Bonsai Care - How to prune your Bonsai tree | Part 1

For further reading about branches and pruning, I recommend the book Modern Bonsai Practice: 501 Principles of Good Bonsai Horticulture by Larry Morton. You can see it on Amazon at these links:
Modern Bonsai Practice (US) - amzn.to/3cZCTRw
Modern Bonsai Practice (UK) - amzn.to/312J5Tw
Modern Bonsai Practice (DE, in English) - amzn.to/31aMjEz
The book explains all aspects of bonsai horticulture in detail, also includes many beautiful photographs of Walter Pall's bonsai collection.
These links take you to the book on Amazon with my affiliate ID. So if you decide to purchase the book, you are also buying me a coffee without costing you any extra! Thank you!
In this video I explain 10 reasons why you need to prune your bonsai tree; also:
- I show the seasons when it's best to prune your tiny trees, and when not to
- Some recommendations on the best tools for pruning
- I talk you through summer-pruning a tiny Chinese Elm bonsai tree.
If you enjoyed this video, please hit that 👍 Like button to tell KZbin you liked it!
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00:00 Intro
00:37 My first bonsai
01.12 Why are you into bonsai
01:46 Reasons for pruning
05:02 Seasonal pruning - the energy calendar
07:34 Pruning tools
09:09 Walkthrough - pruning a bonsai
13:19 Incredibly relaxing

[@benvalkyrie243]

This video is almost 14 minutes and yet has 250 positive comments to 1 negative. There's a reason. This guy has a clear passion for bonsai and includes more information in a concise way then almost any KZbinr I than almost any KZbinr I have watched. And it helps that he's got a very relaxing voice and really groovy background music. I actually look forward to watching the next video.

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

Thanks Ben, now that is what a call a good review! You're welcome to drop in and review my videos whenever you want! I showed your comment to my wife and she said, "oh no, that means you'll be doing bonsai videos all over the christmas holiday" hahaha she's right! Thanks for your kind words 😊

[@jamaxk1373]

He definitely has a calming voice. I'm just getting into it and binging his videos

[@questionablecooking7019]

I like the popped collar vibe of this video.

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

lol! Thanks bro! 👍

[@ayeshanoor2182]

Really the color of this video is given me really peaceful vibe

[@ayeshanoor2182]

I am here coz i love gardening from the love of gardening i am onto bonsai now.

[@annipetratos9401]

I subscribed when he said his reason for wanting bonsai was because he loved trees...massive natural trees!!!! Me to , I also want to care for a little tree ...or two🌳💚

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

Thanks! 😊🌳🌲👍

[@zackau9807]

In the nail section of health and beauty, you can usually find a miniature version of the flat edge concave cutter, great for small trees.

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

Thanks Zack that's a good call. Tiny nail scissors also work great on tiny branches.

[@campbellsmith5724]

Dave gives me bob ross vibes and I absolutely love it

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

Wow I take that as a great compliment -- thank you so much! Not sure if I have anything close to his talent and sure don't have his viewing figures!! 😊 Btw my next video tomorrow has a very similar vibe to this one...

[@shirayasha]

I love that you used a whiteboard to showcase season pruning. You're content is the best.

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

Thank you!! I hope you liked the whiteboard action in my most recent video!

[@captainnermy5608]

You’re one of the best bonsai KZbinrs I’ve found in terms of providing easily digestible and practical advice along with excellent demonstrations and a generally relaxing vibe. Keep up the good work!

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

Thanks so much! Glad you're enjoying my videos 😊👍

[@HomeGrownHerbalist]

Your presentation was really well done. Great information with not only "whats" and "hows" but also the "Whys". Much appreciated. I hit subscribe.

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

Thanks so much. I enjoy explaining the underlying reasons, which you thankfully noticed. Welcome to Blue Sky!

[@dontbekhoi]

This is by far the most informative and easy to understand for a bonsai beginner like myself. Thank you!

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

Thanks! Glad you found it useful!

[@cathyplantlover2862]

I fell in love with the flowering wisteria bonsai and I got hooked I want to create a bonsai out of my Wisteria...

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

Excellent reason! Have you tried an azalea? They can be sensitive and fussy, but totally worth all the extra care when they flower...

[@khay9833]

Just wanted to drop in and say that I really appreciate you taking time to explain the energy cycle of trees (I'm still very much a beginner at the current moment). It really helped me to further understand what goes on behind the bark so that I may better tend to my trees during the appropriate season(s). You spoke softly, were easy to understand, and explained well. Would love to see more videos you have in the future on Bonsai. Cheers!

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

Thank you very much for the encouraging feedback, I really appreciate your comments! It's always great to find out we have extra bonsai enthusiasts out there. It is a hobby that will take hold of you and will never leave you! Did you see my most recent video about taking cuttings? That's a great way to grow your hobby without worrying too much if some of them die 😊 Any questions you have on your bonsai journey, please feel free to ask! 👍

[@mariannepeart8570]

Totally agree. I loved learning about that and the sacrifice branches as well. I had already pruned a few branches but now I know to stop and do at late summer. I think...

