Hello

I bought these very young trees (common hornbeam and Japanese Maple) to leave for quite a few years. Obviously nothing like bonsai at this age, but was wondering if I should wire them carefully to get a little more interesting trunk shape at this time. What do you think?

I would not wire these, I would be directional pruning and planted in the ground they will grow quite fast.

Yes you can !
Be gentle and do follow it up closely, so the wire don't leave marks on the stem.

of course you can!!! but As I said there is no need, it is is much better to directionally prune and they also need to be in the ground for the quickest growth and thickening of the trunk.

Thanks m5eaygeoff and FrankC
I have so many other plants growing in the ground right now, I think I'll have to go with a large pot for the time being. My marital status might change if I continue to plant more trees in the garden

I think perhaps some loose wiring around the hornbeams might work so I don't damage the little trunks.

Brom wrote: My marital status might change if I continue to plant more trees in the garden
.

You think? I know many people like a partner that takes care of the garden. But I have not noticed a lot of added attraction for growing out bonsai, I am afraid.

Brom wrote: Thanks m5eaygeoff and FrankC
I have so many other plants growing in the ground right now, I think I'll have to go with a large pot for the time being. My marital status might change if I continue to plant more trees in the garden

I think perhaps some loose wiring around the hornbeams might work so I don't damage the little trunks.

never said anything about planting in the garden!