AusBonsai

Hello everyone! I recently purchased this lovely lovely maple...

I'm a total beginner and before making any mistakes I would like to know what should be the next steps with this tree?



I was thinking to let it be until December and then defoliate to check the structure, style and remove unneeded branches... is it a good plan?

Please help!

Thanks


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I cannot see the structure of the tree through the leaves so waiting until you can see is a good option.
For now, just check for places where more than 2 branches grow close together on the trunk. Remove any extras so you won't get reverse taper.

Ok Shibui! so I have to leave maximum two branches growing from the same place correct?


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pureheart wrote:Ok Shibui! so I have to leave maximum two branches growing from the same place correct?


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Maples are very good at getting very thick, very quick at spots where multiple branches originate so yep, try and keep it to 2 branches where possible. Looks like a super healthy tree you got yourself...

Near the top I can see a pruning scar. I think I can see 3 maybe 4 or 5 smaller branches there as well as the trunk continuing up far too many. Get rid of as many as you can bear to now. Ideally should just have 1 branch and the trunk continuing at any spot but, at this stage leaving a few will be OK for a while.
Look at the rest of the trunk for similar. Also apply the same rules along branches ie branches should only divide into main branch continuing + 1 side branch.

Ok thanks Shibui ! I will do that and then post an update but am I still correct in doing a defoliation in December?


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Follow Shibui's advice and you cannot go far wrong.

The other thing is to make sure you learn its habits and to keep it as healthy as it is now.
Lovely stock

Ken

kcpoole wrote:Follow Shibui's advice and you cannot go far wrong.

The other thing is to make sure you learn its habits and to keep it as healthy as it is now.
Lovely stock

Ken

Ok got it! But do I defoliate or not?


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As the more experienced will tell you defoliation is to build ramification and reduce leaf size and is normally practiced once you have established the structural branches of your tree. By the looks of the tree you need to set the design first which is probably a couple of years. You still enjoy the tree during that time but don't get the fine structure and smaller leaves until later. This is probable a stage of growth for the tree.

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Personally I do not defoliate trees that are still in development. Defoliating sets a tree back - that's the whole point of it. If you want your tree to develop - grow branches, thicken, etc then why would you defoliate? I use defoliation on far more advanced trees than this one and then only occasionally. I find correct pruning and pinching to be far more useful techniques however, apart from slowing growth a bit it won't do your tree too much harm so if you want to defoliate then go ahead.

Hi there,

There is a video I found useful on YouTube about maple bonsai-

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=anyWlUK6E-k

Defoliation stresses the tree and slows growth and development of the trunk and branches which would be counterproductive to your goal at present (develop the tree you have into the start of a bonsai).

In short, don't defoliate.

Get a feel for the tree by peeking inside at the trunk and branches. Decide what style you want and start making moves to get your tree there.

My sugggestion would be to let the tree grow a sacrifice branch to get taper, select branches (as Shibui said to prevent reverse taper) and then feed and water heavily.

Branch pattern should be as follows;

First branch (right side of front of trunk)
Second branch (back of trunk)
Third branch (left side of trunk)

Follow this pattern all the way to the top.

You can vary the pattern by going left side first, back, then right. Be consistent. Some people also have the back branch as their final branch in their 3 branch pattern.

Obviously the growth patterns of trees don't follow rules so work with what you have got.

Go for an informal upright - it's the easiest style to master when new.

Good luck and I hope to see some updates.

Here's one of mine I'm developing. Yours is clearly more advanced!

Thank you all for the very valuable information! I'm so glad I asked! Really appreciate the help!!!! I will take care of the extra branches and wait for the defoliation (I was just eager to see the tree structure!!)

Here it is ... what do you think? Did I screw it up?










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Hello I'm now worried that there are too many scars and too many places with scar bulges ..... What should I do? should I carve every bulge and apply paste and wait for healing? What's your opinion? Have I actually purchased a not so good tree?
Please help I'm stressing out! I really hate not to know what I'm doing and the thought that what I have done so far wasn't correct....