Root-Over-Ruin

[rockm]

Paul,
You're right. I wasted a lot of time trying to tame acer rubrum here in Va. It's a lot of time for very little result. Trunks and rootage can be very interesting. They grow like weeds, even in crummy soil. BUT, and this is a BIG "but," their leaves and branching are extremely awkward to work with. It's a deal killer to me.

Run of the mill Japanese maple and the native red maple do tend to have long internodes, but they're like night and day in their ability to reduce. Japanese maples will shorten internode length and increase ramification pretty easily compared with the hack back and relentless end pruning required of the Acer rubrum that grows in my area.

If you've found a subspecies, or localized trees, that respond adequately for bonsai, send some to me The red maple up here is not worth the time.

 

[pjkatich]

If you've found a subspecies, or localized trees, that respond adequately for bonsai, send some to me The red maple up here is not worth the time.

rock,

What would you consider to be adequate bonsai characteristics for a red maple?

Paul

 

[rockm]

Leaf internodes that are less than 5 inches apart--and stay that way without pinching them back every ten minutes, a tendency not to drop branches. New shoots that aren't 1/2" in diameter, branch growth that isn't mostly arrow straight....

 

[Yamadori]

Here are a few inspirational photos for those of you that are interested.

Mother nature never fails to amaze me.

These photos are courtesy of my youngest daughter who is currently on assignment in south-east Asia.

The photos are from several different archeological sites in Cambodia.

Enjoy,
Paul

Those pictures are amazing. The relationship between the tree and the structure has become so intertwined that neither would survive without the other. I would love to see these in person. They are so beautiful and fascinating. Thanks for posting them.

 

[pjkatich]

Leaf internodes that are less than 5 inches apart--and stay that way without pinching them back every ten minutes, a tendency not to drop branches. New shoots that aren't 1/2" in diameter, branch growth that isn't mostly arrow straight....

rock,

Would 4 out of 5 be worth your while?

Your last request would be the toughest. However, a little wire would correct this draw back.

If you are interested, I will start another thread and post some red maple photos for you to evaluate.

Regards,
Paul

 

[pjkatich]

Those pictures are amazing. The relationship between the tree and the structure has become so intertwined that neither would survive without the other. I would love to see these in person. They are so beautiful and fascinating. Thanks for posting them.

Yamadori,

Yes indeed, these are truly inspirational places.

I my opinion, this is one of Mother Nature's ways of telling the human race that she is still in charge.

Thanks for taking the time to post your comments.

Regards,
Paul

 

[Brian Underwood]

Any updated pics? I would love to see how they are coming along.

 

[anttal63]

Awesome Paul! Really enjoyed this thread and what you are doing with these trees!

 

[catfish chapstick]

i'd like to see an update. i always love seeing people grow acer rubrum. I am growing several of them myself, not over "ruin" though.

 

[pjkatich]

Any updated pics? I would love to see how they are coming along.

Brian,

Unfortunately, these particular trees aren't much to look at right now. It's been a long, hot summer here in Northeast Florida and the heat is taking it's toll on the trees.

However, give me a couple of days and I will post a few current photos for you.

I appreciate your interest.

Regards.
Paul

 

[pjkatich]

Awesome Paul! Really enjoyed this thread and what you are doing with these trees!

Thanks Antonio, I appreciate the positive feedback.

Good to see you back on the forum.

Cheers,
Paul

 

[pjkatich]

i'd like to see an update. i always love seeing people grow acer rubrum. I am growing several of them myself, not over "ruin" though.

Thanks for your interest catfish.

I'll post a few updated pictures as soon as possible.

Regards,
Paul

 

[pjkatich]

As requested, here are a few current photos of the two root-over-ruin red maples that I have been documenting in this thread.

This set of photos shows the first tree.

The first photo shows the tree as it looked earlier today. As I said, not much to look at right now.

The second photo shows the tree after I defoliated it.

The third and forth photos show the nebari, front and back.

I was not satisfied with the way the branch structure was developing so I decided to do some hard pruning. The last photo shows the tree after I cut off what I didn't like.

 

[pjkatich]

This set of photos shows the second tree.

The first photo shows the tree as it looked earlier today.

The second photo shows the tree after it was defoliated.

The third and forth photos show the nebari, front and back.

As with the first tree, I decided to do some hard pruning. The last photo shows the tree after some of the branching was pruned.

As always, your comments or suggestions are always welcome.

Regards,
Paul

 

[garywood]

Hi Paul, it looks like you are having fun I guess you already have seen the difficulties with Rubrum. That incessant long petiole in proportion to leaf area. One trick in dealing with these and Amur is to keep the branches as short as possible. Additionally, if you can pinch the new growth after the first leaves have opened and before the internode has elongated it keeps things in a manageable state. Good to see some playful things, good work!
Wood

 

[irene_b]

Paul how hard is it to create the ruins/walls?
And do you make them for sale?
Irene

 

[Brian Underwood]

Alright! Those are very cool, and as Gary said, it is nice to see someone having some real fun. Keep it up, and keep us posted, thanks for the update!

 

[pjkatich]

Hi Paul, it looks like you are having fun I guess you already have seen the difficulties with Rubrum. That incessant long petiole in proportion to leaf area. One trick in dealing with these and Amur is to keep the branches as short as possible. Additionally, if you can pinch the new growth after the first leaves have opened and before the internode has elongated it keeps things in a manageable state. Good to see some playful things, good work!
Wood

Gary,

Thanks for the positive feedback and the sound advise.

Yea, this is one of my fun projects.

Sometimes, we take the art of bonsai to seriously. It's projects like this that help keep things in perspective.

I appreciate you taking the time to comment.

Regards,
Paul

 

[pjkatich]

Paul how hard is it to create the ruins/walls?
And do you make them for sale?
Irene

Irene,

Yes, if you are interested just pm or email me.

I would be happy to discuss the options with you.

Paul

 

[pjkatich]

Alright! Those are very cool, and as Gary said, it is nice to see someone having some real fun. Keep it up, and keep us posted, thanks for the update!

Brian,

I appreciate the compliments.

I'll do my best to keep you posted on my progress.

Thanks for your interest.

Cheers,
Paul