[@suer666]

I love your gentle approach to bonsai. I started over 20 years ago after my father gifted me a hawthorn. I still have this tree but its undergone some serious changes since . Your videos are instructive and practical well done

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

Thanks so much! I love hearing about the history of what got people into bonsai, especially when it was one of their family. Bet your hawthorn is very special! I really appreciate your comment-thank you.

[@userunknown8454]

You are a legend. Thank you for making these videos

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

😊 thanks!

[@dvdsmlprstylr]

brilliant info, eloquently put... and video making skills have gotten so much better since this video too! Thank you!

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

Thanks for your kind words!

[@wenandersonbreedveld3742]

So glad I found you... finally a site that makes sense to a Bonsai newbie...thanks Dave.

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

Thank you Wen! Glad you're finding the information useful

[@fernandobarrerap9947]

Now you have a new subscriber from Spain. Thanks for make it easy and love bonsai!

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

Thanks! Welcome!!

[@OarsmanPower]

Thank you for a great video. Just getting into this hobby and your videos are super helpful. I sincerely appreciate your time and expertise!

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

Thanks for your great feedback! It's a hobby that will have you hooked for life!

[@GraftingTactick]

Another great informative master class for bonsai Dave, packed full of infos, thanks again 👍🤝

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

Thanks Grafting Tactick! 🌳👍🏻

[@Victoria14357]

I learned a lot, thanks for sharing!

[@dojix96]

I've been through something like 6 pruning videos so far on KZbin and this was the first one to actually give me genuinely good usable advice for my first time. Thank you!

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

Thanks for commenting, glad to hear you found it useful 👍

[@alphabetsoup753]

Beautiful video. Very well explained. This is the type of video I've been looking for. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

Thanks so much! This has been my most popular video to date, but in my opinion not my best. Hope you have time to see some of my other videos too!

[@sophiaangelini4368]

Thank you for your admirable and concentrated presentation!

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

You're welcome! Thanks for your kind comment!

[@jeffhurst4744]

I too started Bonsai many-many moons ago. Several factors caused long break; jobs, travel for work, locations (way up north), etc. Restarted 6 years ago. Yes, I too lost a few. Lived, learned, asked questions, and watch informative KZbin videos such as yours. I love the challenges, calming work aspects, and thinking of or deciding how to address our trees. Joined local Bonsai Club, and our workshops. Also, a few members live nearby. I just love our artistic hobby.

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

Great to hear your history in bonsai Jeff. My wife says that I'm obsessed with bonsai, but I prefer to say I'm passionate about them! And I think it's a bug that never leaves you - even if you have to leave the trees behind for a while in your life, you always have the craving to return to them. I totally share your sentiments about this hobby!

[@manulubke7893]

Thanks for the good tips - your mix of practical examples and theory is perfect! Good idea to leave the lower branches long 😀

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

Thanks for your great feedback 👍

[@MrCalifornia0]

This is exactly what I have been looking for. Exceptionally well done. Thank you for creating these videos!

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

Thanks! Glad to help!

[@bonedrybonsai4109]

I'm foreseeing several red X's in my future...Awesome video Dave. Very informative & relaxing. Thanks!

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

Thank you!! Watering - temporary lack of it - has always been the single biggest killer.. cheers!

[@deadhomies6017]

Amazing slowly giving me more confidence with my bonsai

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

As well as confidence, above all enjoy the moments working on your bonsai 👍

[@danielcuellar5718]

New to bonsai. I’ve got a couple projects happening. This video is SO informative and easy to follow. Thank you!

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

Thanks. Glad you found it useful! I have a new video coming next week, I hope you'll enjoy it!

[@basismac2578]

Thanks for this Video, It helps a lot. Crystal clear explanation 👍

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

Thank you!! I'm happy to hear it's helping! 😊👍🏻

[@VictorHernandez-lr2un]

Thank you very much from the bottom of my heart for explaining everything and making it look so easy and because you are a great person, this world needs more people like you.And many bonsai

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

Thanks again for your kind words, I very much appreciate it!

[@StephenTurnerVlogs]

Great details and nicely simple to follow

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

Thanks @Stephen I really appreciate your comment!

[@arantxapardue2375]

this is so easy to follow!! you’re a talented teacher 👌

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

Thank you! 😊

[@murilodestroo]

Thanks for the lesson Dave!! as a beginner this helped a lot!!!

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

Glad you found it helpful!

[@BlaBlaBlaInDaHouse]

Great video, thanks for the explanations!

