Do deciduous bonsai lose their leaves?

Yes — that's the whole point. Deciduous bonsai drop their leaves in autumn and enter winter dormancy. The bare branch structure in winter is considered one of the most beautiful aspects of these trees.

Is my maple dead or just dormant?

A bare maple from November through March is dormant, not dead — dropping leaves is the whole point of a deciduous tree. To check, scratch a fingernail-sized sliver of bark on a small branch: green underneath means alive; brown and dry means that branch is gone, so test another spot before concluding anything. Plump buds through winter are the other good sign. Judge nothing until mid-spring.

Why did my maple's leaves crisp and brown at the edges in summer?

Leaf scorch — afternoon sun and wind pulling water out faster than roots in a small pot can replace it. Japanese maples are especially prone; their thin leaves have no reserves. Give the tree morning sun and afternoon shade from June through August and check water twice a day during heat waves. Scorched edges never heal, but next spring's flush replaces them completely.

Deciduous Bonsai Trees — Seasonal Color and Drama

Deciduous Bonsai Trees

Deciduous bonsai cycle through the seasons in miniature — fresh spring growth, full summer canopy, fiery autumn color, and the stark beauty of bare winter branches. Japanese maple, zelkova, and Chinese elm are standout deciduous species. They need outdoor conditions with real seasonal changes to thrive.