Hey all, I got a blaze maple from Lowe’s today and I’d like to bonsai it. It’s 6 ft tall though currently with all the branching up top. I’m curious if air layering or trunk chopping would be a good idea to get one bonsai candidates while maintaining good health of the tree.

Super stoked for my first deciduous tree and I’m aware it’s not a Japanese maple or trident maple. None were available in my area.

Any thoughts, suggestions or tips are greatly appreciated.

Hi Frason,

Do you have a picture or a scientific name? Not all members know what a blaze maple is, as common names are very local. (Just like Lowes: It might be a well known trader in your locality, here I have never heard of it).

J.

Lowe's is a big box hardware store that has tools, garden and lawn supplies, paint, etc. Another one in the US is Home Depot. I think there are stores in Canada, too, but I'm not sure.

There are some nice examples of good Autumn Blaze Maple Bonsai out there...
Starting a bonsai from stump is a common technique, and use air layering not to waste the top of the chop is an option... Some people don't like much because of the scar it leaves, which takes some years to heal, but eventually it will... Making a bonsai without apparent scars it's a much more delicate task which implies starting with a very young tree, and so it takes way more time and technique to do so, which goes for high-end trees generally.

As far as I know, in general, Maples accept well air layering, you just have to get the timing right.

Here’s a picture, everything is still dormant, still gets down to 20-25 at night... (winter never ends here in south east idaho)

The maple only has like 6 branches up top and a few buds starting
It’s called a autumn blaze maple, scientific name is acer freemanii jeffersred