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

Thanks Don Paul! 🎅👍🏻

[@australianbonsaibeginners9161]

That was an excellent tutorial. I have shared it to my Facebook group

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

Thank you very much! I had decided it was crucial to talk about seasons and not mention specific months so the tutorial is equally relevant in northern and southern hemisphere. Glad you enjoyed it! I'll look at FB later 👍

[@australianbonsaibeginners9161]

Blue Sky Bonsai are you able to tell me what season to repot evergreens? Ive just done all the deciduous as its mid winter here

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

@@australianbonsaibeginners9161 as a general rule, repot evergreens in late spring. Flowering evergreens like Azalea can be repotted after the flowers have faded and you have picked off the flower pods. Coniferous evergreens - also repot in late spring, but there are some species that have other strange habits like the mugo pine which seems to like being repotted in late summer. I recommend this site for excellent advice by species (keep in mind he is in UK so if he names a month you'll want to add 6 months to it) bonsai4me.com/species_guide.html

[@saajraja7314]

Thank you Dave! I was recently gifted a Brush Cherry Syzygium Bonsai and I am completely new to this. Very helpful and looking forward to learning more.

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

Congrats on the Brush Cherry! I don't have one but I have heard that they need rainwater and slightly acidic soil, they're not good with tap water which is often alkaline.

[@christinachen1152]

Thank u. Very useful information. Very helpful for me who hesitates to prune what took so long to grow.

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

Thanks, glad you found it useful!

[@liamtozer6074]

This guy is brilliant 😁 I have just got my first bonsai and I have learned a lot

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

Thanks so much! Congrats on your first bonsai, you might just get hooked for life! Hope you can learn more from my other videos 🌳👍🏻

[@hobbledmantis1733]

This video is extremely informative especially, since you've been growing for over 5o+ years. I was really paying attention to the Prune when/not to seasons, as I wanna grow a healthy Bonsai as my first tree. Will definetely watch all your Vids on Bonsai, and Great video btw👌 you've earned a new sub.

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

Thanks for your kind words and great comment! I must clarify one thing: it's 15+ years; not 50! And let me tell you: you're starting into a beautiful hobby that will never leave you for the rest of your life! 🌳👍🏻

[@tomtres5650]

Really awesome videos, clear- concise and not overly complicated. Some videos such as Ryan Neil tend to go really deep and tend to be complicated for a beginner or intermediate practitioner. Keep up the good work, looking forward to watching more videos from you. Nice trees too! PS love the computer graphic models of the tree and technique being performed that you use throughout your videos!

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

Thanks so much! Yes I wanted these videos to be "bite size", not too long - and to contain the information that I wish someone had told me in my first few years of bonsai. Thanks again for your kind words!

[@prerana52]

Thanks for sharing this informative clipping 👍

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

🌳👍🏻

[@carlmcclain6934]

Great tutorial! I’m not a newbie, but I have a whole lot to learn! My biggest fear is my trees dying...and believe me my fears have become very real in years past. I got out of bonsai for several years because I got discouraged when I lost most of my trees. Actually, i don’t think I’m over it yet! Lol... 😢 I’ve recently got back into bonsai and you have given me the encouragement to keep going. Thank you so much! I’m Carl from Alabama...the Deep South, United States.

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

Thanks! All bonsai enthusiasts have lost trees over the years, some more than others. Definitely don't give up, keep watering, use granular but retentive soil, and check the root health in spring to see if it needs repotting in spring.

[@iamlowkeyedits]

I love trees and the thought of putting that much love and attention into my very own tree. I also really love watching my plants grow.

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

I'm with you on that. Also it's somehow very therapeutic to work on a bonsai, very much like meditating 😊🧘🏼‍♂️

[@iamlowkeyedits]

@@BlueSkyBonsai I love it, I'm just 2 years in and I just got some good quality poui trees to work with. Thank you for providing quality deatailed information. Stay awesome.

[@lindseynethery]

This was incredibly helpful and educational even for someone who’s a few years into bonsai and currently has 5 🥰🙌✨ Thank you for your time

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

Thanks so much, glad you found it helpful!

[@simongore29]

This is a very, very good channel. Thank you

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

Thank you so much!

[@alanborda5212]

Increíble video, muy buena información y harta. Justo lo que buscaba y necesitaba. Muchas gracias. Saludos ✌️

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

Muchas gracias, me encantan tus comentarios!

[@backbudbonsai]

Solid info for beginners and intermediate level bonsai enthusiasts!!

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

Thank you! 👍

[@edinvukovic2480]

Wonderful trees and beautiful way of presenting the subject. Realy enjoyed the video. I just got my first bonsai tree, and hope to learn at least the basics, in order to keep it healthy and enjoy myself. Great work 👍👍

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

Thank you for your kind words. Congrats on your first bonsai! Here's a video on the basics of keeping your bonsai healthy: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l5DZinashrFon6c It's a beautiful hobby, enjoy it!!

[@diegovigil5508]

Video was lots of help thanks

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

Thanks Diego, very glad to help!

[@jjmatthews008]

This is super inspiring

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

Thank you! 😊

[@sword7872]

I like your presentation. Your trees are beautiful and I am looking forward to starting a bonsai based on what I am learning here.

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

Great to hear! thanks for your kind words.

[@ajmorning1]

Very useful video - nice to see the love

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

Thank you!!

