Early Training Techniques

[eron jonson]

so i like to start seeds every year in hopes of eventually starting a landscape and bonsai tree nursery. i was wondering if anyone had any tips or techniques to get these maples started in training as early as possible. so far i just clip the top to try and keep them from getting so lengthy. i dont do this often though, but will probably cut it back pretty good right before spring to keep it compact till it gets a trunk.

anyways any info, websites, books that you found to be worth the money to buy, or even magazines that have specific articles that would be greatly appreciated. otherwise its just trial and error which i dont mind. also i start more than just maple, so any seedling techniques for any species would be nice too.

thanks, eron

 

[Poink88]

so i like to start seeds every year in hopes of eventually starting a landscape and bonsai tree nursery.

For some species, consider propagating from cuttings (or even air layering). Get a bigger "mother" tree and take cuttings from it. You will get bigger trunk pre-bonsai trees faster that way. Bigger is not always better but if know how to do it properly, it can save you years.

Imagine having several new trees every time you prune your tree (example trident maple)...that is years ahead of those grown from seed...isn't that good?

Having mixed (diversified) approach is better.

Good luck!

 

[MidMichBonsai]

You might try not doing this and just letting them grow. The faster and more vigorously they grow, the quicker the trunk will thicken and make them suitable for bonsai. With pines for example, many cultivators will let them grow out a sacrifice leader to 7 or 8 ft. and maintain the bonsai silhouette down low. It is then chopped to 12-18". By that time, a 2-3" trunk has developed and it is just about ready to style. By doing this, you can cut your grow time in 1/2 at least. The trunk will thicken much faster and you will be able to truly work on the tree as bonsai. If this is not done, the truck will take much longer to thicken and you will have to wait longer to sell or work the tree.

Best,
Dan

 

[gergwebber]

look for threads with titles like: Sacrifice branching, trunk building, nebari development, seedling development...etc...

BVF's ground growing threads are very good at describing trunk building. (Also see his blog) Smoke has recently posted on seedling development too.

With my seedlings, I am trying to allow one sacrifice, while keeping a good amount of branching in the first 6" of trunk. Also, I am trying to get a shallow nebari asap.

What is your background with horticulture?

 

[Mac In Oak Ridge]

books that you found to be worth the money to buy,

Peter Adams book, "Bonsai with Japanese Maples" is well worth the money in my opinion.

 

[dpowell]

You should check out the articles on Brent's site at www.evergreengardenworks.com . He's been growing out material for bonsai for decades and I'm supremely impressed with his skill/results. Definitely worth your time to go back and read his blog and all the articles he's posted.

 

[cmeg1]

Bonsai with Japanese Maples by Peter Adams is a nice approach.And also Bonsai Focus magazine #3/2013 and #4/2013.Three has a great 'raw bones' article on ground grown Japanese maple that is VERY informative to see and Four has an awesome tutorial on clip and grow.