Main thing would be: Giove them lots of space for growing (in full ground would be ideal) and do not trim the roots for this project. It needs all the energy available!

Good to know. I don't really have the option of planting them in the ground but I will be sure to find a large well draining pot for this. In addition to the twist ties I was thinking I should probably wrap the bundle in raffia or grafting tape to increase the force pushing the trees together. I have never used grafting tape before, is it much different? Which would be more suitable? I know raffia has very little elasticity so it should keep the bundle very tight but would a more elastic constriction be preferable?

Another good online source for seedlings is International Bonsai. Check out their seedlings here: www.internationalbonsai.com/page/1442817

it may be too late for this place but it wouldnt hurt to check. Bill runs out of seedlings pretty quick he is one of the few places to get quality seedlings in the area.
if anyone is from the area (rochester,ny) he has a spring open house and sale may 19-20. if anything go to check out his personal trees they are nothing short of amazing

I tried to order some tridents from him but in the time between by asking what was in stock and ordering the trees (about an hour), he ran out of tridents . hopefully i can find another source. would any of the other trees he sells be good for this technique?

I was thinking of switching to chinese elm if I cant find a source of trident maple. however, I don't know a whole lot about this species other than it grows fast and so might be good for this technique. Any thoughts?

i have been having alot of trouble finding seedlings in the states. i have spent days searching the web and everyone has a high $ minimum or a high tree amount minimum it has me pretty aggrivated. i may just dig up some sugar maple seedlings from my fathers...he has 1000's... just to enter. my time is running out tho

are seedlings this difficult to find normally or is it just late in the season?

Aww. see what I missed. ha ha . I have a big weeping willow tree that I could have rooted soooooo many cuttings from that would have been perfect for this contest. We are still a few weeks away from "decent" weather here. I think I may try to do this any way.

why didnt i think of that.willows would work great...maybe ill try rooting them while they are bound together just for sh**s and giggles and do another batch for binding later. thanks lance for the awesome idea i was starting to feel hopless on entering the contest.now i just have to wait for the leaves to show

Id wait to bind them until after they root. Some of them may not root and that would be a problem. This is going to be so much fun.