[@1banjac1]

I just subscribed. I tried for a while (months) to follow 'Mirai' - I confess, even Ryan's 'basic' videos seems like a grad-school symposium. I need something far simpler something near grade-school. I hope you're not insulted by my comment but there are many of us that need 'beginner' help. Thank you Dave.

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

thanks, and not insulted of course. I created this channel because when I started into bonsai 17 years ago no one told me all this stuff, there were no bonsai clubs nearby, and I made some big mistakes. I guess Ryan / Mirai probably appreciates that there are hobbyists like me offering advice to beginners so that he can focus on making money from the paying customers of his goods and services. Having said that, I am only a hobbyist and I don't have the experience of cultivating every species out there. I would also advise anyone starting into this hobby to find out if there is a local bonsai club nearby and at least go along to one club meeting to see if you like what you see. Usually people are really friendly and more than willing to give help and advice.

[@intension1762]

Thank you so much for this video👏🏻🙏🏻

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@nosratjahanalo9122]

I have bought a bonsai and I'll try the techniques.. Thank You🌼

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

Congrats on your bonsai! What species of tree is it? Sometimes it's a good idea to let it get accustomed to its new location for a few weeks before pruning. And don't let the soil get dry! Hope this video also helps you: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l5DZinashrFon6c

[@TomRowlandIsSnowblind]

Why am I in to Bonsai trees? Because I've been forced. A good friend bought it for us and said it's like our friendship. It needs tender love and care to flourish.. and now I'm here trying to make sure our friendship doesn't die..

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

To keep the bonsai alive. 95% of bonsai deaths happen because people forget to water it for a few days. Hopefully this video will be helpful - How to keep your bonsai alive forever: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l5DZinashrFon6c And this film about watering: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e2PHc4KodpynhdU

[@TomRowlandIsSnowblind]

@@BlueSkyBonsai thank you

[@vasik9719]

That's me! I love spectacular threes!

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

Me too! If you're interested, I have an album of beautiful trees I've photographed on flickr: www.flickr.com/gp/davidhseymour/r62f3w and even more amazing trees I've pinned on pinterest: pin.it/4mPsSD7 I take inspiration from a lot of these.

[@mariannepeart8570]

Thank you 🙏 that was so informative. I need to watch your others so I know when or if to ever transplant. I had one that was doing famously until I transplanted it 😪

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

Thanks for your kind comment! Repotting or transplanting - best time is in Spring - early spring for deciduous or late spring for evergreens. But indoor bonsai like Ficus or Sageretia you can repot any time of year. Make sure the roots do not dry at all while you're repotting. If you watch all my repotting videos here you will be able to do it perfectly: kzbin.info/aero/PLYoSjHfqA6g9ZgprhIm4Q9suFTUa_aHCW Keep the tree out of direct sunlight for a few days after repotting. Keep watering. 🌳👍🏻

[@spacecoastbonsai1421]

I got into bonsai because I’ve worked with trees and landscaping forever plus I was getting tattooed one day three years ago and my artist was talking to me about bonsai and he was on fire for it. The passion was so extreme. It peaked my interest. Now three years later I have probably 120 treees spread among three properties because my one bedroom apartment can’t fit them all and my landlord hates me. Anyways just recently I had my artist tattoo a gnarly looking Juniper on my left sleeve. No better person to do it other than the person who got me into it in the first place. Now my boss is addicted because he would hear me talking about it everyday along with handfuls of co workers who also got into it after they saw my collection.

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

Infectious isn't it!! Your 120 trees, how many are refined bonsai in small pots and how many are still in development? I have a similar number, with about one third of them in bonsai pots and two thirds in development. It's already too many, alongside my day job and my kids... See if your coworkers all get bonsai tattoos now too!

[@spacecoastbonsai1421]

Oh I’d have to count but I’d guess 20% are refined and in bonsai pots. I’m on a new kick that is putting my trees in bigger pots to allow them to grow and thicken up.

[@BackSeatHump]

You remind me so much of one of my favourte bonsai gardeners, Uwe "Merlin" Zeiler. If Aladdin's lamp were to come my way I would wish to spend an hour together with the both of you surrounded by broad-leaf bonsai trees. 🌳🏆

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

I'm sure that Merlin is a more seasoned and experienced practitioner than I, but anyway thanks for the comparison!

[@lukeangel1974]

Good video!

[@chrklipp9973]

very good video, great channel, charismatic guy! new sub

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

Thanks for your kind words, and thanks for subbing!

[@prerana52]

Thanks for sharing this very informative and useful clipping

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

You're welcome! Glad you found it useful. Thanks for your comment.

[@pearlstar28]

Clipping…I see what you did there lol

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

@@pearlstar28 😂😂😂👍

[@LivingTheKnifeLife]

Mr. Miyagi got me into bonsai trees 🌳

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

You and many other bonsai fans got here from the karate kid! But one thing bothers me in that scene: Mr. Miyagi gives Daniel's mum a well developed juniper bonsai worth probably $500 to $1k, and she knows nothing about bonsai care. It's going to die, or at best grow wild and get thrown out. There is a lot of generosity in the bonsai community, ... but not *that* much!!

