dmilla17
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Joined: Wed Jun 13, 2007 11:57 pm
Location: Michigan

Beginner-Japanese Maple.

I'm going to buy a Japanese Maple from Brussels. Is this a good tree for a beginer with bonsai? Should I water less frequently during winter since the trees are dormant? And finally what are some good tips for getting started?

ynot
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Location: USDA Z:5a Sunset Z. 41 IL

dmilla17 wrote:I'm going to buy a Japanese Maple from Brussels. Is this a good tree for a beginer with bonsai?
IMO - For a first tree, J Maples are not the best choice actually as they can be sensitive to both wind and sun. With proper care & attention it should pose no problems. A more forgiving choice would be Chinese Elm [Temperate] or a Ficus [Tropical].

You may want to take into consideration that many people lose their first tree[s]. In fact a famous phrase is "Dead trees are the tuition you pay to do bonsai."
I am not trying to talk you out of it, Just giving fair warning.
Should I water less frequently during winter since the trees are dormant?
Yes, Much much less for exactly the reason you mention: See the link below.
And finally what are some good tips for getting started?
Read the stickys at the top of the forum.

Start reading the articles at the top of the page and work your way down: https://www.bonsai4me.com/Basics.html

Be sure to read the articles on Beginners basics, Watering, Soil, and overwintering - Also check the species guides.

Do the same here: https://www.evergreengardenworks.com/articles.htm

Want to be blown away by some incredible bonsai? [url=https://www.helpfulgardener.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3343]...Look here... It will take more than one visit.[/url] 8)

ynot

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Gnome
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Location: Western PA USDA Zone 6A

dmilla17,
I'm going to buy a Japanese Maple from Brussels. Is this a good tree for a beginer with bonsai?
If you want a Maple I see no reason not to try one. You will learn for yourself if you have the knack for that species. Although I am not too sure that shipping right now is a good idea, they may not even ship at this time of year.

If they won't ship now visit your local nurseries and see what you can find there. If you are patient and know what to look for nursery stock can make quality bonsai. This has the advantage that you are not paying a premium for someone else's work and that you are gaining experience, even if you kill it.

Keep your eyes open around your neighborhood for landscape material that is being removed. This is also a source for good material.
Should I water less frequently during winter since the trees are dormant?
Yes, your watering will vary from season to season but you have months before that specific issue must be addressed.
And finally what are some good tips for getting started?
Read everything that you can get your hands on, start with the sticky threads (and the links they contain). This will keep you busy for some time.

Norm

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tarian
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Posts: 120
Joined: Sun Jan 28, 2007 3:12 pm
Location: wales

like gnome said in other posts you lose tree's (my profession of losing are chinese elms)
But I'm sure you could get a more reasonable priced bonsai for starting
(check ebay or local garden centers)

last year I started taking the giant leap of actually making bonsai my second ocupation in life (after school ) and started getting tree's for rip off prices by tokanoma bonsai (like my acer ...£50/$110/20)

what you have to concider is that the tree might die of light deficionce(think) or dehydration on its journey

BUT I'm NOT YOU SO ITS UP TO YOU ON YOUR DECISSIONS.


here's my acer
https://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s151/tarian475/000_0268.jpg



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