Trident Maple From Ebay - Suggestions?

bonsaibeginner

hello, all! First of all, I am a new forum member. No, really, hold your applause; it's my pleasure. I've been reading this forum for some time, and I am convinced that you can help me with my new purchase...

Not knowing that much about bonsai, I thought I'd get some preliminary suggestions from the pros. [Photos are below, as they were taken after this post]
What I'm going for is an upright with a good canopy. This is a trident maple.

What I like about the tree
- trunk is in great shape
- nebari aren't bad at all, though I'd like to improve them in the future.
-the tree isn't grafted
-it appears to be healthy (now has bright green leaves)
-I like the movement of the right side and the development of most of the left side.

Any suggestions for making this tree better will be much appreciated. Also, as I am new, please be as descriptive as possible. I will be reposting with updated (better) pictures, but PLEASE take the time to look! Did I make a good decision from what you can see?

Very Best Regards & Thanks in Advance,
Paul

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Bart Thomas(deceased)

Paul:

Nice tree. I wonder if it was greenhouse grown to have leaves already. I don't know about Massachusetts, but my tridents are only beginning to show buds here in New Jersey.

You should probably ask the seller as it will have a bearing on how you should plan to winter the tree in the future.

There are those on the list who can guide you better than I so far as development is concerned, but I think you're off to a good start.

bonsaibeginner

Bart,
It was bought and shipped from vermont to me in Virginia. It had only buds on it when it arrived, but they were opening. Now, some 4 days later, many (most) are opened. Again, I really apologoze for the poor quality picture, but I'll have to borrow a digital camera from my friend before I can post a good one up here.
Buyer said expose it to a few frosts to get it dormant in the winter, but that's all he said. Thanks for replying! I think that more people probably would if they had a better picture of the tree. my fault!

Bart Thomas(deceased)

Don't worry about that.

Where in Virginia are you?

There are some great bonsai folks there.

bonsaibeginner

Williamsburg. I'm in law school here at William and Mary. I'm finishing up in about 2 months, and I'll be moving back to Tennessee. Either Knoxville or Memphis - know anyone around Williamsburg?

Best,
Paul

Bart Thomas(deceased)

A google search using "virginia bonsai" turned up:

Virginia Bonsai Society in Norfolk.

If you haven't joined a bonsai club before, do. Make no excuses for being a novice. Ask questions, and LISTEN!

Good Luck!

bonsaibeginner

Norfolk is over an hour away from me; I may just wait until I get to Tennessee in May. Thanks, though.

Anyone else have any suggestions from looking at the incredibly bad pictures I posted?

Best,
Paul

bonsaibeginner

Hey guys, I took these with my cell phone camera - it's all I had, but I'll post a better one later!
Any suggestions, comments, help, advice, etc. would be appreciated.

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bonsaibeginner

the previous was the front. this is from the back.

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