My First Bonsai - Japanese Maple

[Jordy]

Hey Guys! I just thought i'd load up a few pics of my first tree

It is an Acer Palmatum -Japanese Maple, planted in 1995,
(When i was 5 )
Its tallest major branch stands 22cm proud of its Pot and Soil
I really like the pot that it has been planted in, although not as stylish as some i've seen, i'm happy with it.
I plan on 'Field Planting' this tree next year to beef up its trunk.
Whilst maintaining and styling its branches to my end design (4th Image)

Pic1.jpg

Image: Front View
unfortunately it seems to have a dead branch which i'll likely remove once i have my Bonsai Tools
(Furthest Right, Middle) it is a bit hard to see in the photo however.

Pic2.jpg

Image: Left Side View
As you can see in the random twig branching off the left above, it is in need of a trim!

Pic3.jpg

Image: Close-up, Top right
It has a nice split at the apex which seems to have been cut some years ago.
I believe this will make it easier and also help to create quite a nice cluster of foliage at the top!


My initial response to the tree in regards to what i'd like to see as a 'mostly' finished product is as follows:

Initial.jpg

Image: Initial Sketch of Design

[aaron_tas]

awsesome first tree jordy

these trees are beautiful, wait till you see it pop out for spring...

i like the angle inyour 2nd pic, the line of the trunk is nice

your sketch is good too good work

people love giving thier opinion here (like i like pic 2...), and with your tree it is in the end your tree, so take people's opinions on board but make your own decisions, if you see a vision in your tree, go for it

[bonscythe]

Love the sketch Jordy, wish I was a bit more arty to doctor-up some for my plants before I go hammer 'n tongs at them!
Japanese. maples can look really majestic, my only qualm is that it might be difficult to get that dense sort of foliage 'pad' depicted in the sketch (although a lurking maple-master might beg to differ), it'll look awesome if it works out!

[Jordy]

@ Aaron

thanx for the feedback!
yes i understand! ha ha i'm not gonna let any of you design my tree! it is mine !
although any ideas anyone has i'm glad to hear!

@bonscythe

yea i understand its hard to get that thick foliage pad, but i'll try, and after all, its only an idea
nothing set in concrete so to speak!

[daiviet_nguyen]

Hi,

I like the sketch much better, but I feel that the tree is not too far away.

You have a goal already. I started out at about your age, and often I had no ideas where I want to go

I like your confidence too

Best regards.

[alpineart]

Hi Jordy i like pic 2 as well ,now pumping the trunk method will work a treat on your tree .With the movement in pic 2 i would make that the front .A big planter box say 350mm x 350mm x 50mm deep would give excellent root run and start pumping the goodness into the trunk .

If you want the branches in the positions they are now simply snip the other shoots off this will send the energy where you want it .Always try to keep each shoot cut back to 2 sets of leaves ,when the side shoots have 2 sets of leaves pinch the 3rd set out and keep repeating this process and in no time 1-2 seasons you trainer will be a good looking Bonsai.

If you do put it in a large box or the ground watch it and trim because it will move 2 -3 faster than the pot it is in possibly as much a a set of leaves per week ,so you will have to trim the 3rd set of leaves off about every 3 weeks and your tree will be pumpin .Good luck and keep us informed.Cheers

[bodhidharma]

good one Jordy. Nice to see excitement over a new tree. Make sure you post it in leaf

[Jordy]

i'll most definitely post it in leaf!

excited to SEE it in leaf

i'll take a few lil snaps as it gradually... 'leaf's-up'?, 'plumes'? (no idea what the correct term is)

but yes, i'll keep you all posted