The 2010 BonsaiNut Maple Project

[Maloghurst]

After 2 weeks, new growth is emerging in the right spots, near the top and bottom of the cut...
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Coming along nicely Brian, is that Vaseline or wood glue at the cut site or just wet? Also what does smoothing the cut site after the wound heals mean? Thank you

 

[woodworker]

What a great thread for a newbie like me to read. Thanks for taking the time to share your pics and progress. There are a zillion bonsai pics on the web, but it's nearly impossible to find pics of a tree from start to now. Your tree is looking amazing!

 

[Benny w]

I planted 4 trident maples at my fathers ranch and I should have started with 3 year old stock instead of seedlings but oh well. Here in the central valley ( CA) it gets scorching hot so I added growtubes to each tree when I planted them. I also planted them on top of tiles. As far as getting the trunk fatter should I pick a leader and prune some of the branches back so a leader is established?

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

I planted 4 trident maples at my fathers ranch and I should have started with 3 year old stock instead of seedlings but oh well. Here in the central valley ( CA) it gets scorching hot so I added growtubes to each tree when I planted them. I also planted them on top of tiles. As far as getting the trunk fatter should I pick a leader and prune some of the branches back so a leader is established?

Just let it grow until the trunk is as thick as you want it. Then chop, low.
Please start a new thread to discuss your tree so this thread can remain focused on the project tree.

 

[misfit11]

This thread is priceless. I'm working on a Trident that had been in the ground for a couple years and in a Pond basket for a few more. I'm putting it back in the ground next spring and doing a trunk chop. Your experience and documentation of this one is very helpful. Thanks!

 

[atlarsenal]

I planted 4 trident maples at my fathers ranch and I should have started with 3 year old stock instead of seedlings but oh well. Here in the central valley ( CA) it gets scorching hot so I added growtubes to each tree when I planted them. I also planted them on top of tiles. As far as getting the trunk fatter should I pick a leader and prune some of the branches back so a leader is established?

What ever is in the corral should keep it pruned for you.

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

Did a little pruning and wiring today. Looking forward to getting this into a bonsai pot next spring. It threw a lucky shoot on the right side above the first right branch, which I’ll grow out next year to add a little interest and break up the long trunk line.
Before:


After:

 

[leatherback]

looking good!

 

[Smoke]

I see your a "top splitter" on the wire also. I see it on Adair's trees also. Is this an east/coast/Southern thing?

 

[MrWunderful]

@Brian Van Fleet what soil is it in? Looks lava heavy, or is that a top layer?

Great progression btw.

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

I see your a "top splitter" on the wire also. I see it on Adair's trees also. Is this an east/coast/Southern thing?

I assume you’re implying the alternative is to go under the bifurcation? By going over the bifurcation, just behind the split, I can lay the next wire just ahead of it, anchoring and preventing crossing. Since it’s on top of the branch, I can see my route easier. If I do it consistently the same way every time, it becomes faster and easier to wire. Look at these 3 wires labeled, and where they’re headed, and how each follows the previous.

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

@Brian Van Fleet what soil is it in? Looks lava heavy, or is that a top layer?

Great progression btw.

Probably around 50-50 Akadama and lava. When it goes into a bonsai pot next spring, it will have more Akadama.

 

[kobusbonsainut]

Thank you @Brian Van Fleet for this fantastic thread. Almost 10 years of development to follow for us Bonsainuts

 

[StarGazer]

This is a fantastic thread. Great progression and documentation. @Brian Van Fleet, how long do you leave the wire on?

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

This is a fantastic thread. Great progression and documentation. @Brian Van Fleet, how long do you leave the wire on?

Thanks, wire will probably come off in May before it starts to dig in too much, and then I’ll wire green shoots.

 

[AndyJ]

Hey Brian.
I’ve just read through the thread. Brilliant documentation that shows how to develop a tree from start to finish. Thoroughly enjoyable and detailed explanation
Thank you.
Andy

 

[Oleg]

Wow. This is a great thread, so clear through 10 years of development.
Thank you Brian!

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

Wow. This is a great thread, so clear through 10 years of development.
Thank you Brian!

Thanks, really eager to update this again when it lands in its first bonsai pot in a few weeks!

 

[thumblessprimate1]

Can't wait to see what pot it will go into

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

Can't wait to see what pot it will go into

Me neither! Maybe a dark blue soft rectangle Yamafusa.