Advice Needed for My Red Maple Bonsai

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Hi all,

I'm new to bonsai and would appreciate some guidance. I have a Red Maple (Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum') that I planted in the ground for two years. I then dug it up and placed it in a pot for the past year. The tree is currently about 4 feet 4 inches tall, and the trunk base is approximately 3 inches wide.

I plan to repot it into a proper bonsai pot next spring, and I have a few questions based on the current condition of the tree (photos attached below):

How much should I reduce the height of the tree this year?

How should I deal with the four strong branches growing from the base?

What size bonsai pot should I prepare for next spring?

Thank you very much for your help!

 

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Hi, It depends by the design you have in your minds. It's a good material, but you need to have a project. You'll have a lot of time for a bonsai pot, I don't think it's ready for that. Now it's time to chose and start tò develope the branches....only my opinion

 

[flashback]

Hi, It depends by the design you have in your minds. It's a good material, but you need to have a project. You'll have a lot of time for a bonsai pot, I don't think it's ready for that. Now it's time to chose and start tò develope the branches....only my opinion

Hi, thank you for your feedback!


I agree that the design of this tree is quite challenging for a beginner like me. I’ve been looking at some reference photos for inspiration, but I’m still unsure if my idea is even doable.


I understand your point about it not being ready for a bonsai pot yet—maybe I’m rushing the process. I’ll focus on choosing a direction and developing the primary branches for now, as you suggested.


Thanks again for your input—it really helps!