First collected stumps

[GailC]

Not the best material but hey, I need something to start with and practice on. Both are wild maples, I believe they are rocky Mt. maples.

This is the bigger of the two and the one I really want to survive. Not great but not terrible either.

 

[GailC]

The smaller one, this will be the one I experiment the most on. It will get grafts and whatnot. It has two roots that are crossed, I'm planning on chopping the large one on the bottom but will wait until there is more fine roots.

 

[Jester217300]

Chop the trunks lower.

 

[GailC]

I plan on it, was kind of waiting to see where they back bud. Do you think I should just go ahead and chop them where I want them now?

 

[Eric Group]

I plan on it, was kind of waiting to see where they back bud. Do you think I should just go ahead and chop them where I want them now?

Chop a couple inches above where you want your branches, it should pop back pretty heavy if it is healthy.
Pick the branches you want to keep, remove he rest and use long whips to graft branches where you need them.

 

[sorce]

Nice GailC!

I just referenced your "inside azalea" post for someone.

I wasn't expecting this from the "inside azalea lady". (yeah, "that" ended fast!)

Getting dirty! Love it!

You go! I hope they do well!

Sorce

 

[Zach Smith]

I plan on it, was kind of waiting to see where they back bud. Do you think I should just go ahead and chop them where I want them now?

Chop them close to where you want them, as Eric says, but more importantly seal that chop! Also be aware that you can and should chop those roots closer to the trunk. They're going to grow new roots at the cut ends, for the most part. Cut two to three root diameters from the trunk.

Zach

 

[GailC]

They are getting chopped today, need to sharpen my cutters first. I already cut so much of the big roots off, you don't think it will hurt if I cut back more? I'm afraid the poor things are shocked enough as is.

Source, remember that the indoor azalea belongs to my daughter, not me.

There is a local bonsai show/sale later this summer I'm hoping to find a JM at.

 

[Zach Smith]

They are getting chopped today, need to sharpen my cutters first. I already cut so much of the big roots off, you don't think it will hurt if I cut back more? I'm afraid the poor things are shocked enough as is.

Source, remember that the indoor azalea belongs to my daughter, not me.

There is a local bonsai show/sale later this summer I'm hoping to find a JM at.

If it's only been a day or two since you collected it, doing another chop shouldn't cause too much more stress. The tree wants to live, so it'll do its level best as long as you treat it right. I don't know how much experience you have collecting material, so that plays a part as well. From the looks of what you posted, you're not talking about huge trees. Smaller collects tend to have a higher survival rate regardless.

Zach

 

[GailC]

Trees have been chopped back a few inches and more root work was done. I only have white glue to seal the wounds with, forgot to look for some kind of wound paste while at was out buying tools.

I've never dug trees for bonsai before but I have dug them for yard trees and I have quite a lot of experience growing shrubs/bushes/any thing that will fit in a pot so these have a fair chance at survival. If they die, no big deal, they are extremely common and easily replaced.