Hi Nina

Nina Shishkoff wrote:

Take a good look at the trunk to see if it's grafted. Most maple
cultivars

it is not the trunk is almost 2 " diam thick one piece no difference of color
nor swollen parts I know how it looks like when grafted as I had previously
one


-should I defoliate and trim most of un necessary branches now
-or let it grow

First make sure you aren't going to air-layer.

true some btreanches are one finger thick and 2 -3 phalanges long chopped neat
with new growth sprouting all directions an horror !
I thought I mught make a layering will see if ..

Then remove branches
you are SURE you won't want, either as structural elements, or as
sacrifice branches (branches you'll use to thicken the trunk, then
cut off). Then exercise some patience. I've become so patient I
don't do anything but look at a tree for the first year, which may be
carrying it too far.

LOL! I am putting my hands in my pockets and away from tools too !!!
very hard and always regretted a hasty decision thsio is why I asked here for
advice



The zen-like Nina, who hopes to see some of you-all at the Potomac
Bonsai Society Spring show tomorrow. I'll be wearing red cowboy
boots: you'll recognise me.

I wish I could be there :-)
Thanks for your advice Nina
enjoy the show !
Theo