AusBonsai

My leaves are starting to dry out and fall off on my Japanese Maple, when is the best suited time to trim and shape the bonsai, its recommended that I wait for winter?

Also as it is the start of Autumn should i start feeding it and whats the best fertilizer to use?

Regards Fred

Fred, It is fairly normal for your J.M to be turning but it is hard to tell what is happening without a picture. I would not be thinking of fertilising Maples at this time of year. I fertilised mine 3 weeks ago with a light sprinkling of organic fertiliser to prepare it for its winter dormancy. Winter is a good time to study your tree as to what style you would like to work towards but wait until the spring for any major work. The tree goes dormant as it needs to rest so i would let it rest.

As the trees' structure becomes more visible with the falling of the leaves it is a good time to look at wiring. The tree won't grow over the winter and the branches will have a good amount of time to set into their new positions.
As for feeding, as Bodhi said it should have been done a bit earlier but go for a low nitrogen fertiliser as this will give the tree a good start in the coming season. Repot in Spring before bud break and your away.
Andrew

Appreciate the help.