levi, the roots are the highlight of this tree. If I were you I would cut off the top stuff about 3 cms above the start of the straight bit, and regrow the top to have a beautiful gnarled look like the bottom. That straight bit of the truck just loses all the charm of the exposed roots. Research "neagari" style bonsai and please please please don't put it over a rock!

Cheers,

Andrew

thanks for your input! i think that would be a very good idea now that i study it properly. I've just repotted it so i might do the chop tomorrow

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Levi.mcewan wrote:

Andrew Legg wrote:Hi Levi, the roots are the highlight of this tree. If I were you I would cut off the top stuff about 3 cms above the start of the straight bit, and regrow the top to have a beautiful gnarled look like the bottom. That straight bit of the truck just loses all the charm of the exposed roots. Research "neagari" style bonsai and please please please don't put it over a rock!

Cheers,

Andrew

thanks for your input! i think that would be a very good idea now that i study it properly. I've just repotted it so i might do the chop tomorrow

also how would I cut the straight bit? With branch cutters? I've just purchased some online. On a angle or straight across? Sorry I'm just new to the styling off trees in a advanced way. Thanks Levi

I'd suggest you cut it with garden shears. You can only really clean it up once you know where it shoots. Your other option is to graft a branch in nice and low. It's a safer bet.

You got three trees there. Layer the top most section which you can then train into a shohin broom style. Next layer should be a couple inches above the knobby part of the tree to develop good branches. This would mean though that you will have three trees in over 3-5 growing seasons

Akhi wrote:You got three trees there. Layer the top most section which you can then train into a shohin broom style. Next layer should be a couple inches above the knobby part of the tree to develop good branches. This would mean though that you will have three trees in over 3-5 growing seasons

yes yes! I understand, so when layering should I use the wrap method of ring? Your talking about starting a new layer just above the large knob part above the roots yeah?

I vote to get the roots around a rock to highlight the feature. I think that as they grow it will look more natural over the rock - if that's what you looking for that is. Good luck. Whatever you choose it has great potential.

Neagari style https://www.ausbonsai.com.au/wiki/index. ... root_style .
Nope leave the roots as they are, Trying to Putt a rock in there after developing will always look like and after thought, a root over rock must be developed fromt he start as such.

The exposed roots are very nice on their own, but the tree is far too top heavy and out of balance. The top of the tree needs to be delicate to match the look and feel of the roots
I would cut back to about 30 -50 mm above the root s and develop a small shohin above (or even beside) the roots


Ken

ps the Trunk above the roots must match the gnarly twisted look and feel of the root section. not the tall straight trunk as it is now

Ken