[@LivingTheKnifeLife]

@@BlueSkyBonsai Wow I remember that scene in the movie did not know the tree was worth that much!

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

@@LivingTheKnifeLife I'm guessing that much. Maybe was less back then....

[@LivingTheKnifeLife]

@@BlueSkyBonsai Well I just recently purchased a 1 year old bonsai tree it's a Japanese Juniper wish I was able to post a picture of it for you to see. Do you have any suggestions or advice for that specific type of bonsai I am new to the bonsai community!

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

@@LivingTheKnifeLife junipers are one of those trees that need to be outdoors. Their small scale foliage needs as much light as possible. At the same time, you should NEVER let the soil dry out, especially in summer. As soon as you see the surface starting to dry, make sure to water. In summer, just a couple of days without water can kill your bonsai, and with junipers you sometimes can't see that it's dead for a few weeks because the foliage stays green for a while when it's dead. At the same time, don't water it so much that it sits in a pool of water because that will starve the roots of oxygen and if the water gets warm itcan rot the roots and kill the tree. HTH

[@Piquliar]

I just bought a small Boxwood and Chinese Elm from a plant shop near my house. This is my first foray into the world of Bonsai and this video was encouraging and quite informative.

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

Thanks for your comments and Welcome to the world of bonsai!

[@Piquliar]

@@BlueSkyBonsai Thank you very much for sharing your wisdom with everyone. What are your thoughts on planting the tree on a board or tile in the ground to increase the girth of the trunk for a time?

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

@@Piquliar what you suggest, to increase trunk girth, while keeping the root system relatively shallow/manageable, definitely works. But it's only worthwhile if you're patient and can wait a minimum of 3 years but optimally 5+ years. The idea is to let them grow unhindered - in full sun, no pruning. And keep watering and fertilizing during the growing season. Boxwoods generally don't grow fast, even in the ground. So you might want to consider that an outdoor bonsai, and maybe keep it in an oversized pot so it has room to grow into over 3 or so years. The Chinese elm, that's your choice, but... If I were you I would treat that as your training material: keep it in a bonsai pot and use it to practice pruning, wiring, repotting, etc over the next year or two. They're super-versatile and forgiving trees. If you want to fatten up a tree in the ground, I recommend getting a maple - Japanese maples are considered the prettiest (but a field maple or a norwegian maple will grow faster due to bigger leaf size and adaptability to diverse climate conditions). On the other hand, Japanese maples make better small bonsai due to the smaller leaves. Hope that helps! By the way, if you haven't already seen them please watch my videos about bonsai health: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l5DZinashrFon6c And Pot Size: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f5uYm3-dipKNrrs I hope these give you good for thought!

[@Piquliar]

@@BlueSkyBonsai Thanks. I'll practice more with the Chinese Elm as you've suggested and may put the Boxwood in the ground after I've given it more thought. I do live in the Caribbean with copious amounts of sun and no winter (just the rainy season) so that may give me more flexibility to an extent. I'll look around to see if I can acquire a Japanese Maple, it's quite the looker.

[@yopichu]

Thanks! My mom recently got a bonsai tree and has no knowledge about them so I'm going to be taking care of it in her place.

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

Great! You might just get a lifelong addiction to bonsai! 🌳👍🏻

[@LocalGooberGoobs]

Yay! Bonsai trees! I really wish I had this in 6th grade for my presentation lmao. Wonderful video yo

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

haha y'know that is exactly why I did this video, because it was the information I wished someone had told me when I started into bonsai. cheers!

[@aden8]

Thank you for sharing

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@deandowney9316]

Discovered you as a result of seing one of our comments on Herons Bonsai channel. Excellent video with great info for a beginner like me. Subsribed, thanks.

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

Thanks Dean, and welcome!

[@SkatingwithAaron]

Great video! I’ve always loved how bonsai trees look but never had one. My wife and I recently received one as a gift so here to learn about caring for it. Video has tons of info at a relaxing pace. Will be watching more!

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

Thanks Aaron! Congrats on your new bonsai. My latest video is about watering bonsai - kzbin.info/www/bejne/e2PHc4KodpynhdU - if there's one piece of advice that everyone new to bonsai needs to know it is "don't let the roots get dry... ever!" Drought is the single biggest bonsai killer but many people won't admit it! After that, I hope you can learn from all the bonsai care videos in this playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLYoSjHfqA6g-39CCEjtTIGIMQNnE-Kaku - sit back, relax, and enjoy!! hope that helps

[@SkatingwithAaron]

@@BlueSkyBonsai Thanks for the response! I actually just watched part 1 & 2 of your caring for bonsai videos, as well as a few others. I’m a patient guy so I could see how this would become addicting over time! Cheers!

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

@@SkatingwithAaron yep! The addition will stay with you for the rest of your life... enjoy it!

[@SkatingwithAaron]

@@BlueSkyBonsai I have no doubt! Will be watching your content along the journey. Thanks!

