Well, I think it's time to train this JM, beginning next Spring.
The plan is to chop it good and start from the first branch.
Applying cut paste is mandatory in this case, as the cut will be big and maples are prone to get fungus easily.
Some years of fun are in sight, I guess.
Any other suggestions?

Tree as is now:


Lower Trunk with flare and nebari:


Planned chop:


Comments are welcome.

I probably would not cut it..

leatherback wrote: I probably would not cut it..

It's too big, it's too tall.

Clicio wrote:

leatherback wrote: I probably would not cut it..

A bit of elegance never hurt. There are too many stocky trees as it is. I like the general trunkline and looks.

If you do not like it, I will take it

It's too big, it's too tall.

Clever words from Harry Harington´s Bonsai4me webpage regarding pruning:

"Hard-pruning and formative pruning should be carried out in Autumn after leaf-fall (preferably within 1 week) or during the mid-summer semi-dormant period when wounds can heal very quickly. Never prune during Spring as all Acer species have a habit of bleeding profusely which can severely weaken the plant or even result in the loss of branches. Ensure all wounds are sealed."

I Collected large JM last year from a friend´s garden and pruned the trunk as I do with all deciduous yamadoris.
Big mistake, it nearly bled to death.
Just about survived.
Now it is growing again and it seems it made it, but it was painful looking at it for the whole last summer and hoping it will live.

I would also not cut it. I see a rather good taper and by developing further secondary branches it has the potential to become a truly majestic tree...

Mimo wrote: "Hard-pruning and formative pruning should be carried out in Autumn after leaf-fall (preferably within 1 week) or during the mid-summer semi-dormant period when wounds can heal very quickly."

Thanks for the really useful info, Mimo.
I'll take it into consideration before doing any damage to this Acer.

Well, after a good eye to eye talk with Leatherback last night, he's convinced me not to chop it at all.
I"ll keep you posted about the progression.

Clicio wrote: Well, after a good eye to eye talk with Leatherback last night, he's convinced me not to chop it at all.
I"ll keep you posted about the progression.

Hey, don't go holding me responsible now!

I know I'm not as good as most of you are and I am still rather new to bonsai only after 4 years but my eye has never let me down yet, I see a beautiful tree in the making, with a little effort and elbow grease I think you have a show stopper! I will post some of the project I have been working on for advice and to show were I am as a bonsai enthusiast, I appreciate all the help you guys have given me and look forward to more great advice in the future.