Nice score on this oak which I believe is blackjack oak.

[Big Country Bonsai]

Hey guys I know there’s a recent appreciation for oaks and their potential to make good bonsai so I just thought I would share my newly acquired prebonsai material. I got this tree from Ray at Bent Tree Bonsai in Dallas and I think it has potential to make a nice tree at some point. The trunk line is already attractive in my opinion and the bark is already nice and rough. The leaves are larger but I think with ramification and time they can be reduced to an appropriate size. It has nice spacing on existing branches but I think I may need to remove a couple to create a better primary structure. My main concern for now is whether or not to keep both branches at the trunk chop. If anyone has any advice I’d greatly appreciate it. As far as repotting do you all think I should go into another training pot or into a bonsai pot.

 

[Potsofgreen]

Definitely a nice score that bark is beautiful, if it was my tree I’d chop that thicker apex and keep the smaller one to grow out as a sacrifice apex, if your trying to thicken the trunk more that is, and if so definitely pot in a bigger training pot

 

[Potawatomi13]

Possibly could be Q. stellata but likely marilandica as you say. Bark stellar! Personal best advice is put in big grow container for bigger trunk. Bonsai pot ends trunk growth almost completely. Large tree aids in leaf scaling to fit tree.
After established from repot personally would cut above first branch above kink/jog in trunk as is very straight above with little taper.

 

[Big Country Bonsai]

They do look similar and this specific tree does have some leaves with more prominent lobes than some marilabdica but it has the sharp points on the tips of the leaves that distinguish it from oak in the white oak group such as Quercus stellata. I’ll post a better pic showing it in a bit

 

[Potawatomi13]

DUH! Several years thought Post/Blackjack both red oak because leaves so similar, Better to know actuality. Thank you.

 

[Big Country Bonsai]

Just wanted to update on how this tree is developing. I cut it back quite a bit and it responded with lots of back budding. Excited to see where it goes.

 

[John P.]

When did you make the big cuts? I have a nursery stock deciduous oak that still hasn’t leafed out and would like to get some back buds.

 

[Big Country Bonsai]

When did you make the big cuts? I have a nursery stock deciduous oak that still hasn’t leafed out and would like to get some back buds.

Late winter. I think if it hasn’t pushed leaves you still have time!

 

[John P.]

Thanks—will give it a try.

 

[Potawatomi13]

Really nice bark! Nice job cutting out crotch at top. If wanting to bend down any of current limbs should be doing this while still young. If they crack at base STOP! Do NOT try to bend back. Protect with cut paste and see if survival ensues.

 

[rockm]

Thanks—will give it a try.

I would be cautious in adapting any techniques used on a Texas native oak and Pacific oaks. Not the same species or climate.

Nice blackjack oak!