Acer Palmatum (Amber Ghost) Summer Maintenance

[Noizzz]

Hi there,

I acquired this Japanese Maple in spring and am wanting to train it as a bonsai. It was in the clearance section of a nursery and didn’t look to be in good health. After some pruning and a repot it has responded well so far. I have been feeding it, and I am getting a second explosion of growth. My question is, should I be doing any maintenance pruning throughout the summer to direct the structure, or just let it be for this year? It did also have a bout of phyllosticta but it appears to have cleared up. Thanks for any suggestions!

 

[Bonsai Nut]

Welcome to the site!

I would leave it alone this summer and let it recover from your initial work. Additionally, next spring you might consider repotting it into a shallower, broader container to direct root growth horizontally instead of vertically.

 

[HorseloverFat]

Welcome to the site!

I would leave it along this summer and let it recover from your initial work. Additionally, next spring you might consider repotting it into a shallower, broader container to direct root growth horizontally instead of vertically.

Greetings, traveler! I see you have been conversing with the Big Nut. No need to go to my normal extravagant fanfare if you’ve already been welcomed by one of the “big dogs”

I agree with the information given you, but still want pics... selfishly.

Also, if you update your profile info to reflect your location/climate (It can be vague, mine just says, NorthEastern Wisconsin.) The answers given to you can be synonymous with YOUR situation.

For example.. I’d care for a Acer P. differently in Norway, MI... then you would in say, Northern UK OR even Gattlinburg, TN...

Pleasure to make your acquaintance.

 

[Noizzz]

This is a great site! Thank you for the warm welcome, and for your feedback. I sort of figured I should leave it alone, but seconded guessed myself after the second burst of growth. I have always wanted a Japanese Maple so I want to make sure I am giving it the best care possible. I definitely plan on getting it into a smaller pot next year... The material was so big initially, that was the only pot I had able to house it! The true test will be overwintering as I live in Southern Ontario. Thanks again for your help, it's nice to e-meet you!

 

[HorseloverFat]

This is a great site! Thank you for the warm welcome, and for your feedback. I sort of figured I should leave it alone, but seconded guessed myself after the second burst of growth. I have always wanted a Japanese Maple so I want to make sure I am giving it the best care possible. I definitely plan on getting it into a smaller pot next year... The material was so big initially, that was the only pot I had able to house it! The true test will be overwintering as I live in Southern Ontario. Thanks again for your help, it's nice to e-meet you!

Glad your here, bud.

There’s a ton of people here from “the Great White North”.. and will have experience in overwinter protection...

You’re safe here, wanderer.

(P.s. If in doubt, “Here I go with the Nigel Saunders videos”)