Trident Maple

Visited Greenlawns bonsai ,to collect a tree I put in the ground about 6 years ago. At the time this maple was about 3" across.

Every year it was allowed to grow and then cut back. Some years more than others. You can still see one of the wounds still healing on the back. This was a very big chop to create better taper.

I'd say that was a big chop. This tree looks great. Lot's of fun ahead for you here.

Good luck,
Ed

Tidied up the roots cuts, so they were nice and clean. With a little help from Chooch

And into the pot

Some further branch reduction and top reduced for taper.I can see a nice little airlayered shohin in the top

I have a confession - I trimmed that back in the summer. I was wondering when you would collect it. It hais got the makings of a nice tree.

Nice beginning there Will. I remember my trip to Green Lawns. Lots of fun.

harry dovey wrote:I have a confession - I trimmed that back in the summer. I was wondering when you would collect it. It hais got the makings of a nice tree.

Harry, Is this the same midsummer pruner?



How is that Pine doing?

Thats your man Rob.

Here's what I see.

You were able to chop those roots really hard back to just big ones. Can all Acers take this.

Smithy wrote:You were able to chop those roots really hard back to just big ones. Can all Acers take this.

I have done this before with Tridents with no ill effects. They do root very easily. I don't see why you can't do this with other maples but if your worried, just do a few one year and see how those roots have responded the following year.

I agree that A buergerianum roots like an Olive! I have seen them literally chainsawed off at ground level, in spring and rerooted (on a heated cable admittedly). I wouldn't try that with A palmatum or any of its varieties. But they do dig quite easily, with a reasonable amount of fine root retained.

I love it already, Will. It's going to be one gorgeous Trident. Wonderful.

Rob Kempinski wrote: Harry, Is this the same midsummer pruner?

Is this Harry lurking within tent?

Hello Will,
nice tree. Did you do any root trimming or adjusting during those 6 years in garden?

Hello Martin. No work was done on the roots in the hope that the nebari would widen considerably. I think it worked.

Will.
Nice one! I love tridents. Given their strength right after coming out of the field, I'd say you should have a great start on branches and a pot full of roots by this time next year.

Did you ever consider taking the airlayer and leaving the tree in the ground another 2 seasons? Thats would be a great little summo.

Super tree Will have a blast with it!
Neil

Here one of mine from the field last year after it was dug. All those branches came off and its looking quite good right now with a good start on branches. This year will make a big difference. Next year it'll go in a real pot.

fiona wrote:

Rob Kempinski wrote: Harry, Is this the same midsummer pruner?

Is this Harry lurking within tent?

yes it is i think it was 3 years ago

harry dovey wrote:

Don't be embarrassed. You're miles better lookin' than Will B!!

lol yeppo

fiona wrote:

harry dovey wrote:

Don't be embarrassed. You're miles better lookin' than Will B!!

Fiona... How very dare you .
People travel from the four corners to see the portrait of lil ol me

That looks great Will.
Do you have any more history on the tree? How was it grown before going into the ground?
The base of the trunk looks really good. I was wondering how it ended up so even without any root work while in the ground.
Thanks, Myrtle

Well, maybe the JD and coke is getting to me tonight but i just spent about 30 mins looking at the pic of your tree, trying to come up with a "finished" image, using all of the branches currently on the tree, and I think it might be good bonsai exercise.
If you ever get the "bonsai rules" stuck in your head while looking at a tree, like I do, give this a try. It'll force you to look at the material as a tree instead of just another bonsai.
Anybody else out there ever do this?

Myrtle

edit:(I'm looking at the pic before the latest trim.)

Hi Will
was there any pre styling work done before you put the tree in the ground ?? root work ect or was it just put in the ground and cut every couple of years

cheers
Rob