One of the best features of this tree is that it tolerates extreme root pruning, which makes it an excellent candidate for Bonsai cultivation. However, the thick, fleshy roots contain a lot of water, therefore prolonged freezing of waterlogged roots can cause them to "explode" when the water inside them expands. It is important to ensure that the soil is kept just moist, but not wet during the winter. It is also recommended that they be moved into a shed, garage or cold frame to prevent the soil becoming waterlogged by the winter rains.
Trident Maples prefer full sun or partial shade in temperature ranges between 1 and 32 degrees Celcius (33 and 90 degrees Farhenheit). They are generally pest free, but can be prone to occasional aphid attacks.
As I had lost a couple of trees, I decided to by this specimen at our club show and see what I can do with it. It is approximately 18 years old and has an interesting trunk structure. It starts off as a twin trunk, but then they have fused together towards the top. |
 Trident Maple |
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In November 2003 we went away on holiday and needless to say I neglected this tree a little too much. It did not receive enough water and seemed to die off. But I was not going to let that stop me as I had paid for this tree and did not want to waste my money. I continued to water it and in February, a new shoot started to grow from the base of the trunk. After letting the shoot grow to almost the entire height of the tree, I then wrapped it around the trunk. This will eventually fuse to the main trunks and a new apex and branches will be developed from it. I have a couple of other Maple seedlings that I will do the same thing with the develop the tree completely. |