acer rubrum

[Johnnyd]

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.

I think HH did a progression on a Hornbeam in his 2nd book. This will give me some direction while I wait on a garden of trees that are growing out.

 

[rockm]

I think HH did a progression on a Hornbeam in his 2nd book. This will give me some direction while I wait on a garden of trees that are growing out.

If you're talking about Harry Harrington, he's in the U.K. working with European hornbeam. Carolina Hornbeam is the species we use in the U.S. some differences, but much the same. you want advice on Carolina hornbeam read Nick Lenz, or ask Zach Smith here on bnut
https://bonsai-south.com/

https://bonsai-south.com/craftsmanship/hornbeam-craftsmanship-2/

 

[MACH5]

Are there any native maples or deciduous trees in our area(NJ) that are suitable to bonsai?

Sorry for my delayed reply. I see you already have gotten lots of good responses. One of the best native deciduous in our area is probably American hornbeam. I have a ton right in my backyard. They feature beautiful smooth silvery gray bark with many having great flared bases.