Maple Seedlings

Joedes3

Shohin
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I have a bunch of maple seedlings growing everwhere. ( I don't know what kind, they just grow naturally around here) They are 2 inches to 2 feet. I was wondering, could I plant a group of these in a training box and let them grow as a forest? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! Joe
 

treebeard55

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Depends most on the species of maple; some adapt well to bonsai training, others just don't. Can you give us the species?
 

Joedes3

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I wish I could. They grow everywhere. I live in the city, just out side of Boston. They line the streets etc.
 

bonsaiTOM

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How large do the leaves get? Got pics?

I hope they are Amur maple. They make nice forests.
 

Vance Wood

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If they line the streets they are probably Norway or Silver Maple, neither of which adapt well to bonsai culture. One of the sad rules of bonsai I have learned over the years is this: If the tree is hard to cultivate and hard to find it is probably good for bonsai. If the tree grows every where and can be considered a weed by some it is probably not good for bonsai.
 

Joedes3

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No pictures but the leaves get to be 4 to 5 inches across.
 

Vance Wood

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No pictures but the leaves get to be 4 to 5 inches across.

Probably Norway Maple, a common street tree. It has large leaves and makes an impossible bonsai unless very large.
 

Joedes3

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What would happen if I put 11 or so in a training box? Would it look totally unkept?
 
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Vance Wood

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What would happen if I put 11 or so in a training box? Would it look totally unkept?

Why would you want to do that? The reason for an action is dependant upon the desired outcome.
 

Joedes3

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I did'nt take it that way. Emails, posts on the forum, etc. are so one dimensional. Constructive comments are welcome. As someone who is still learning, I welcome all comments.

I was just trying to figure out a way of using something that grows so rampantly around here.

Thanks

Joe DeSisto
 

rockm

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Just because its easily available, doesn't mean its worth the trouble...:D

You would make more progress if you identified the species you're working with. A lot depends on that going forward.

You also might want to provide some basic info on where you live--like state and/or city. That also has a big impact on any advice given here
 
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