Japanese maple number 1

[Kev0312]

Hi guys,

I'm new to bonsai and would like to share a few maple tree I have acquired.
Any tips and pointer will be appreciated.








Cheers

[shibui]

Do you want the sugar coated version or a fair dinkum opinion Kev?
You have had a look at Mike's talk on Japanese maples so you probably already recognise some of them but like so many Japanese maples I can see plenty of problems with your tree. Some are surmountable, some will be far more difficult to deal with.

[robb63]

Hi Kev, welcome . Looks like you have had this JM for a few years. Its showing nice colour for Sydney.
At least compared to my place in the northern suburbs.
Mine stayed green then dropped with little to no colour at all
There is an excellent post here on AB on maples given by Treeman. I watched last night
You appear to be well on your way with the ground layer which will open up new options
keep going.
cheers

[dansai]

This tree may allow you to practice certain techniques and gain experience, but will require many years of work to may not even end up a good tree. Sorry for the bluntness, but as Shibui said you have watched Mikes video and should be aware it is not the best material. However, you could air layer sections off, and have a few more trees to practice on.

Another piece of advise that has been mentioned many times before on this site, Japanese Maples are not the easiest trees for beginners. They require specific techniques and timing to achieve good results and mistakes are hard to correct. If you love maples, grab yourself some Trident Maples, or grab a few figs. Both are much more forgiving and easier to develop and will give you a chance to develop your skills and experience.

[Kev0312]

Thank you for all the honest opinions guys.

Like in said I'm only new to bonsai and after reading more into the hobby especially about maple.
I've fully aware that is tree is not the best material ATM. I've paid way way to much for this tree. You live and learn I suppose.

[Daluke]

Don't be disheartened mate!

Let's be honest - only a few people have real show worthy trees.

All bonsai trees start somewhere - it takes many years of growth, learning and training to get something that impresses the masses. Even then someone will be critical -

With the right work, discipline and maintainance you can develop a nice bonsai tree from your maple - set goals and plan the trees training over the next few years.

You have a tree with a nice trunk. The tree looks vigorous as well.

If it were mine I'd start planning where you want branches and make cuts and moves towards achieving it.

Haters gonna hate bro

[Kev0312]

Cheers Daluke.

Here is what I've done to the tree so far.



I've removed most of the branches which I don't like.
Let just hope the tree don't die.

Cheers

[Grant Bowie]

Seems to be missing both front and back branches that would give some depth. The trimming back may help stimulate some buds and new branches. Otherwise they are an easy tree to thread graft.

Grant

[treeman]

I see something interesting here Kev. Remember quality over size!

jmw.JPG

[Grant Bowie]

viewtopic.php?f=104&t=7263&hilit=Thread+graft+maple

Above is a link to a thread graft progression series on a Japanese maple that we did when I was Curator of the NBPCA.

Grant

[KIRKY]

Thats a great post Grant, thank you for reposting
Cheers
Kirky

[Matthew]

I see something interesting here Kev. Remember quality over size!

jmw.JPG

MIKE
Nice thinking that could be one direction to go in and if it was mine id go that way. Nice movement and now that trunk has some girth to it.

[Kev0312]

I see something interesting here Kev. Remember quality over size!

jmw.JPG

MIKE
Nice thinking that could be one direction to go in and if it was mine id go that way. Nice movement and now that trunk has some girth to it.

Wow, nice!!!

Yes, I'll take that on board

Thank you Mike.

[treeman]

I just noticed in the other pic that the leader on the left branch is going backwards so that might not work. The other side might?

jmw2.JPG

[dansai]

If you decide to go mikes route of reducing to the first branch, consider air layering first. You may end up with 4 great trees.

I definitely wasn't trying to be a hater. Just honest. Which ever way you go you will need a long term plan and the skills and knowledge to get there. Not easy for a beginner on a difficult tree. There are many other species that are more forgiving and will help develop skills and an eye for good design.