Actually more like 1/3 of final designed height. Again, the goal is consistent taper along the length of the trunk which you will only get with repeated chops.When it is nice and thick at what height do I make the cut? My guess is two thirds of final desired height?
Are there any native maples or deciduous trees in our area(NJ) that are suitable to bonsai?Yes just like Judy mentioned, in Peter's book he describes step by step exactly what you're asking. Be mindful that A. Rubrum tends to have large leaves and long internodes... so perhaps it may be best to create a bonsai on the larger size to compensate.
Acer Rubrum is the one that may be usable.Are there any native maples or deciduous trees in our area(NJ) that are suitable to bonsai?
Are there any native maples or deciduous trees in our area(NJ) that are suitable to bonsai?
True true!Not really but Japanese maples have been grown for a long time as landscape trees so feral seedlings can easily be found. Take a drive around local neighborhood you might be surprised what you find.
True true!
I have a feral j maple, lol!!
I like that term for it, haven't heard that one yet...
Don't know about maples, but American elm and American Hornbeam range all the way to Canada. Both excellent species for bonsai.Are there any native maples or deciduous trees in our area(NJ) that are suitable to bonsai?
Ditto what Zach said. Native maples don't work very well as bonsai. If you live in an urban or suburban area, however, look at Japanese maples planted in yards, as well as for boxwood, azaleas wisteria, and other ornamentals. the older the neighborhood, the better the material.Are there any native maples or deciduous trees in our area(NJ) that are suitable to bonsai?
That's great advice! Thank you. What do you think about Pin Oak.Ditto what Zach said. Native maples don't work very well as bonsai. If you live in an urban or suburban area, however, look at Japanese maples planted in yards, as well as for boxwood, azaleas wisteria, and other ornamentals. the older the neighborhood, the better the material.
If you want native material, I'm afraid you're going to have to learn what species actually look like. The "what kind of tree have I collected" question is asked a lot here. It's a bad question. Asking after you have dug something up not only robs the tree of most of its chances at surviving, it also robs you of a lesson in how and what to collect.
If I were you, I'd buy a North American field guide to native trees and study up. A physical guide BOOK can travel into the woods with you and help ID plants. Additionally, going to nurseries, arboretums and activities like that can help teach you what species you're looking at...
Have heard different things about it. Knew someone who had one as a bonsai.That's great advice! Thank you. What do you think about Pin Oak.
Best beginner collector species is Hornbeam. Easy to collect-- just saw off the roots six inches out and under, saw the main trunk three feet up or so, use it as a lever to break the final roots, pick it up, take it home, hose off all the dirt, plant in the smallest container possible in plain old bonsai soil and wait for a few weeks for new buds.That's great advice! Thank you. What do you think about Pin Oak.