I have just started getting into bonsai trees and would like some advice. This Japanese maple tree had been growing out of our front steps for quite a while, and I finally dug it out and planted it (with as many roots as I could retrieve). I would eventually like to convert this into a bonsai, obviously over time, however I am not sure where to begin. Should I let the tree grow out for a couple of seasons? If so, what should I be doing to keep it short and insure there is enough to work with when it is able to be worked on for a bonsai?
Again, I am completely knew to this so any and all advice is greatly appreciated!
Hey welcome to the hobby! I have a maple that was almost 3 feet tall. We had a heat wave this year and it literally took out a foot of foliage and tree. I had to cut it down to something around your size, similar to your picture. My plan is to let it grow out a few seasons as well like you should. But I agree with all points mentioned in Jesseblunt's reply and also stress that you let the tree develop branches and by doing that; you'll let the trunk thicken. My only concern, just by looking at your picture is the soil. That looks like it'll get wet and stay wet, and compact; not root friendly. I would look at soil threads and get familiar with how bonsai soil works, and if you're really confident, you could mix your own or buy some to start off with and study its components. You're in good hands, this place is a mountain of knowledge, and everyone is very supportive and friendly.
I thought I'd put in a few words: that through my experience (still very green to be honest), you have a spark in your right now, keep that spark lit and let it grow and nurture it into a passionate flame (for the hobby
). Don't be too ambitious too quickly, and just walk down the path of the bonsai hobby confident but proceed with caution and just take each step logically. I had someone explain that to me and it stuck.