How to Level-up a Japanese Maple Bonsai

I demonstrate how I add value to an already valuable Japanese maple. What flaws to improve upon as well as what imperfections to highlight to make a tree special are key concepts in continuous bonsai improvement. Join me in this little glimpse of bonsai life.
Note: the little shoot at the base is a root graft and will be removed when it has fused to the base of the main trunk. That isn’t discussed in this video.
/ bonsai_echo

[@kosmozova]

That thick lower branch is out of overall balance of the tree I think. It's going too straight up and paralell to the trunk. Otherwise a wonderfull work on this beautifull maple. I love your approach to bonsai. Honestly, one of the best bonsai channels on youtube. Keep up posting!

[@BonsaiEcho]

It’s a bit awkward compared to the bonsai “rules” isn’t it? It has a way of demanding attention and a closer inspection. The tree grew it. I’m just drawing further attention to what the tree wanted to do. I am happy that it also inspired you to imagine what you would do with the tree. And very glad that you are here for the ride!

[@kosmozova]

It's actually the branch you were considering removing what triggered my attention to that thick branch on the opposite side. Still, you can't tell for sure how you would go with a styling while seeing a tree on a video. Anyway, thanks for your time to communicate with me. You are very honest person. I'm happy to be in your bonsai journey :)

[@backbudbonsai]

That is a GORGEOUS maple bonsai!!! Awesomeness!!!

[@andyhansen8727]

What a beautiful tree!! I have started some maples last year and thats the look I want. Great job..

[@BonsaiEcho]

Less like a bonsai and more like a tree.

[@Theo-tc2pl]

I guess your maple has such a natural looking that i would not touch it .. better is worse than good !!! I have a similar ine and many years ago i wanted to reduce the apex and was the silliest thing i did ! Since has been looking ugly .. now i have to. Reshape again ! U have a nice tapered trunk slim elegant tapered branches no knot of cuttings .. imho il almost perfect .. i say almost as perfection is alwas beyond of perfection a step forevard of satisfaction .. just one remark : wiring while lives on is not the best moment to do it .. but you tree is remarkably beautiful 👍👍👍🍀

[@BonsaiEcho]

It is a prized bonsai in my collection.

[@Theo-tc2pl]

@@BonsaiEcho i see !😜And happy to notice the Quality as well 😎🥂😱

[@mattbrennan647]

Beautiful specimen. Thanks

[@loganheilman5481]

Great video! I hope I make my koto hime maple into a tree this beautiful some day

[@BenBSeattle]

good stuff, thats a great looking tree!

[@BonsaiEcho]

One of my favorites

[@ericsvideos1]

Thank you !!! Exactly was I was looking for! Am going to prune my Japanese Maples!

[@harshpbiscuitwala5893]

Nice tree and pot Jared! What size pot are you using for your tree and what are the dimensions of your tree, if you don’t mind sharing.

[@BonsaiEcho]

That tree is currently in a 20” x 2” pot. The height and spread of the tree are roughly equal at around 28” x 28”. When I can, I’ll be putting it into a pot of our own production.

[@cbrusharmy]

Absolutely keep that lower branch. Are you trying to develop a twin trunk, or is that very bottom one sacrificial? Lovely tree

[@BonsaiEcho]

Just letting the branch grow where it is. Styled more like a tree than a bonsai.

[@cbrusharmy]

@@BonsaiEcho I wouldn't hesitate to call it a naturalistic bonsai. Seems very appropriate for maples, and is where I wish to take mine.

[@helenchen3665]

Thank you for sharing. Really enjoying watching your videos. May I know where do you put your maple tree in the garden? With full sun or in the shadow as my maples always get scotched. BTW I just start growing bonsai this year. Best regards,

[@BonsaiEcho]

The weather in my area is mild in the summer and mild again in the winter. It is also partly cloudy most of the year. Perfect for japanese maples. When it does get hot and sunny, I do sometimes move some trees into shadier locations that still get morning sun. If the winter ever gets very cold and windy, I put some trees on the ground next to a fence or bring them into the unheated greenhouse.

[@brentbishop444]

Would love to see an update on this tree, looks great! When do you feel is the best time to wire a JM ?

[@BonsaiEcho]

I prefer to wire deciduous trees when they are leafless and just about to start a period of growth. Spring before bud break or right after defoliation in the growing season are good times where the branches are accessible and somewhat flexible. Full defoliation is not always appropriate, but partial leaf removal still allows better access to apply wire. I avoid wiring deciduous in the dead of winter due to the branches becoming brittle.

[@brentbishop444]

Bonsai Echo thank you for the help, greatly appreciate the replies

[@LayeDiaw]

Go hard on the trimming!

[@BonsaiEcho]

I’ll likely rejuvenate this one next year, but it won’t get any major chops.

[@MrRicheme]

How old is this wonderful Maple? Im planning on getting one.

[@BonsaiEcho]

Old enough to know better, but still too young to care.😉 I don’t actually know the age. It’s lived a great life so far though.

[@Tore1972Wisdom]

Love that Maple to. What´s the name of that one?

[@BonsaiEcho]

Sharp’s Pygmy

[@Tore1972Wisdom]

@@BonsaiEcho* Thanks. Have a nice weekend.

[@stuartrogers2118]

is this tree grafted?

[@BonsaiEcho]

It has a very well done graft. Hardly noticeable.

[@parvuselephantus]

4:53 - I like the thin branch, but why don't you cut thick branch off (yes, I never made a Bonsai, have hardly some flowers, I love to take care and I'm not any expert. Also yes, it's your tree and it is up to your taste to shape it. Just telling what I hear often on other bonsai videos - I see others love to cut much more [so branches - especially the main one - are visible] then you did and often follow rule: one thick main branch and other branches as thin as possible)

[@BonsaiEcho]

That’s a good question. “Bonsai rules” apply more when styling trees to look like bonsai. The rules become less applicable the closer the styling gets to tree forms that exist naturally. In the case of this tree, I take inspiration from real full sized maple trees I have seen that grow whatever way works for them. The rules are a good base to build on, but the joy of trees is really only realized as one branches out.