Opinions on an Amur Maple being auctioned

[cheap_walmart_art]

I've been eyeballing this Amur Maple all week on the Bonsai Auctions - but I'm always pretty hesitant to purchase something online as I always seem to find material I like better at club auctions and sales. Something about this one really speaks to me, though the gnarliness of the bark on the back is a little worrisome. What sort of opinion do you all have on this tree? Worth around $100-$150?

 

[Smoke]

If this is worth $150 I'm a millionaire!!!!!

Yea!!!

 

[wireme]

I think it is worth that much.

 

[cheap_walmart_art]

If this is worth $150 I'm a millionaire!!!!!

Yea!!!

You should engage in some philanthropy with those fat stacks!

 

[coh]

Opening bid (requested) is $100, bin $140...so far no bids. We'll see what happens. I think there's a good chance someone takes a stab at it for around $100.

 

[cheap_walmart_art]

Opening bid (requested) is $100, bin $140...so far no bids. We'll see what happens. I think there's a good chance someone takes a stab at it for around $100.

Yeah that's what I was thinking about doing if nothing is on it by Saturday.

 

[Dav4]

Is it me or is half the trunk dead?? Hmmmm, even if it wasn't I'm not sure I'd want to deal with the crummy rootage.

 

[cheap_walmart_art]

Is it me or is half the trunk dead??

I was wondering the same thing. The bark on the front and on the back are way different.

 

[rockm]

Is it me or is half the trunk dead?? Hmmmm, even if it wasn't I'm not sure I'd want to deal with the crummy rootage.

Half the trunk is dead, or healed over from previous dieback. That side will require thread grafting if the owner wants branches on that side...

 

[River's Edge]

I've been eyeballing this Amur Maple all week on the Bonsai Auctions - but I'm always pretty hesitant to purchase something online as I always seem to find material I like better at club auctions and sales. Something about this one really speaks to me, though the gnarliness of the bark on the back is a little worrisome. What sort of opinion do you all have on this tree? Worth around $100-$150?

View attachment 244766View attachment 244767

Poor roots, Poor trunk, Poor choice! The price is not the deciding factor in my view.
Markets vary, basis of deciding quality remains the same.

 

[LanceMac10]

Pass....

 

[_#1_]

I'd pass too. The roots are quite blah. Unless it's free...

 

[cheap_walmart_art]

Thanks for the opinions folks, im glad i asked. This will help me in judging future material and I think I'll spend some time reading through tree critiques in the archive to help develop my eye.

 

[Mike Hennigan]

Seems that entire side of the tree is dead down to the soil. Whatever bark is left looks like it’s peeling off. Definitely overpriced. The only reasonable option is some serious carving for a fully dead side. I wouldn’t pay 10 bucks for it but just my opinion.

 

[coachspinks]

I have found that a lot of the trees sold on the FB auctions are trees that just didn't make the cut in the sellers collection. Like this maple they have problems that aren't easily fixed. Of course, there are exceptions but you have to look carefully.

 

[Lorax7]

I like the pot better than the tree that’s in it. However, if you’re into trunk carving, you could probably make something interesting out of it. Do they have an “or best offer” on the auction listing? If so, maybe offer a bid lower than the requested opening bid and see if they bite.

 

[Bolero]

I think it is very unique and worthy, the foilage indicates that it is very healthy, it should be in a larger pot and some creative work done on the roots...easily worth 100-150.....
I would re-position it more to the vertical and do some cutting to expose the trunk on the gnarly side...it has great potential....Buy It...

 

[Dav4]

I think it is very unique and worthy, the foilage indicates that it is very healthy, it should be in a larger pot and some creative work done on the roots...easily worth 100-150.....
I would re-position it more to the vertical and do some cutting to expose the trunk on the gnarly side...it has great potential....Buy It...

Maybe you should buy it...

 

[Bolero]

Maybe you should buy it...

I would but I cant find it and anyway I don't want to steal it away from Cheap Walmart guy....

I'm pretty sure it's a Japanese Elm Maple not a true Trident....the Unique Trunk is what makes this a Special Bonsai but it will take a true Bonsai Specialist to bring out the Hidden Uniqueness....

 

[cheap_walmart_art]

I would but I cant find it and anyway I don't want to steal it away from Cheap Walmart guy....

Thanks for the sentiment but grab it if you want it! Lots of good points made here but the dead part does freak me out a bit, not to mention i have no experience carving. Ill likely put out feelers to people in my club and see what i can come up with at a similar price. Its on the Bonsai Auctions page on FB.