KASHIMA MAPLE

[MACH5]

Here is a progression of the tree leafing out. There are a few days in between each of the photos taken.


















Below is the tree with its canopy thinned out and brought in some. The silhouette is rough as the tree is still developing. The approach graft I was going to do with the long whip may have to wait until next spring. The danger of braking a branch(es) while trying to do so is relatively high due to the dense canopy.

 

[JudyB]

If only you could freeze the tree in the immature leaf state... so beautiful in that stage. Thanks for the staggered time photos, it's a nice documentation.

 

[MACH5]

If only you could freeze the tree in the immature leaf state... so beautiful in that stage. Thanks for the staggered time photos, it's a nice documentation.

Yep that would be nice!


Sorry, I just realized that I posted duplicates of the last two pics (right before the very last one). That's what happens when you should be sleeping instead of posting!

 

[james]

This is a remarkable tree, a long term project you have handled very well. Looking at pictures only, how do you feel about the heaviest low right branch? When looking in leafless state at pictures, it appears to compete with trunk. If it was removed, would there be more movement seen in the mid trunk? Could the smaller right branches be developed to fill in the right lower and mid aspect of the tree? The smaller right branches are more to the back? Could they be grown forward? Just a thought. As is, it is a winner.

 

[MACH5]

This is a remarkable tree, a long term project you have handled very well. Looking at pictures only, how do you feel about the heaviest low right branch? When looking in leafless state at pictures, it appears to compete with trunk. If it was removed, would there be more movement seen in the mid trunk? Could the smaller right branches be developed to fill in the right lower and mid aspect of the tree? The smaller right branches are more to the back? Could they be grown forward? Just a thought. As is, it is a winner.

Thanks James! Someone else had brought up that same point earlier. As usual, it is all very deceiving from photos since it flattens out the image. The lowest and heavier right branch is much needed since it comes forward. The lowest and thinner ones are located way, way at the back.

 

[Paradox]

So jealous of this maple every time I see it.

 

[whfarro]

So jealous of this maple every time I see it.

Easy to say that about most of Mach's trees for sure.

 

[coh]

Stunning progression, thanks for sharing. Photo 3 in the sequence looks ideal to me, if someone can find a maple that has mature foliage that size and coloration...wow!

 

[MACH5]

Stunning progression, thanks for sharing. Photo 3 in the sequence looks ideal to me, if someone can find a maple that has mature foliage that size and coloration...wow!

Yeah I know. I think that's called a KotoHime maple! I do think as the tree keeps ramifying the leaves will go slightly bit down in size. Also being slightly pot bound helps with leaf size. But this tree was repotted which does not help in managing leaf size as it tends to rejuvenate them.

Still searching for a blue/green pot (maybe a Koyo) for this tree.

 

[Redwood Ryan]

I'm SO glad I finally clicked on this thread. Drooling at work, and I'm not even a Maple guy.

 

[AboveBeyond]

The tree is looking great Mach!

 

[coh]

I'm SO glad I finally clicked on this thread. Drooling at work, and I'm not even a Maple guy.

Click on a few more threads like this any maybe that will change! Plus, the big bonus...they go to sleep during the winter so you don't have to worry about space under the grow lights.

 

[0soyoung]

Click on a few more threads like this any maybe that will change!

Yah. Then you will have to come to grips with just how long it takes to get to the level of @MACH5's starting material.

 

[AlainK]

If only you could freeze the tree in the immature leaf state...

That's why I tend to prefer deciduous trees.

I mean it reminds me of that profound English saying that I've adopted as my motto in many places:

"On the juke-box of life, every moment can be a number one hit." (Alfred Shakespeare - or that's what she said)

 

[miker]

This has to be one of my all-time favorite deciduous bonsai specimens (I also prefer deciduous, yet have the most reverence and "respect" for ancient pine and yamadori juniper, if that makes sense). I absolutely love your work MACH5 and dream of having just one tree of this quality at some point in the future (though I doubt I will).

 

[drew33998]

Rough? Still 10 times more refined than anything I have. Awesome maple as usual mach!

 

[Djtommy]

I see you have a sacrifice branch, growing from the top. I assume you want to thicken the trunk but is this really necesarry at that point? If like this dont you think the apex will grow too thick rather quickly? I wonder if its not better to not have the sacrifice and slowly develop it. Or perhaps grow one a little lower so the top itself doesnt thicken so quickly.

Well maybe you have something in mind which i dont see yet.. would like to hear your thoughts on this.

 

[MACH5]

I see you have a sacrifice branch, growing from the top. I assume you want to thicken the trunk but is this really necesarry at that point? If like this dont you think the apex will grow too thick rather quickly? I wonder if its not better to not have the sacrifice and slowly develop it. Or perhaps grow one a little lower so the top itself doesnt thicken so quickly.

Well maybe you have something in mind which i dont see yet.. would like to hear your thoughts on this.

Tommy the sacrifice branch will be used for an approach graft. I need it to grow long enough so that it can comfortably reach the target spot. I may even be able to use same branch for two grafts.

 

[Djtommy]

Aah, yeah, i went over this thread again and seems you had mentioned it already..
Woops. Id stil be carefull with thickening the apex though.
Nice tree though, and as usual you make very good pictures.
Grtz

 

[ConorDash]

I was searching for any topics on "leaf scorch" and this came up before you said the word once @MACH5 but obviously wasn't really talking about it all.

Although I wasn't looking for it, I do not regret reading through those last 3 pages at all...
What an amazing looking tree (hell even calling it a tree at this point almost seems to diminish it in some way).
You know by now that my experience is little and so I wouldn't blame you for not taking many things I say seriously, but it's amazing looking Bonsai, everything about it. There's a lot to be said for your skill in photography too though, your focus and quality of images is great.

Hell maybe the tree is trash and the pics just make it look good .
I've an Acer Palmatum and I hope that it one day can reach this sort of splendour and brilliance, a man can dream no?