Pj86
Yamadori
I wanted to share a long-term project that finally reached a first real styling this December: a very large trident maple collected here in Texas.
Background / Collection (Feb 2023)
This tree came from MVP Bonsai. It was part of a grove of trident maples that had been planted and left to grow freely for roughly 20–25 years. The result was a massive, field-grown tree with strong trunks and an equally substantial root system.
Collection took place in February 2023. I used straps during the dig due to the size and weight. After collection, the trunks were reduced significantly, the roots were cleaned up, and the tree was planted into a large wooden planter that I built. The planter sits on a mobile bench, which has been essential given the scale of the tree.
2023 – Recovery Year
The remainder of 2023 was focused entirely on recovery. Growth was steady but not explosive, which was expected given the amount of reduction. The priority was root rebuilding and overall health rather than pushing extension. The tree responded well and stayed strong through the season.
2024 – Wound Work and Vigorous Growth
In 2024, I began focusing on the large cuts from collection. The wounds were reduced and refined to a size that would allow for clean callus formation, and cut paste was applied. The tree responded extremely well this year, with strong growth and rapid callus formation. Several of the major wounds began closing faster than expected.
2025 – Refinement and First Styling
Throughout 2025, I continued working the wounds, doing only minor pruning to maintain structure. During the summer, I selectively defoliated to allow light into the interior and keep inner growth alive.
In December 2025, I decided it was time to move forward with styling. A significant number of branches were reduced or removed, and the initial styling was set. The approach is a bit unconventional, but the structure is starting to come together and feels appropriate for the size and character of the tree.
This is very much the beginning of the refinement phase, but it felt like a good milestone to share. I’ll continue refining structure and taper while letting the callus work progress over the coming years.
Comments and critiques are welcome—especially from those who have worked large tridents through similar transitions.
Background / Collection (Feb 2023)
This tree came from MVP Bonsai. It was part of a grove of trident maples that had been planted and left to grow freely for roughly 20–25 years. The result was a massive, field-grown tree with strong trunks and an equally substantial root system.
Collection took place in February 2023. I used straps during the dig due to the size and weight. After collection, the trunks were reduced significantly, the roots were cleaned up, and the tree was planted into a large wooden planter that I built. The planter sits on a mobile bench, which has been essential given the scale of the tree.
2023 – Recovery Year
The remainder of 2023 was focused entirely on recovery. Growth was steady but not explosive, which was expected given the amount of reduction. The priority was root rebuilding and overall health rather than pushing extension. The tree responded well and stayed strong through the season.
2024 – Wound Work and Vigorous Growth
In 2024, I began focusing on the large cuts from collection. The wounds were reduced and refined to a size that would allow for clean callus formation, and cut paste was applied. The tree responded extremely well this year, with strong growth and rapid callus formation. Several of the major wounds began closing faster than expected.
2025 – Refinement and First Styling
Throughout 2025, I continued working the wounds, doing only minor pruning to maintain structure. During the summer, I selectively defoliated to allow light into the interior and keep inner growth alive.
In December 2025, I decided it was time to move forward with styling. A significant number of branches were reduced or removed, and the initial styling was set. The approach is a bit unconventional, but the structure is starting to come together and feels appropriate for the size and character of the tree.
This is very much the beginning of the refinement phase, but it felt like a good milestone to share. I’ll continue refining structure and taper while letting the callus work progress over the coming years.
Comments and critiques are welcome—especially from those who have worked large tridents through similar transitions.
