Trident Maple Bonsai
by Randy Clark, Charlotte, NC, Bonsai Learning Center
Of all the maple species one might attempt as bonsai, the
Trident maple has to rank among the very best. There are
many varieties of maples that offer more interesting foliage
forms, but there are none that are as adept at becoming
bonsai as is the Trident.
Tridents tend to have a natural upright growing form and can
be shaped into almost any style. The tree has a small leaf
to begin with, which becomes smaller when grown in
containers and even smaller yet, when bonsai defoliation
techniques are employed. The tree will accommodate massive
root pruning and will develop large trunks and fused root
buttresses in a relatively short time. It buds back on old
wood readily and develops branch ramification quickly.
Light Requirements
Trident maples are sun-loving trees. They should be given
full exposure to as much sun a possible each day. The
exception might be trees that are planted in very shallow
pots, which tend to dry out more quickly—although it should
be noted that Tridents are more drought tolerant than many
other species of trees.
Soil and Potting Requirements
Tridents should be transplanted in the early spring—just
before—or as the buds are beginning to swell. This may occur
anywhere from late February to mid-April depending upon
where you live. Tridents experience a period of intense root
growth in the week or two just before they bud. If you plan
to do any serious branch pruning on your tree this is a good
time, because even very large cuttings (as big as your
wrist) will root easily during this period. Trees should be
kept in a cool, shaded environment for about two weeks after
transplanting and should be protected from freezing.
If transplanted at the correct time, Trident maples may be
aggressively root pruned, removing as much as 65 % of the
root system with little fear of damaging the tree. If the
tree is transplanted at other times of the year, you should
be more conservative about removal of roots and always,
always, defoliate the tree just before making the
out-of-season transplant.
Defoliation
Defoliation of a Trident maple (or any other tree) as a
simple matter of course is NOT good horticulture [if it
is weak], nor is it good bonsai. Although Tridents are
tough plants and put up with any number of bumbling bonsai
antics, the business of leaf defoliation places a
considerable strain on the tree. It is unwise to strain a
tree if it is not necessary. You should therefore have a
good reason for defoliating your tree. Those reasons might
include: 1. out of season transplant; 2. bug eaten or
damaged foliage; 3. a need for smaller leaves or brilliant
fall color for a bonsai exhibition. Please don't do it
simply because you think it cool.
Defoliation will get you smaller leaves, which stay on the
tree longer into the fall months and deliver more brilliant
fall color. Defoliation "shocks" the tree into a second
springtime growing cycle. Therefore, if you choose to
defoliate, it must be TOTAL, over the entire plant. It is
very dangerous to defoliate only one or two branches (to do
so may result in the tree shutting down those branches in
favor of the ones which still have leaves) and in no case
should you defoliate a tree more than one time in any one
growing season.
Water Requirements
Although Tridents are somewhat drought tolerant; they prefer
a moist, but not soggy soil. If you are using a good bonsai
soil mixture, it will require daily watering during the
growing season and perhaps more frequently during the hot
summer months. Keep the soil somewhat dryer during the
winter months to minimize frost damage to roots. Too much
water will result in yellow or pale leaves and reduced
vigor.
Fertilizers
There is a relationship between the amount of water and
fertilizer you give a tree and the amount of internodal
space and leaf size that occurs. For young trees where lots
of growth is needed, a general-purpose fertilizer (chemical)
[we recommend organic] that is high in nitrogen
should be used. For older, mature trees, a slow-release
organic fertilizer that is lower in nitrogen will result in
smaller leaves and more controlled growth. I fertilize all
bonsai twice per month during the regular growing season.
Note: During fall months, a fertilizer that is high in
phosphorus and low in nitrogen will help the plant to harden
off and store up energy for the coming winter months.
Wiring and Shaping
If your tree is healthy, vigorous pruning will result in
fast growth and rapid branch ramification. Large cuts made
on tridents tend to heal quickly, but it is still advisable
to cover larger cuts with a wound sealant. Trident bark
expands very quickly in the spring and early summer. It is
therefore advisable to avoid large-scale wiring projects
until the late summer or fall. Winter is even better because
the trees are devoid of leaves and may be more easily wired.
Tridents willingly throw buds on old wood, but you should
remember that the key to getting a tree to bud back is to
get light and air into the branches where you wish leaves to
appear.
Randy T. Clark
Bonsai Learning Center
4416 Beatties Ford Road
Charlotte, NC 28216
Phone: 704-392-9244
http://www.bonsailearningcenter.com/
Reprinted with permission. Some edits noted by [] are for
the expressed opinion of Kusamura not necessarily the
opinion of the published author.
