Acer-Of-Spades

I decided to bite the bullet and purchase my first young tree. After much debate, I followed my heart and fell in love with an Acer Palmatum Dissectum (Japanese Maple). It had character, personality, it practically begged me to bring it home with me. I am usually an impulsive person, not neccessarily a risk taker but I do think you only live (this life) once. Here's my dilema... I find that with the precious new addition to my life, I am at a loss for where to start or what to do! I have attached pictures of my first and only tree. Currently the trunk has a lean to it, and ultimately I will be aiming for the slanted trunk style. The side I have decided to balance the angle of the trunk is more naked than I would like so I have that side facing the sunlight. I have the tree on the south-west side of my house since I have read that this type is delicate and burns easily. Should I repot, should I prune, should I cut the lead branch, should I trim the roots, should I leave it alone for now and start my "work" next year? So many things to think about, and NO experience to base my decisions on. Please post ideas, I need direction!

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JLDoggett

For this year, if it can't be planted in the ground (to bulk it up quicker) I would leave it be, feed it heavily (not burn the roots). It should be very happy outdoors where you live, if sheltered a bit from the mid-day sun and strong winds.

In the mean time, I would suggest reading all you can and maybe getting a few nursery evergreens to play with.

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Phil

I'd have to agree with Jim that the trunk does indeed need to be fattened up. The only way to accomplish this would either be a decent size grow box or planting it in the ground for a few years or more. However, you would certainly have to keep at as for trimming and not letting it get out of hand.

Not at all sure as to the suggestion and, or the connection in purchasing some evergreens in the interim seeing that you seem to have fallen in love with a maple but hey.....whatever, I've nothing whatsoever against evergreens!

By the way....welcome to BonsaiCHAT!

~Phil~

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shrimpy

Hi Acer
If you can plant your Acer in the ground for a few years and keep the plant trimmed this should force new growth lower down on the trunk and also thicken the trunk.
Acers are a very forgiving plant so long as you do any major work on them while they are dormant.
This plant was a 4 foot Acer Crimson Queen that got broken off below the bud it is now a 10 inch Palmatum.
I agree with Jim find yourself some cheap nursery stock that you can experiment on, I don't know about in the States but here in NZ most garden centre's have what they call either a bargain bin or a reduced to clear area I have made so real good finds this way.

Shrimpy

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