[@odybonsai]

nice video about bonsai...I like it

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

Thanks bro! 😊👍🏻

[@mdmckea]

Excellent video. Clear, concise and very educational for me, a beginner with Bonsai. Will check out your channel. Subbed!

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

Thanks so much, glad you found it helpful!

[@gknaussii]

Hi thanks so much for your video. It is very helpful. I am a beginner and I am lost how to prune . Thankyou a gain . 😀

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

You're welcome! Enjoy it! 😊

[@nickkarlsons673]

Great video

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

Thanks!

[@andreathomas6862]

I just got a mini bonsai and watched other KZbinrs but def subscribing to you!!! Thank u for the info I hope I don’t kill this guy I love trees and I got him from sams and I don’t think it was taken care of 😭😭

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

Great! Congrats on your mini tree!! Here's a plan for you: watch all the videos in this playlist and then you will be in a good position to keep your bonsai alive forever! kzbin.info/aero/PLYoSjHfqA6g-39CCEjtTIGIMQNnE-Kaku Hint: you don't have to watch them all in one sitting! 😉 but you might want to watch some of these videos again in the future when you need to repot in spring.

[@deedge73]

I'm a very proud owner of my very own bonsai tree that my Mrs bought me for valentines day and I'm over the moon with it. I've wanted one for years but I don't have much luck at all so I didn't think that I'd be able to keep it alive. Anyway, she's taken the plunge for me and got me one. It's absolutely amazing. It's already a well established tree with a decent sized trunk. I've subscribed to the channel so hope I can keep it alive with your help 😎👍🏼

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

Great to hear! What species is it? You'll surely keep it alive!

[@deedge73]

I believe it's a Chinese elm. It's due for repotting, is there any specific soil I'll need?

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

Get a bag of akadama, that's the easiest all-round bonsai soil to use. Have you seen my "how to repot bonsai" series? Hopefully it help - not just for a how to, but also to decide which roots to prune off etc. kzbin.info/aero/PLYoSjHfqA6g9ZgprhIm4Q9suFTUa_aHCW&si=_jgdLjT0L8NK1P-A Hope that helps.

[@melinayeamon2830]

Perfect

[@annasummers6463]

Thank You!

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

And thanks for watching and commenting!

[@sabikmercuriobravo5976]

Very good explanation, very clear and you focus perfectly on the right spots of interests. Can i suggest that if yoy can make a video explaining the energy cycle on pine, junipers and conifers in general? Once again congratulations for your channel i love it!!

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

Thanks so much!!! I have a queue of videos I need to edit and publish, but after that, you made a great suggestion for a future video. Cheers 😊👍🏻

[@BackGardenBonsai]

nice little elm and great tips 👍

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

Thanks mate!!

[@alannahfehrenbach4310]

Very helpful! I just got a Bursera over the summer and haven’t pruned it yet. Now the leaves have fallen off so I’m hoping I can prune it and this guide was very informative

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

Great! Is it the bursera microphylla / elephant tree?

[@alannahfehrenbach4310]

@@BlueSkyBonsai It is a Bursera Fagaroides! I just pruned a few branches and brought it inside for the winter :) Excited to see how it will grow in the spring!

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

@@alannahfehrenbach4310 This looks like a great species for bonsai, like a succulent trunk with broadleaf evergreen leaves. Enjoy!

[@tangluke9619]

非常好的分享👍

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

非常感谢您 🙏

[@flipmode9236]

cant stop looking at the collar

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

Hahaha thanks for watching! 😁

[@ramboke911]

Thank you for your videos. I like your style and drawings explaining things. Do you have pictures of your bonsai throughout the years? If so, it would be really cool to see those in a video with you commenting on the progress and what you did to achieve it so we can see the evolution of your trees.

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

Thanks for your kind words! I do have pictures over the last few years and that's a great idea. Don't hold your breath though, I don't have much available time at the moment, I'm managing about one video every two weeks. Thanks again! 🌳👍🏻

[@jcproject6408]

Thank you for this video. New subscriber here.

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

Thanks! And welcome!!

[@wonkamywilly2456]

Had a small juniper bonsai as a kid...gf is a big plant person and I've never lost my love for bonsai trees so just ordered a green weeping willow bonsai and black willow bonsai thick trunk cuttings.

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

Yay! It makes me really happy when I hear this, when people get into bonsai because of some kind of yearning... anyhow I hope your gf also gets hooked too, my wife never really understands why I love trees so much. . . Hence my not very frequent videos 🙄😁

[@wonkamywilly2456]

Don't have to love the same hobbies but as long as there is the understanding and respect...that is what is most important.

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

@@wonkamywilly2456 very wise words!

[@rachbeth86]

I found a sugar ball tree seedling growing in my yard and my husband pulled it(and the roots pulled up with it) and I couldn’t bare to let it die so I’m trying to make it a bonsai. Been researching and hoping I can do this ❤

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

I'm sure you can do this! 👍

[@bobnolin9155]

Thanks for this! Very helpful. My three-year-old weeping fig has gone bananas this summer and I was wondering when/how to trim it all back. Sounds like I should let it continue it's high-energy growth cycle, and then trim back later this summer. Cool.

