Trident Maple

[father1]

Hi I'm Chris, a newbie to the forum.
I have been dabbling in growing bonsai for a number of years but only started a collection of sorts in the last five years.

About 10 years ago I planted a trident maple in the garden and every other year have given it a good cut. Its now five foot tall with a girth of some 49 cm at the base but not much tapper. I was considering cutting it down to about 2 feet and digging it out of the ground and planting it in a large container to start growing it and training it in a container.

Can this be done and is it the time of the year to start the project. I live in Perth and our weather is finally cooling down.

Any help would be appreciated.

Regards
Chris (bonsai killer)

[Glenda]

Welcome to the forum, Chris! I am sure here you will find all the advice you seek.

Glenda

[Tenka]

Maybe a photo and quick illustration of what you intend would help

[Bretts]

Hi Chris
Yes Photo would be great but I would say for a tree of this size in the ground is where it needs to be to correct taper you say is lacking. I believe it has not been out of the ground in ten years so it will most probably need to be lifted out of the ground for root work then replanted in the ground. This would be best done in spring as the buds swell and almost burst.
I am sure others will give more detailed advice once you show some Pictures

[kcpoole]

I would Chop back if need be to reduce the height, but if possible utilize a lower branch if you have one as the new leader.
If at all possible, dig it up and attend to any root work needed ( i assume the will be lots required). and then put back in the ground to develop the trunk further

Apply Wire with the tree in the ground is fine so long as you watch it for cutting in.

Late Winter is the time to dig and do major works on it

Ken

[craigw60]

The tree can easily be dug up tridents can take some pretty rough treatment but if its got no taper 2 feet may be a little tall. 2 feet of no taper is rather a lot. Once you cut the tree back it will re-shoot all over the place. I would dig it put it in a pot for 12 months while you establish a new leader and get the roots going again then return it to the ground to blend the new leader into the old base.
Craig

[Jarrod]

Love to see a pic Father! Can you please explain what "girth of 49cm" means? If you mean circumference then it's 16cm diameter yeah?

The advice you've gotten above sounds about right!