Ray, where are you and how moist is the ground you are putting it in?

I am wondering if one of the Japanes or Sugar maple cultivars would do you best for avoiding maintence.

Neat habit that bonsai is.

hmmmmmm ....

left to their own devices ... 15 feet is too close to the power lines.. unless you will never complain when the power company comes along and trims them for you ... counting the easement they have... you are probably barely 5 feet outside of such ...

as to the bonsai ... well ... all the power to ya ... if you can commit to keeping at it.. for the next 50 years ... and will cut the tree down... if you ever decide to move ...

i would think you would be better off pruning/training a shrub into a tree standard ... or going with a smaller tree int eh first place... like a JMaple with a slower annual growth rate ...

but again ... i am not down with the bonsai challenge ...

and i am presuming... this is all far enough from the house and what not.. to never be a safety issue????

give it a go ... i doubt you will find many peeps with direct experience ... but someone always has to be the first ... just admit failure.. if and when it happens.. and remove it... IF NEED BE ....

otherwise.. keep us posted on this interesting idea ...

ken

Thanks for the replies...

Toronado... I am just west of Atlanta, GA. Zone 7/7B. Soil is heavy red clay, slightly acidic. The location is full sun, and actually part of the reason for this tree it to provide shade for a Crimson Queen that has been roasting in full sun for years. it is surviving, but far from thriving.

Ken... All good points. I wasn't sure what the easement was, yeah had not thought of that. This line in question would only effect us, as it is from pole to our house only. Which of course means in a storm we would be the only ones out on the street, and last to repair. A definite consideration.

I think the problem has resolved tho. I was luckily able to reach Sooner Plant Farm, and they will be shipping me a 5 gallon Shantung Maple Fire Dragon in a month. From what I hear (and see) this tree is outstanding. Gorgeous red fall color, smaller/shorter... reaching 30' X 30' or so at maturity, excellent resistance to storm damage, and has a more branching type natural style rather than single leader. A perfect smaller maple to bonsai train... at least initially for the shape I need.

Really looking forward to trying this. I will update as things go, starting with a pic after planting. Also attaching a cpl pics of fire dragon for any that have not seen one.

Natural branching with no bonsai training.. can you imagine with? I have heard the habit is much like a large Japanese Maple.

and Fire Dragon leaf..