GailC: This is NOT a contest tree

[GailC]

I originally bought this for the landscape but decided I wanted to try and bonsai it. Its a bailey compact amur maple, paid $36 for it.

 

[John in Toledo]

Zowie! That's a lotta tree. Can't wait to watch it grow.

 

[GailC]

Worked the roots pretty hard today and potted it in a grow out box. It has nice flair at the base but the nebari really needs help, especially on the "bad side". I'm thinking about shoving a rock in the empty space on the bad side. It won't be a root over rock but at least it would disguise it.

I also need to remove one of the three main trunks. Not sure if it should be the very middle or one of the side ones.

 

[JosephCooper]

Not a bad start, the nebari is already impressive.

 

[GailC]

Hmm, just noticed I posted the same pic twice. This one should have been up already, planted in its grow out box. Anyone want to be my mentor? I really would like to try and air layer off one of the main trunks and could use some advice on the pros/cons of each one.

 

[sorce]

Nice base, worked well, .....check...

Up...trident! PPB!

For me...the most pleasing seems a V cut of the middle, with a zip tie to bring them just a bit closer, whatever is safe.
And cuts to the first nodes their which instantly bring 3Dness...

Do not discount better possibilities...
Cutting off on side branch of the three may yield a quicker better image...

But I can not see the nodes that will allow you to quickly cut back that straight trunk to get it to taper and change direction...

If there are buds on that straight section of middle trunk...keeping it may orove a better option...

That said....

I would layer a piece off what you eventually keep, maybe take cuttings, but for me those projects are pretty long...and far backburnered....

Especially since you found this one...a wicked quick start....
So I know you can find another.

Nice!

Sorce

 

[sorce]

Oops!

Sorce

 

[GailC]

@sorce
There are no nodes or buds on that straight middle section.

I was actually leaning towards removing it but didn't know about using a V cut. What is the purpose of it?

The main issue with this tree is all three branches are on the same plane.

 

[Cadillactaste]

With that middle trunk gone...won't it make a rather...large Y looking trunk? @sorce

Personally...for some reason I think a side branch removal would be best...for nothing more than to bring that Y in so not so drastic.

 

[JosephCooper]

The V cut will create a ring of buds, so you can make a good broom style.

@sorce wants to remove the middle trunk and fill the gap by bringing the side trunks together, which is a good idea. Can you do that to a maple?

 

[GrimLore]

I really would like to try and air layer off one of the main trunks and could use some advice on the pros/cons of each one.

In the last picture I would go for the one on the far right with the heavy root mass below it. Tilt the plant to the right during the process to encourage even vertical and horizontal growth for the tree itself. The less spectacular roots on the left should fatten more quickly at that point now and more so at separation - tilt, swivel, chop, rotate at this point in my opinion...

Grimmy

 

[GailC]

The V cut will create a ring of buds, so you can make a good broom style.

@sorce wants to remove the middle trunk and fill the gap by bringing the side trunks together, which is a good idea. Can you do that to a maple?

I won't be doing that then, I'm not a fan of brooms

In the last picture I would go for the one on the far right with the heavy root mass below it. Tilt the plant to the right during the process to encourage even vertical and horizontal growth for the tree itself. The less spectacular roots on the left should fatten more quickly at that point now and more so at separation - tilt, swivel, chop, rotate at this point in my opinion...

Grimmy

I was playing around with virts earlier and came up with something similar. How would you deal with the straight middle section? I eventually want to remove some of the funky heavy roots too. Its planted a little deep to encourage more roots towards the tops of the heaviest bits.

 

[sorce]

The V cut will create a ring of buds, so you can make a good broom style.

An elm will create a ring of buds around a cut that can be used to make a traditional broom...but @GailC please be clear while I respect the art of that style, I hate it...and if I am seeing a broom...it is a natural broom like you posted above.

That V cut may produce a lot of buds around the collars but they will be useless and should be rubbed out. (Unless)

But further why I "auto remove" the middle with no thought....
In your vert we are left with this very straight section on the right. That has No nodes anywhere that will be able to pleasantly hide this in the future.
I can be fooled into seeing this as a good tree, but when I don my Bonsai Future Vision Goggles, it becomes clear there is a better path.

That yellow line on the left is Also too long untapered and out of proportion.

Keep following we come full circle....

So to get that back into correct proportions....
Whack it here...

But then all that in the orange is out of proportion, as it is larger than what is lower.

So I fall back to the VCUT.
It cures all these problems and leaves you options to select either a left or right single trunk later.


For me it is the "proper start".

Allowing you to grow tight nodes in the future so you don't have the problems you have now.

Amur maple leaves can get small, it allows you to go small...

So where they say, always look to make the most compact tree...
Amur will allow you this most compact and impressive tree, without stepping into the world of "sumo" or "extremes"...

This can be a nice compact natural tree.

So...try and make the vcut and IF..IF ..they or one branch can be brought in a little to make it not look like a stupid y....I think a nice natural broom can be had...(with grim Nebari tilt to change planes)
If not.....
The best start becomes a single trunk. .
Can't fully tell which yet.

Sorce

 

[GailC]

I've decided to remove the center trunk. I'll try to bring the two trucks close together. Ultimately, I want this to be a twin trunk but we'll see how it goes. Plans can always change.

 

[GailC]

After deciding on the center, I went back to waffling over my decision. I really would have liked to layer the center for another tree but I just couldn't justify creating such a wide sling shot just for a second tree.

I went out today to just 'clean up' the tee little and ended up removing the left branch. Figured I might as well get it done before I started changing my mind again.

Shortened all the branches and removed some that were crossed. I could have done more but didn't want to stress the tree.

I'm think view 1 or 2 for a front, any opinions? Does the branch removal wound look ok? I'm never sure how concave it should be

 

[JosephCooper]

Nice, it simplifies things a lot!

This summer/ next spring I suggest some severe top pruning as well.

 

[GailC]

I'll probably wait till next year for more pruning. Seems like these amur can't take abuse like other maples.
I lost two last year from too much reduction too fast. If it recovers really well, maybe a late fall haircut.

 

[Leo in N E Illinois]

I like it so far. I would have follow Sorce's advise, and removed the middle, but taking off the side instead doesn't look bad at all.

While in the training box, don't use a rock to hide the flawed side of the nebari. You did right planting it a little deep, the tree may put out roots on the weak side.

In a couple years, if it hasn't fixed itself, you can try a couple techniques to get a better nebari, doing a ground layer is one of several possible fixes, but don't mess with the nebari now, save it for later.

 

[GailC]

One of the biggest hurdles for me in trying to grow bonsai is doing the big chops.
I know why it's done but it's still hard to remove all or most established branches.

I've not been happy with how this tree leafed out. It didn't really back bud and I could see I was wasting time waiting until next spring to address the issue.

I took the plunge today and chopped it way back. Not sure if it was too much or not enough but I hope it pushes new growth now.

Before and after pics

 

[GailC]

after