Maples are favorite bonsai subjects and I've seen a sugar maple trained into a bonsai. For me, any tree can be a bonsai subject depending on your perseverance and creativity.
hi for bonsai is good a small tree for es.J.M.Red filigree lace(max eigth 1 m) however I if see Bonsai of Zelkova or Oak that in nature is up 20 m .....big size is for professional man..For start use darwf conifer
How does this particular species need to be pruned? Should I start it in a pot that I plan to keep it in? Will it need a large pot or a small pot? thanks Nancy
All bonsai needs to be pruned – the roots as well as the shoots. It is demanding, intensive, specialist work that needs a lot of training to get good at it. Japanese bonsai masters often spend 20 or 30 years learning under an older master before they start to consider themselves proficient. If you don't feel up to it, better to just plant the seedling outdoors somewhere!
It seems to me that patience is a virtue not only in the art of bonsai but in the art of communication as well. I don't quite know why you might think that I don't feel up to it.
As I read the replies to your question, I think all are saying it is possible to grow Acer saccharum as a bonsai, but it will be very challenging--a plant choice for a bonsai master. I don't think any offense was meant to your gardening abilities, just that this choice would be a difficult one and you may want to grow this tree as normal and choose an easier plant for bonsai.
