Maple Bonsai Trees - Quick Method

Join Peter Chan in the Herons Nursery as he talks about creating Maple bonsai's from ground-grown trees.

We begin in this lush area of the Herons growing field, densely populated with Japanese maples, each exhibiting unique growth patterns. Despite the overgrown grasses (reaching 2 to 3 feet high due to recent heavy rains), the maples thrive, with some reaching heights of over 12 feet. The goal is to transform these vigorous field trees into refined bonsai specimens.

Initial Assessment and Pruning

The first step is to assess each tree's potential. A tree with a thick trunk and a beautiful taper has caught our attention. To shape it into a bonsai, we need to prune it strategically. Using a 3-foot lopper, I cut off the top section, which could have been used for air layering but is sacrificed for the immediate shaping process.

In the past ten years only, these trees have grown from tiny seedlings to lush maples with trunks of a 2-3cm thickness.

When looking at this tree, I initially thought this would make a good front, but on further inspection I see this large lump spoils the trunk line. If we look at the tree from the opposite site, we can see there's also the potential to create a twin trunk tree.

Now I've decided on my front, I can get rid of some of these branches.

I need to bear in mind, not to let too many branches grow from this point otherwise we risk an inverse taper. Inverse taper is where the trunk becomes thicker higher up than at the base.

Let's take a look at another example:

This next tree, like our first is forked. The fork is a little low on the trunk, so I'm going to let it grow more before taking it out the ground. The next thing that caught my eye are the trees crossing branches. The branches are crossing in all sorts of directions so I just tidy them up.

As I'm working on this tree, I can see many potential fronts.

When cutting branches off your maples, don't worry about getting the cut flush to the joint. Instead, leave a stub and let it die back. This way you prevent it dying back into the leader.

Handling Different Growth Rates

Interestingly, despite being planted simultaneously, some maples grow significantly thicker than others. This variation is akin to the diversity seen in humans. We embrace this natural difference, appreciating the slender elegance of some trees while focusing on thickening others for more robust bonsai.

Each tree tells a different story. Some have unusual leaf shapes or fascinating structures. By carefully selecting which branches to prune and where to air-layer, I can develop each tree’s potential. It’s a delicate balance between maintaining the tree’s health and shaping it into a bonsai.

The process of creating bonsai from these field-grown Maples is methodical. I prune strategically to encourage desirable growth patterns. Each cut is considered, balancing the immediate appearance with long-term goals.

Despite the jungle-like conditions, these Maples are transforming into future bonsai. The heavy pruning opens up the structure, allowing light to reach more parts of the tree. This selective pruning continues, ensuring the trees develop strong, aesthetically pleasing trunks and branches.

The nursery thrives with a variety of plants, but these Maples hold a special place. Most of the Maple bonsai, except for some small specimens, are produced right here. Even on cloudy days, the vibrant colours of the Maples shine through, showcasing their potential.

In just a couple of hours, significant progress is made in tidying up the Maple grove. Some trees, with trunks as thick as 2-3 inches, are poised to become stunning bonsai. Others, with trunks up to 5 inches in diameter, stand tall, ready for further shaping.

As we clear the debris, the structure of the future bonsai trees becomes clearer. The work is far from over, but each step brings these Maples closer to their final form. Come winter or early spring, a mechanical digger will help relocate these Maples, continuing their journey from field-grown trees to exquisite bonsai.

This process, though time-consuming, is incredibly rewarding. It requires patience and vision, transforming a dense, overgrown jungle into a collection of beautiful, unique bonsai trees. As the year progresses, I will continue to share updates, showing the ongoing transformation of these Maples into works of living art.
 

Final Touches and Future Plans

The goal is to prepare these trees for future transplanting and shaping. By winter or early spring, we plan to dig out the maples using a mechanical digger, readying them for further refinement as bonsai.

The process of creating bonsai from field-grown Japanese maples involves patience, vision, and meticulous care. Each tree is unique, presenting different challenges and opportunities. By understanding the principles of pruning, air layering, and growth patterns, one can transform even a dense jungle of maples into a collection of elegant bonsai.
 

Conclusion

Growing Japanese maple bonsai is a rewarding journey that combines horticulture and artistry. By carefully assessing each tree’s potential, strategically pruning, and utilising techniques like air layering, you can create stunning bonsai specimens. Remember, bonsai is not just about the end result but the process and patience it demands. Happy bonsai growing!