Help my choose my first maple tree

[riginos92]

Hi everyone,


I'm looking to get a Japanese Maple bonsai and want to choose one with the best potential for long-term development and styling. I've attached three photos of different trees I'm considering.


Which one do you think has the greatest potential in terms of structure, future growth, and overall aesthetics? I'd love to hear your thoughts and any advice you might have!


Thanks in advance

 

[Shibui]

The answer depends what standard of bonsai you want and how long you're willing to work at it to achieve.
None of those trees have much going for them. If I had to pick one of then I'd probably go for the middle tree as the branches have shorter internodes so it may be possible to get better branching.
Maples only produce buds at nodes so shorter internodes are important if you want to develop ramification. Branches with long internodes almost always have to be chopped off and started again from the trunk.

I would encourage you to look at species other than Japanese maples. I know every beginner aspires to one but they are much, much harder to manage than many other species. Not only do they get more pests and diseases than trident maples, the leaves also prone to sunburn in summer and the growth habit is more challenging to work with. My advice is always learn with trident maple, then, when you have mastered growing and pruning move to Japanese maple.
Chinese elms are another good beginner tree that's much more forgiving than Japanese maple.

 

[Cadillactaste]

I agree with the above... those are some challenging pieces. What you shared.

I personally find Chinese elm a good forgiving species for new folk. They also develop rather quickly. Have small foliage.

I love them so much that...I ended up with a mother/daughter to play with. Just because...I don't own that style. They had quirky movement...and make me smile.

I highly suggest...really studying style of bonsai. See which appeals to you. And when adding material. Find material that falls into the category you really enjoy with style. I've done that myself. I find so much joy in hunting character in trees. Not truly species...but character, then seeing if they grow in my area. And will winter in what I offer for winter protection.

 

[snowman04]

Chinese Elm gets my vote too... Very forgiving tree and styles well.