I wanted to know if it looks good. If there are any tips you guys are willing to give I’m open. Thanks

Looks one dimensional to me. No back and front branches. Also there are one branch missing on the right hand side.

However this tree is in very early development phase and maples do backbud very good on old wood. There will be several more chanses to shose branches. Meanwile pay atention to branches growing upwards that can be used for future leaders or sacrificial branches. This tree needs to develop taper.

I’m kinda new to bonsai so what is a sacrificial branch and leader branch. And also thank you for the good tips.

To get taper there are two options:

Cut the trunk low just above an upward facing branch and grow it as the new trunk (called leader)

Leave one branch that are not part of the final design. Let it grow wild without any pruning for a few years to fatten the trunk below it. When thickness below that branch is to decired thickness, remowe it. Hence called a sacrificial branch.

Both tecnices is best done a few times, starting low and work the way up.

Can I do the branch growing thing in a bonsai pot or should I do it in a nursery pot.

It can be done in any container. The bigger it is the faster it develops.

Should I cut the trunk off at the first branch and make the first branch the new leader? Will this harm the tree?

Maybe, but that really depends on how you want it to look in the future.

In any case, I think you have done enough for now and that it should be left alone to grow for a season or two. That will also give you plenty of time to study the tree, the art of bonsai and make a vision for how you want it to look in the future.

LoganwithBonsai wrote:

Should I cut the trunk off at the first branch and make the first branch the new leader? Will this harm the tree?

Let it grow for a year, and during that year join a club and listen to people talk about what they are doing. Learn the vocabulary and ask a lot if questions.

Every club has peopke who love to talk about their trees. Have fun.

Ok. I was thinking about joining the club in my area. Thank you.