Acer campestre
The Field Maple is very long-lived and can grow up to 20 meters tall, they are native to Europe. The Field Maple has a rounded form with densely packed branches and a striking yellow autumnal colour. It is commonly planted in hedgerows and city avenues as it can grow in most soil conditions and is tolerates of urban areas, pollution and takes heavy structural pruning
Styles & Sizes: All the characteristics that make it a tremendous Urban tree also make it a very durable and pretty and long lived bonsai, which can be grown from small to large sizes and in most upright bonsai style.
Position: Place the bonsai where it will receive morning or evening sun but will not be in direct sunlight, especially at the height of summer. It is a very hardy species but is best protected when temperatures are likely to fall below -4C for prolonged periods. Keep in a cool greenhouse for these periods.
Watering: Water thoroughly early morning, ensuring that the soil is allowed to dry out between waterings. During the summer times, it may need a second watering if the condition is arid and dry in the afternoon.
Feeding: Use a balanced organic fertiliser throughout the year. If your bonsai is in the developmental stages, then you may want to use a high nitrogen fertiliser in spring to help with the bulking up of the tree. Use a low nitrogen fertiliser the rest of the year.
Repotting: The field maple has strongly growing roots that fill out rapidly and form excellent Nebari, so they need regular root pruning and repotting. Younger bonsai benefit from a repot every year, trees older than 10 years can be repotted when pot bound. Repot in spring, prune away between a fifth and a third of the root-ball. Use a well-draining soil mix. 1 Part Akadama and 1 Part Pumice and 1 Part Leaf Mould or Well Mulched Bark
Pruning: Prune back stems to leave 3 leaves, once current seasons stems have fully extended.
Wiring: Field Maples are usually shaped by pruning. Wire sparingly and with care, in autumn and kept on only until the growing season begins. If the wire is left on during the growing season check frequently and remove wire if there are signs of wire scaring.
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