Can’t decide which one to buy

[bonsaiwood]

You probably won't miss out on anything because there will always be a market for good trees and hobbyists who want to buy them. For what it may be worth to you, nothing beats seeing a tree up close to get the full picture of a tree's suitability for bonsai. There are many experienced bonsai practitioners who feel confident enough buying a tree sight unseen. On the flipside there are plenty of bonsai beginner's who pull the trigger with a ''buy it now and figure it out later'' approach. From someone who has gone about it this way more than once, it usually doesn't work out well. Every tree I have ever bought on a whim (with the exceptio of one I'm experimenting with) has moved out of my garden. just my 2c.

 

[River's Edge]

Not sure if this guy takes negotiations but I’ll try. What are some good points to bring up for haggling, it’s listed at $500

You might try getting the latest information on the tree first. Site update was some time ago and the fall photos are listed as from 2015. It may very well be that the tree or trees are more advanced at this point. Reputable dealers are not known for haggling in my experience.

 

[shohin_branches]

So what I gathered from this is japanese maples are extremely expensive in the US and this website is still my best option for purchasing material, will make a decision after I get more current photos, if it turns out to be a dud I guess i’m going to the midwest bonsai show and hope to find something better

The Midwest Bonsai show is a good place to get material. I always take the day off work on Friday to go. Also check out Hidden Gardens in Willowbrook.

 

[BrightsideB]

@drip if you are 25 take your time a little. Find some locals into bonsai and seriously look into your Chicago club. Bonsai isn’t an instant gratification hobby and I think you know that. But it’s about the hunt and the patience to find and cultivate great material. Seriously look into your Chicago club. I promise you will find more value than you imagined. As well as opportunities (maybe through peers) to acquire very nice tree’s. Better than what you are looking at.

 

[rockm]

Buying online is a distant second to buying in person. Brent is a solid supplier he’s been at it for decades. You won’t get ripped off. That said slow down and don’t let the $$ burn a hole in your pocket. Nice material doesn’t just materialize magically online. It take ls shoe leather to track down. Going to shows and club meetings are the path to finding not only good trees but excellent trees for less $$. Bonsai can build an interpersonal skill set along with bonsai tools and know how

 

[bonsaiwood]

The Midwest Bonsai show is a good place to get material. I always take the day off work on Friday to go. Also check out Hidden Gardens in Willowbrook.

Jonas is listed as the Guest Master which should make for quite the treat. Jelly

 

[Orion_metalhead]

Not sure if this guy takes negotiations but I’ll try. What are some good points to bring up for haggling, it’s listed at $500

Listen, as you can see there are a ton of opinions on pricing. Something is worth what youll pay for it. Would I pay that much for a deciduous tree, probably not. They grow fast in the ground. I dont know how old or how much time you anticipate spending in the hobby but I have yet to spend $500 on a tree and if I were to spend that kind of dough, it would have to be near refinement or show worthy. You can ask for additional pictures, pretend to only be interested at a lower price point, offer a take it or leave it buy offer... plenty of negotiating tactics are available...

i think rockm's insight is very appropriate. Some great native species that offer some similar care and appearance to Japanese maples which are hardy to your area and colder: crabapples, amur maple, red maple (acer rubrum), slippery elm, winged elm, acer ginnala or vine maple, pears, oaks, etc... if you move to broadleaf evergreens and conifers that list expands to include hemlock, thuja, native junipers and pines... All of these are readily available.

Load up on different species and trees, really master care, then go big on a splurge - you wont be happy when you spend 500$ on a tree that you kill or irreversably damage in 2 or 3 seasons because you didnt know how to time care, get through winter, etc.

 

[Paradox]

Load up on different species and trees, really master care, then go big on a splurge - you wont be happy when you spend 500$ on a tree that you kill or irreversably damage in 2 or 3 seasons because you didnt know how to time care, get through winter, etc.

Can't agree with this statement more.
Learning and getting good with the basics before diving into a more expensive tree is good advice.

 

[drip]

Andy Smith works in South Dakota. His material is first rate. There are pretty nice native comifer and deciduous starter trees here for $65-$400 if you look. He has more trees for a variety of price ranges if you ask. He is a regular vendor at some of the larger shows in the eastern and midwestern us

Golden Arrow Bonsai

He got some nice stuff, not seeing any deciduous on his website tho

 

[Orion_metalhead]

You can also wait til a prime collection time and offer finders fees to landscapers doing rip outs. show them a few exanples of what youre looking for and what youd pay for them. Getting great material requires creativity sometimes.

 

[Jrmcmich]

You can check this out too. Seems like decent starting material maybe not quite as big as some of those. I have bought from Brent but not from this one but have seen some on here that have.

Deciduous Field Grown Bonsai

Deciduous field-grown bonsai plants are trees cultivated in open ground to encourage strong root development and thick trunk growth before being shaped into bonsai. These trees lose their leaves seasonally, displaying vibrant colors in autumn and bare branches in winter, offering a dynamic and...

cedarrosenursery.com

 

[rockm]

He got some nice stuff, not seeing any deciduous on his website tho

Potentilla and buckthorn are listed there. He probably has more if you ask. He does specialize in conifers though
Your issue at this point is you don’t know what you don’t know. Many experts grower/sellers avoid online sales specifically because of the hassles of shipping and servicing customers from a distance. So in other words, the best stuff is probably not online.

You really need to find local contacts to get the most for your money. You will be surprised at what is around locally and what $500 will get you.

 

[rockm]

Fwiw I got this collected winged elm at the Potomac Bonsai Association show and sale for less than what you’re planning to spend. You can probably find similar locally at the show.

 

[drip]

Thanks everyone for the knowledge and banter, Brent never got around to send me pictures, prob busy out in the field or something lol, I’ll wait up for the bonsai show in august with cash in hand LOL, maybe there are cool japanese maples waiting for me. In the meantime i’ll pick up some young stuff of diff species

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

Thanks everyone for the knowledge and banter, Brent never got around to send me pictures, prob busy out in the field or something lol, I’ll wait up for the bonsai show in august with cash in hand LOL, maybe there are cool japanese maples waiting for me. In the meantime i’ll pick up some young stuff of diff species

In fairness to Brent, he is a “one man band” working his nursery and it takes a few days to get a response, but you will.

You’ll likely find something at the MABS vendor area at a good price to select in person. Meanwhile, go get a job and stack some cash so you’re ready when the show hits.

 

[leatherback]

You can check this out too. Seems like decent starting material maybe not quite as big as some of those. I have bought from Brent but not from this one but have seen some on here that have.

Deciduous Field Grown Bonsai

Deciduous field-grown bonsai plants are trees cultivated in open ground to encourage strong root development and thick trunk growth before being shaped into bonsai. These trees lose their leaves seasonally, displaying vibrant colors in autumn and bare branches in winter, offering a dynamic and...

cedarrosenursery.com

exactly. Much better quality at a much lower pricepoint. That looks like decently prepared stock