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The Trident
Maple (Acer buergerianum) is an oriental deciduous tree. It is
very tolerant to pollution, which is why it can be grown in
cities and towns. The trident maple is quite hardy as far as
bonsai trees go, but it will still need special care,
particularly with regards to protecting it from frost. The
trident maple's roots have high moisture content; and during
winter this can become a disadvantage. In order to protect this
maple from frost, you can try keeping it in a greenhouse or
covering it with straw during winter. The trident maple should
be placed in a sunny spot that has shade in the afternoons.
The Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum) is also known as the Japanese
Mountain Maple. There are many varieties of Japanese maple to
choose from; it is a very popular bonsai maple tree. Just to
give you an idea, there is the Nishiki Issai, Ara Kawa, Nishiki
Sho, Nishiki Gawa - these are varieties with rough barks that
age quickly. There are also varieties with unusual barks - this
includes the Sanku and the Aoyji. The Kiyo-hime Tama-hime are
examples of the dwarf varieties. These grow more like bushes
rather than trees.
The Japanese maple has a diverse variety of hybrids, by some
counts more than three hundred. The leaves of Japanese maples
range from light green to deep burgundy. Like the trident maple,
Japanese maples are quite durable trees. Air pollutants and
insects are usually not a problem for them. The Japanese maple
grows best in moist, fertile soil, and do not perform as well in
places when exposed to too much sun.
Caring for your bonsai tree is not that difficult. It needs the
appropriate amount of sun and water. The maples prefer a bit of
shade with not excessive direct sunlight. If you have yours in a
pot, you can place it where you want but be sure to move it out
of the direct sun during the hottest part of the day. You should
not let your bonsai dry out but also, do not drown it in too
much water. Careful pruning and shaping of the bonsai will give
you a lovely tree that will last for years.
Bonsai maple trees are quite beautiful and are ideal for bonsai
beginners. Their innate durability makes them easy to take care
of. And let's not forget that they are also some of the most
incredible-looking bonsai around!
Lee Dobbins writes for http://www.bonsai.garden-corner.com where
you can learn more about bonsai trees and starting your bonsai
hobby.
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