I think that if you read this, then you can see that there is more to it than posting your finished product tree. I actually have as much chance with my deadwood maple in this competition than my massive maple if I look to this guideline.
I actually see this less as a contest and more as a chance for both beginners and seasoned hobbyists to invest themselves in a good piece of UNDEVELOPED stock, work on it for a year, and get constructive criticism about their choices/techniques, etc along the way. I've been doing bonsai for a long time, but don't have a lot of experience with maples, and this is an opportunity for me to pick up my game in that regard and learn a lot from those who have been there before me. At least, that's how I see it playing out.
Hmmm, I see it another way, not "UNDEVERLOPED" stock. A quote from Smoke, "In this thread I will show 12 possible maples and why each would be bad or good for a large maple contest."
Some of those are further along then others, but I see more then a couple that just have a trunk and no branching to speak of, where others have the beginning of the branching but no ramification. The point is that these trees all NEED more development to get there, whether it's branching, ramification, wiring, etc. I'm thinking about using this one, started last year as truly raw material. I need to see if the caliper is appropriate the contest. Honestly, I've got nothing to lose and everything to gain.
That is the true spirit of the contest. So often we a before and after and no text on how it got there. That's what I want to watch... People's process.
Like my grandmother used to say "it takes all kinds to make the world go round"...Watch and learn brother. For the record, I'm only four years in. I'm entering a tree that I'm trading my carpentry skills for...it's big and nowhere close to being a bonsai. It'll be a great challenge and a chance to participate with the likes of Smoke, BVF, Walter and many more.
Thanks for being a people pleaser! Lol
I might use one of these since they both need drastic actions at some point. I've had them both for a few years but again, both are not on their way to being good bonsai yet.
How fortunate for you that you can trade your skills for material! I will enjoy watching the thread...but don't wish to put the funds into a 3" trunk. When I can take that same money and buy a tree closer to my taste. Maples are lovely...but, not on my list of wants. I do want one for my yard though...some cute dwarf variety. But I don't begrudge ones participating...and I feel I can still learn from this contest. Some just won't have the funds to put into a 3" tree...which is fine...they can still enjoy the ride watching and learning.
I think the tall one is but I have to check both to be honest. At any rate I will be working on them this year and posting regardless, though I'd like to try to get in this contest.
That looks to be a big tree based on the window. I'm thinking closer to 4" maybe.
I understand your personal preference. But you be surprised at what you can find for a couple hundred bucks lol
Lol no doubt! I am playing around with a weeping variety maple. I'm not a maple hater...just want something else for my money.
