Acer buergerianum

A great species for bonsai, best known for the great nebari you can achieve with them. They do quite well here in North Central Florida. This one’s for you Bettianne.

PRUNING… Allow new growth to extend to 3-5 nodes or leaf pairs, prune back to first or second node throughout growing season. Tridents are somewhat apical dominant, so keep the apex and upper branches thinned more to distribute growth throughout the tree. Tridents can be defoliated to reduce leaf size. They back bud very readily. Do large branch or trunk pruning when dormant.

TRAINING… Wiring can be done, but be careful they are quick growers and have thin bark.

WATERING… They like extra moisture but are also very drought tolerant. Use a well draining soil. Extra watering of soil only in the heat of the day in June & July will help reduce heat stress and leaf scorch.

LIGHT… Full sun, with a little break from late afternoon in heat of summer.

INSECT/DISEASE… Aphids, scale and mites can be a problem. Soapy water will take care of the aphids and scale, a systemic insecticide for the mites.

REPOT… Best time is late winter to early spring as buds open. Can be heavily root pruned. Pruning most of the roots from the middle of the base of trunk and leaving only radial roots will enlarge the base.

FERTILIZE… Any well balanced fertilizer through growing season to maintain optimum health. Extra nitrogen in heat of summer will reduce heat stress. Phosphorous late fall for roots.

SEASONAL… Cold hardy.