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

Thanks! Yes definitely, all trees need to grow out somewhat to gain energy before we trim them back. Also I recommend google images of full size fig trees in nature, find the shape and style that you want to develop yours. And, think in long term, it won't look like that after one pruning but if you keep at the same image after a few years it will start to look like your design. HTH

[@bobnolin9155]

@@BlueSkyBonsai Great idea! Thanks!

[@JoeMurphysGuitarlessons]

Great video, subbed and liked. I am trying to understand defoliation better, this video has helped are there any others that also discus this subject ? Also do you have any advice on Ficus Ginseng ?

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

Thanks so much! Defoliation... Only do it if your tree is: - a fully developed, refined bonsai - in top health - too vigorous, and you want to take away some of its vigour to slow down its growth (without pruning any significant branches). Some people say that defoliation can bring back the next flush of buds with smaller leaves. In my experience that is questionable, of course all leaves are small when they first unfurl! But sometimes I have seen defoliation generate bigger leaves on a really vigorous tree. The main point is, you might want to just temporarily halt growth of the tree for a few weeks - avoid new shoots or tertiary branches. That could be useful in a summer heatwave, to slow down the tree's water consumption. (But anyway, a safer way to do that is to simply stop adding fertiliser over summer - I don't use fert from mid-June through to now in early Sept. Don't defoliate if you're trying to grow your tree bigger, or thicken the trunk, or if your tree has suffered in any way this year. Never defoliate a conifer, it'll die! If, after all this, you do decide to defoliate, be sure to cut off each leaf leaving its petiole still attached to the branch, so that the underlying buds are left intact. I don't have any ficus ginsengs but I do have several F. Retusa. They are super vigorous and can benefit from a defoliation as long as all the above points are covered. Like I said, no point in defoliating unless it's a fully refined bonsai already in your desired shape, and you just want to slow its growth without pruning or repotting. Does that help?

[@VoidloniXaarii]

Thank you

[@DarthRevanGD]

Thank you this really helped me as I just got my first bonsai! Also In a place that's always warm there's no seasons so I don't know what to with that.

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

Hi, glad it helped. In a topical climate, deciduous trees don't do well after a few years, because they need a rest period every year triggered by the freezing cold weather. Same for conifers like pines and junipers. The good news is, tropical species like ficus, sageretia, carmona, serissa, etc all do very well, this is why we sometimes call them indoor bonsai in colder regions. There isn't really a growth calendar for tropicals, they grow all year so you can prune them any time. I always recommend to let them grow out somewhat between prunings, so you're not pruning them every month but perhaps 3 or 4 times a year.

[@DarthRevanGD]

@@BlueSkyBonsai could I have a juniper indoors in a tropical climate because that's the bonsai that I got.

[@KarIiah]

What got me into bonsai? I've always been a fan of nature and plants in general, I used to have a small citrus tree when I was young for a couple years, but I've never really seen it as a bonsai, nor was I really that aware that bonsai was an actual hobby. I don't know how it exactly started, but I began to notice these really ugly typical gardencenter bonsai, those with no real structure or styling but somehow they got wire marks all over anyway. However, these got me interested in the topic in general - small trees in pots? Sounded kinda funny, but I started googling more, looking at lots of different pictures of really majestic trees and when i was around 16 or 17 years old, I knew that this was something I would love to do. Got my first trees after I moved out, pretty much all of the first trees (or rather: material except for one that was actually grown as bonsai) I had died after a year or two, but I haven't given up, purchased more young trees that wouldn't hurt too much to lose and started over. I learned a lot with those dying trees, where I made mistakes I won't repeat now that I know better.

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

Thanks Karliah that's really interesting. I'm wondering, did you have any prominent trees near you during childhood? I think they get into our subconscious at an early age and somewhere inside they take root, and later on in life we have this inexplicable urge to have trees near us. Within reach. When I was a kid we had a massive oak in the back yard (which was not massive), so the huge tree with its fat trunk dominates my memories of that garden. Where in the world are you? Do you have photos of your trees? I found Flickr is a great way to track progress of each tree.

[@KarIiah]

@@BlueSkyBonsai Not that I can think of any significant tree that stood out to me... but we did go collecting chestnuts under those big chestnut trees every fall. I used to play a lot outside and in our garden, though. I live in Germany, and I have a folder on my phone with all my bonsai trees to track progress... I haven't checked out flickr yet, but I've noticed that a lot of people on the bonsai subreddit use it, so I'll check it out once I have enough pics. Once next summer hits, I'll probably have tons of pictures of my trees in fall colours, in bloom, sprouting new leaves... I'm exited to see my azalea bloom for the first time, haha. :)

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

@@KarIiah sounds good! Drop me a line if you do set up on Flickr, would be nice to see your azalea and other trees. You can see mine here, I think you can see them without having an account: www.flickr.com/photos/davidhseymour/albums

[@KarIiah]

@@BlueSkyBonsai Wow, I must say the trident maple is absolutely gorgeous. I've always wondered how the progression looks like with trunk chopped trees. Just beautiful. Also, the azalea is obviously an eye catcher, I think those two are my favourite from your collection. I'm going to make an account for my trees too, it's really nice to be able to create folders for each tree individually.

