Japanese maple styling
- Thread starter Jonko21
- Start date
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Shohin
I think that the image you picked is your best choice, but the two secondary branches at the same level will need to be handled at seen point.
Shibui
Imperial Masterpiece
First up I like that this tree has rising secondary branching. Much mor natural for JM than horizontal 'bonsai' branches.
All the branch options are a bit confusing at the moment but getting rid of some of the less desirables will probably help make final decisions.
Give preference to bendy and curved branches over straight ones. Right off that means the first branch on left goes leaving a better curved branch to the rear where there are currently 2 from teh same spot.
Remove long internodes, even if that means shortening some branches more than you would like. Growing the branches back using shorter sections makes a much better tree in future so short term pain for longer term gain. Unfortunately long internodes are common on fast developed JM and I see some and suspect more that are harder to spot in the photos of this tree.
All the branch options are a bit confusing at the moment but getting rid of some of the less desirables will probably help make final decisions.
Give preference to bendy and curved branches over straight ones. Right off that means the first branch on left goes leaving a better curved branch to the rear where there are currently 2 from teh same spot.
Remove long internodes, even if that means shortening some branches more than you would like. Growing the branches back using shorter sections makes a much better tree in future so short term pain for longer term gain. Unfortunately long internodes are common on fast developed JM and I see some and suspect more that are harder to spot in the photos of this tree.
AshleyMammal
Mame
I'm not a bonsai expert - and even less so of a maple guy, but I'd be looking to get back to something like the below. I think it would rely heavily on internode length but would end up as a cool little tree.
BobbyLane
Imperial Masterpiece
The tree has a lot of options and is suited to a naturalistic approach, it has potential to be good from all sides. What would I do if I was you? I'd study a few of Mach5's and Walter pall's Maples for inspo
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BobbyLane
Imperial Masterpiece
btw I like this side with the tree tilted forward as if towering over you like a veteran deciduous tree, but again, it can be good from other angles
from here you need to flatten the root base and put it in a shallow pot and let the roots spread wide as well as the canopy. I may also cover up some of the current base. I could show many examples of similar trees, ones from the wild as well as bonsai, but I think one has to do their own research.
from here you need to flatten the root base and put it in a shallow pot and let the roots spread wide as well as the canopy. I may also cover up some of the current base. I could show many examples of similar trees, ones from the wild as well as bonsai, but I think one has to do their own research.
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Thank you all for the help. Also liked the last front as it provides a stronger stance but concerned with the crossing branch. This was the first year out of nursery pot and a bit late so I didn’t want to take too much out of the root base but will do so in spring.
Shibui
Imperial Masterpiece
The crossing branch can be fixed - snip.
The problem with photos is there's no depth perception. Need to check in person to make sure all other branches are well spread and going in pleasing directions.
Best front is a compromise between best roots, best trunk line, best branches and any features or faults in the tree. Most trees will not have best of everything from one point so pick the spot where most are good. Sometimes just turning the tree a few degrees can change some aspects.
The problem with photos is there's no depth perception. Need to check in person to make sure all other branches are well spread and going in pleasing directions.
Best front is a compromise between best roots, best trunk line, best branches and any features or faults in the tree. Most trees will not have best of everything from one point so pick the spot where most are good. Sometimes just turning the tree a few degrees can change some aspects.
bwaynef
Masterpiece
I'd suggest a proper repotting will do more for this tree's potential than anything else. The problems with current nebari are only being exacerbated by its planting position. It needs to be planted in a much more shallow pot (after appropriate root work). You may not be able to get it into a final pot directly. With maples, everything flows from the nebari, so get that right first.
