bonsaial1

This trident maple is about 40 years old. It was started as a layering and is most likely from China. The overall look of the tree from the photo is pleasing and represents the ideals of bonsai.

Positives:
1. The trunk is very large and buttressed. It flows into the soil and shows some basal flare. There seems to be a great amount of taper in the trunk.
2. The nebari is present and shows some age.
3. The form of the tree is in proportion with the size of the tree and seems adaquately pinched.
4. Branch structure is well formed, and meets the requirements for open spaces with in the foliage.
5. Tree looks very healthy and the leaves seem reduced well.
6. The apex sits firmly over the base of the trunk. Very traditional moyogi style

The negatives:
1. The branching is the most visable flaw. The first branch on the right needs to have some branch structure showing for the illusion of age. It is missing on this tree.( and for good reason, it 'is' missing)
2. The second branch is small in proportion to the first branch and looks like it could be shaded out by the third branch or the one above it.
3. The nebari could be stronger. The roots coming off the right side of the trunk seem good, but their counterparts are missing.
4. The pot does not help create the best image for this tree. While the bamboo and the soft corners help, it would look best in a low large oval with either yellow or biscuit brown glaze. I opt for the yellow.
5. The apex part of the canopy is troubling. I feel the the very top is sort of pom pom like. The apex needs to spread more and fill a larger image to fully acentuate the trees lines and form.
6. The second branch on the right seems to be a pocket branch and should either lessoned in size or removed. At this point I see why it is retained as it would make a very large void in this part of the tree.
7. The left side is less structured then the right. I feel that the left side needs lengthening in the branches to fill out the future image for the tree.
8. for those wishing to critique the whole picture, the stand is too small.

A very nice tree with some flaws, but nothing too large to overcome. The nebari can be fixed with some thread grafts or inarch grafts in the spring. A repot would do wonders. The branches just need more time to thicken and I suspect this will happen over the next couple of years. A thickening of the apex could happen in a season and I plan on focusing on that next year.

All are welcome to critique this tree.

Attached Images

trident.JPG (51.3 KB, 141 views)

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