bonsaiTALK Community - View Single Post - Maples, Maples All Over the Place

In answer to question 1, specifically to Japanese maples, you will not want to perform any work on this tree while growing it out. Any work done, will only slow it's growth down, and lengthen the time you need to grow it to desired size.
You can work on branches and leaf size once you have the desired trunk caliper and shape. Maples are easy to grow new branches, and heal scars quickly.

In answer to question 2, it is a matter of personal taste as to the size you will want to grow out your maple. With that said, there are some considerations, firstly is taper. Many young trees don't exhibit taper, but rather look like seedlings with pencil thin straight trunks. As such they won't make believable bonsai in a pot. Japanese maples that have that gradual trunk taper into the canopy give a better illusion of a mature tree. Additionally, different varieties of maple leafs reduce to different sizes, so you will want to work that consideration into your equation for trunk size. Lastly, do your plans call for a mame, shohin, or standard size bonsai? The actual height desired should be considered when growing out your tree. While it is not a hard and fast rule, many refernces on bonsai design state that you should start with a 6:1 ratio of trunk height to caliper.
Hope this helps!

28-Jun-2006	#3
Ralph BonsaiTalk Master B.S.er Join Date: Jun-2002 Location: Richardson, Texas Country: God Bless America USDA Zone: 8 AHS Heat Zone: 9 Posts: 1,284	In answer to question 1, specifically to Japanese maples, you will not want to perform any work on this tree while growing it out. Any work done, will only slow it's growth down, and lengthen the time you need to grow it to desired size. You can work on branches and leaf size once you have the desired trunk caliper and shape. Maples are easy to grow new branches, and heal scars quickly. In answer to question 2, it is a matter of personal taste as to the size you will want to grow out your maple. With that said, there are some considerations, firstly is taper. Many young trees don't exhibit taper, but rather look like seedlings with pencil thin straight trunks. As such they won't make believable bonsai in a pot. Japanese maples that have that gradual trunk taper into the canopy give a better illusion of a mature tree. Additionally, different varieties of maple leafs reduce to different sizes, so you will want to work that consideration into your equation for trunk size. Lastly, do your plans call for a mame, shohin, or standard size bonsai? The actual height desired should be considered when growing out your tree. While it is not a hard and fast rule, many refernces on bonsai design state that you should start with a 6:1 ratio of trunk height to caliper. Hope this helps! __________________ Emerging from winter slumber Bonsai trees burst buds anew Spring is upon us! -Paul S.