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

@@KarIiah Thank you! Yes this is one of the most wonderful things about bonsai, watching their progression over a longer time, and like you've seen flickr is great for this purpose. They give you a free account for up to 1000 photos and that was enough for me for several years but in the end I got too many trees and I don't have the heart to remove the older photos. Or the time for that matter! 😂 Definitely worthwhile getting a trident in your collection (if you don't already), they grow so fast and the trunk fattens up really quickly. They can take a fair amount of hacking without "batting an eyelid" I suppose because they have so much sap/energy stored up in that lower trunk.

[@riooo7039]

Keren trimaksih sudah berbagi

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

Thanks for watching!

[@ArbeRamos]

nice 🎉

[@chaycemccarthy4026]

I love bonsai because I love trees 🌳 trees bring me happiness, and peace of mind. I struggle a lot with mental health and taking care of bonsai, brings me internal peace

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

I can totally relate to that. Trees have some kind of calming nature, and spending quality time with our bonsai is quite close to meditation (which I also do daily). Maintaining, pruning, repotting, guiding their growth, it's like a long term, gradual therapy which brings a slow but deep-seated joy to the soul. Having said that, filming myself working on bonsai for KZbin videos is definitely NOT therapeutic!! But that's another story... 😁

[@chaycemccarthy4026]

@@BlueSkyBonsai haha I can imagine filming yourself with your bonsai might bring quite a bit of anxiety

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

@@chaycemccarthy4026 fortunately not anxiety (I get that from my family!) Quality time with trees is really fulfilling but that starts to evaporate when you're constantly adjusting the cameras and checking the visuals look okay. Perhaps I should teach camera craft and videography to one of my kids... hahaha they would be interested for about 1 minute ar most!!

[@chaycemccarthy4026]

@BlueSkyBonsai haha kids never have a good attention span. Maybe just get a wide angle lens that might help more? And then maybe get a remote for the camera! That would be beneficial

[@spacemonkeydotcom]

Thanks for the pruning season guide. Simply explained for beginners. I assume the same seasons also apply to the Southern Hemisphere.

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

Hi, yes same seasonal guide for the southern hemisphere, for deciduous and coniferous trees -- this is why I thought it better to show the seasons instead of months. But tropical trees don't really have a seasonal calendar - they carry on growing all year round, which is why you need to keep them indoors during the cold months. HTH

[@annewoods3528]

New to bonsai. Just the information I was looking for. What led me to bonsai was that I bought too many large bushes and trees that I have ground space for. I want to learn how to keep them in pots. The aesthetic part will come later.

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

Yes! Health of the tree must always come first. Maybe this video will also help you: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l5DZinashrFon6c

[@benvalkyrie243]

Your videos are great. I love the fun sound effects, such as when you describe killing your first tree. Really is packed with excellent information. I would have been totally overwhelmed with the idea of pruning my tree until I watched this. One small recommendation. Your voice is quite quiet and I have to turn it up to hear it but then when you mix in the background music it is quite loud relative to your voice. Maybe reduce the volume of the music I bet on your final mix. 😀 I would also love a video on shaping your tree or what I have heard calls getting movement . I purchased a small tree that clearly has been rounded manually.

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

Thanks a lot Ben for your kind words and your thoughtful recommendations. Shaping a tree (without the typical curves of wiring) is one of the most beautiful things about this art. For sure I'll do some videos on it! It includes trunk chops, waiting and carving. And did I say, lots of waiting 😊👍🏻

[@Dave_en]

I too killed many potential bonsai trees during my learning process. Didnt know that seasons do influence the pruning process. I managed to save one of the tree and it has started its growth again. Now im artificially growing the auxiliary roots to give it ancient looks within few years. I'm really enjoying the process and got several other saplings and found one mini forest luckily.

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

Sounds great. And I expect the slow process of developing your trees is giving you a deep sense of satisfaction, over a long period of time. The difficulty I have, is, explaining that satisfaction to people who have never tried growing mini trees.

[@Dave_en]

@@BlueSkyBonsai at our place my friends and colleagues give arguments that its a kind of violence or torture to the trees by cutting its roots and hard pruning the trunk, branches etc, then wiring it against its will. They also argue that ficus religiosa and banyan shouldnt be at home but on highways and temples due to certain beliefs. But still i love these trees because of their sturdiness and most suitable tree to our local climate. Banyan is our national tree and religiosa is considered best among all trees. Now i'm considering to replace plastic bonsai trees in my living room with live bonsai. I have already planned how my banyan should look like when ready.

[@cb6778]

Thanks

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

Thank you!!! Very much appreciated