Trident Maple Bonsai Tree Number 31P

The Trident Maple is a deciduous tree native of the far east. It is a great tree for bonsai as it is tolerant of pruning above and below the soil. The leave size reduces down well and the branches are fine. It is also a very vigorous and strongly growing tree.

The fleshly roots hold a lot of water. The tree need protection from frost and freezing temperatures.

Water daily throughout the growing season. Keep damp in winter but do not overwater.

Trim new shoots back to one of two sets of leaves whenever the tree is growing unless you wish to thicken branches. Trident maples benefit from leaf cutting (defoliation) in summer. I have done this as late as mid July with good results. I have been told that some people practice this defoliation several times in one season on very healthy Trident Maples.

We like to give them a hard prune back in midsummer and again in midwinter. A hard prune back in midsummer encourages the tree to put out lots of small new shoots, these new shoots have time to harden off before the winter. We then thin out the growth in winter. I have found that this thinning out is important, as they tree can’t cope with the profusion on small new shoots, and they can die off, leaving a new shoots.

Partial Defoliation

A number of growers, most noticeably, the late Peter Adams, suggest partial defoliation. He covers this well in his Book, Bonsai With Japanese Maples. Essentially, the process involves the removals of large leaves on the maple all through the growing season. This is a more gentle approach and also gives excellent results.

So, a number of pruning methods. I think the most import message here is to keep them well pruned. When well pruned, they will put out lots of small new shoots and become lovely and dense. Once this happens, remember to thin this new growth to prevent die-back.

The roots grow quickly and will rapidly fill bonsai pots. Repotting annually or at bi-annually for mature bonsai.

No special requirements. A general all round feed applied most of the year when the tree is actively growing (so not in winter) should be fine. Feed fortnightly through the growing season until the autumn.