I recently purchased this from Marc Torppa at the Growing Grounds. It's a pretty big piece of material (at least for me) with a 4.5inch base that's currently about 17-18 inches high. I'm resisting the urge to get in there and thin it out a bit, but will probably wait till spring before working on it. So, Nutters, what do you think?
Also, a little research into Marc at GG offered some mixed reviews, but my experience was very positive. I would definitely buy from him again, FWIW.
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Ok, real assessment- GREAT TRUNK! Clearly it was ground grown rapidly which isn't a bad thing, just means the bark isn't as mature as a tree of that size might normally have. Sometimes trees grown this way may have large scars and heavy branches that mostly/ all need to be replaced.
The movement and taper look good! Real good.. NM
PIC 3- what the Hell is in that can? Is that how it comes? With... Yellow tin foil over it? Maybe we don't shop at the same places but I ain't never seen nuthin like that before!
Looks to me like it needs to be leaned over to the right side a bit and the top needs to be shortened some. JMHO
I also think the branches are popping out in multiples from one spot in many places which can become an issue, though in a trunk this size that would take a long time to materialize in reverse taper!
I think you got a really nice start to a large sized Maple Bonsai! Can't wait to see it without it's clothes on! Please update with pics when it drops it's leaves and you can get more advice.