Page 119 - Ebook cây cảnh Art of Bonsai

Styling an upright maple 119

Create the basic framework

1 Reduce the apex to remove
straightness in the upper
Scar from
section, and most importantly
a previous
introduce taper into the top reduction
section. Prune back to a node in height
with several well-placed and
very strong branches, using
a saw to ensure a clean and
accurate cut.

2 Choose the new front.
Here, the new angle is based
on the best relationship
between the primary trunk
and the very strong main
branch—the nebari is a Primary trunk
neutral factor because it Secondary trunk
shows even growth all
around the base. Remove
whippy lower branches from
the trunk and cut back long
branches to a junction with
a suitable secondary shoot.
1 2
3 Thin out multiple branches
removing weak growth and
shoots growing in the wrong Remove the
direction until only two leaves to show
the structure
branches are left from each
node (see also p.120). This
is a fundamental concept
for deciduous trees. Always
prune back to a point just
above a strong branch or
bud on a node.

4 Defoliate the branches
after pruning. This tree was
pruned in the fall on the cusp
of leaf drop—the best time
for deciduous trees—so
foliage was removed after
the majority of the stored
starches had been transported
back into the tree.

3 4