Hello from a newbie, intro and maple development q's

[spearo2953]

Hello, I'm new to bonsai, located in New Hampshire. I haven't found any clubs within a couple hours drive, so have been doing some online courses through Bonsai Empire and too much content on YouTube. This site looks to be a great resource for learning and community.

I picked up a few trees to help me practice and learn. That said, I have a Bloodgood maple from a local nursery and am hoping to get input here as I come up with a plan for developing this tree. It's still early spring here so timing should be right for some pruning once the leaves have set.
My biggest question at the moment is what does this tree want to be. There are three branches radiating from nearly the same point on the trunk. As my inexperienced eyes see it, I could go with a broom style (maybe trunk is too short) or chop two branches and develop the remaining branch as the leader. Or I suppose i could chop all and develop a new leader. I would like to capitalize on it's strengths rather than force a design since this tree is already somewhat developed.

Thanks in advance for you comments and suggestions,
Mark

 

[dbonsaiw]

My biggest question at the moment is what does this tree want to be.

First off, welcome aboard. The tree wants to be a big giant tree and you will work over the years to fight that. Personally, I like it as a broom and don’t think the trunk below that is too short.

 

[spearo2953]

dbonsaiw, thank you