I added the leaves today from a redbud and a catalpa. Then it started dropping baby ice pellets that eventually turned to flakes. Last night I think it got down to 18*.
As far as the two pots of maples...they have been shuffled outside in the mornings and into the shop at night, simply because I am unsure of what to do. it is hilarious though because my shop is staying about 51-54* and it has been much colder outside - even during the day. I am going to play this by ear hoping I slowly harden the roots. Then I will probably bury them with a styrofoam cooler over them for wind/ice protection.
I did the Bonsai dance in and out of the garage to try to break these in to the cold gently. I am now just leaving them in the garage at about 42-50 most nights. They aren’t needing much water now! Since I am a newbie I sure hope this works. The little Trident forest is completely leafless and the palmatum is stil holding a few leaves but if you touch them they will fall.
From Olive Branch Mississippi to northern Kansas is a big change this time of year. For the trident planting. Do you have any place that stays above freezing, but fairly cool?
I don't raise trident maples in the Chicago area, because I found them not quite winter hardy here. In Kansas, I think your best bet would be to winter it in your shop.
I switched to Amur maples, because they really are fully hardy here. I don't have to protect my Amur maples at all.