Bonsai Design Principles for Beginners

[@jeffhurst4744]

What an incredible tree. Yes, on air-layering the three lowest limbs. A big NO VOTE, on removal/air-layering the top portion. It would, in my opinion destroy its beautiful symmetry. Yes, on the oval pot. Look forward to follow up videos.

[@MiltonChang-ee6rq]

You are right! Thanks!

[@DavidChow-n4x]

Milton, it is just wonderful listening to you think out loud. The process of thinking out loud helps teaches us your approach in problems solving that comes from years of practice and experience. Thank you as I begin to take up this challenging hobby have a Happy Holiday.🌟🥂🍾🙏

[@MiltonChang-ee6rq]

Have fun! With experience you can speed up decisions.

[@DavidChow-n4x]

@ I find I learn faster by my mistakes. Mom always said keep an open mind and learn from criticism. She is right there is a lot of wisdom in her life experience . Take care.🙏🙏🙏

[@MANNY100123]

That is definitely a beautiful tree for sure! I'm glad you were able to obtain it! :D

[@DH-zd3de]

Looking forward to seeing in spring.❤

[@MiltonChang-ee6rq]

Please stay tuned.

[@rydoggjunit]

Incredible tree and has the potential to be a show winner!

[@hermes3883]

Thank God your soft hearted and didn't cut the top

[@MDMARaver]

Wow, Milton - this tree just blew me away. The mighty roots are so majestic and the hollow trunk is absolutely magnificent! I am so jealous. 😉 My personal opinion: Please don't change your mind about the apex. Perhaps change its shape a little, but otherwise leave it as it is. Yes, trees in nature tend to develop an umbrella crown. But the apex has such a nice transition to the back of the trunk and I wouldn't run the risk of a dieback down to the trunk by cutting it off.

[@MiltonChang-ee6rq]

Yes...I agree and will keep the apex. All too often I hate to keep the apex low...keep adding on until it is off scale. In this case, I must feed the tree to grow the apex much thick (using sacrificial branches).

[@judlpd]

Akadama, like any clay, has a large capacity to ‘hold’ ions and is therefore extremely good at holding and releasing nutrients. A well drained soil is vital for Trident Maples if you live in a wet climatic area.

[@DH-zd3de]

Magnificent pot and a tree worthy of it. Love the extra yard space. Happy tree now. ❤

[@MiltonChang-ee6rq]

Hope it will now grow vigorously...more vigorously. Lot of roots.

[@vladikdes]

Wonderful bonsai ❤

[@sonarbangla8711]

I am a self taught bonsai cultivator but fail to produce dwarfs, ny bonsais are 2-3 feet to 5 feet tall and they are 40 tears old. Next year they may flower. Local variety is called 'bokul'

[@michaelchang6451]

Incredible tree!

[@MiltonChang-ee6rq]

Yeah! thanks! Wait until you see the >1500 year old CA juniper next week!

[@randysmith1723]

Trident Maples are the species that sparked my interest into Bonsai, and this one is very special. Looking forward to seeing this one increase it's vigor and watch the development. Excellent subject, Thanks!

[@raymondplodzien7459]

Beautiful tree Milton!

[@sunfloweralpacas]

What a beautiful tree! To me this tree is already quite asymmetrical with the lower branch in place. I’m glad I didn’t have to watch you cut it off! You could do a different video on this tree pointing out all the things the first creator did right, as he obviously did do many things right to get such an amazing tree. Love your content!

[@MiltonChang-ee6rq]

I did traced its journey! Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for your comments/

[@sunfloweralpacas]

@@MiltonChang-ee6rqOk, eager to see that video!

[@gregoryh4601]

Wow. What an Awesome Bonsai Tree so Happy for this Bonsai Tree has a New Owner. You have your Have Full but this Sweet Old Bonsai Tree is in the Best of the Best Bonsai Artist to bring her Home and GreatHer read.

[@MiltonChang-ee6rq]

I will treat it with the utmost respect!

[@growclipbonsaiforseniors1951]

Excellent tutorial. Your wisdom and knowledge has made this an easy video to follow. A true Bonsai Master and Teacher. Be careful lifting so you do not strain your back.

[@MiltonChang-ee6rq]

Balance that with use it or lose it... I will be careful.'Thanks for the concern. Wait until you see Next week's >1500 year old cA juniper!

[@fredgrech1498]

Congratulations on your beautiful beautiful tree looks awesome

[@bonsaiheirloom]

Thank you! I'm glad you liked it.

[@growclipbonsaiforseniors1951]

That is one cool Japanese Maple. Fantastic trunk on it.

[@terrilsamuelson8595]

Trident maple

[@zen-da-bonsai-ko]

What a wonderful maple that is ... curious to see what you will make of it in the future.

[@Hollylivengood]

Can't wait to see this. Glad you decided to keep the top. It would have looked like a block if you cut it.

[@MiltonChang-ee6rq]

Thanks! Plese stay tunded...will update six months or so.

[@mcbabs7495]

Très intéressant! Un grand merci pour la vidéo!

[@MiltonChang-ee6rq]

Merci!

[@felixmarat8325]

Wow! Amazing tree❤

[@MiltonChang-ee6rq]

thanks! Please tell a friend.

[@sonarbangla8711]

Very insightful Bonsai tips. Spellbinding.

[@bonsaiheirloom]

Many many thanks

[@Ben-qq6uh]

Awesome Thank You!

[@MiltonChang-ee6rq]

thanks! Please tell a friend!

[@Tlloyd56]

That’s a beautiful tree!

[@MiltonChang-ee6rq]

Please tell a friend. Thanks!

[@massimiliano.giacometti]

Please Milton, keep the current apex. Geometry is very harmonious and possibly improvable by removing the bottom branch as you already showed. We'll be waiting for updates as your soil mix and fertiliser do the job. Impressive tree anyway! Great acquisition.

[@MiltonChang-ee6rq]

Very fortunate t come acorss this tree. agree with keeping the apex.

[@julidev1445]

Great info sir. I'll do the layering wait in Spring time for my Azalea. Thank you so much.

[@MiltonChang-ee6rq]

smat decision.

[@joegarland4885]

A magnificent tree, I agree everything you have said, the roots are the worst part of the tree and they need to be improved before any work done by potting it into better soil mix and a bigger training pot you said that you didn't now have time to start trees as you are in your 80s as I am . I have been offered a very nice large tree , it is an old Tanuki one of the best I have seen but the problem I have is it being too big and heavy for me to handle at my time of life, maybe common sense will prevail. Thank you Milton for detailing the tree and it's problems.

[@MiltonChang-ee6rq]

Ask someone to help lift. Why let that be a limit? I will show you an even bigger tree nest week! :-)

[@Anonimo-dy8jq]

Albero maestoso😊😊😊

[@MiltonChang-ee6rq]

Thank you!

[@RaymondMosier-cp6pn]

I love this tree

[@tem_anu]

Leave the top it is unique and makes it extra nice

[@Jen-wo6on]

😮 beautiful

[@987654ok]

Very nice tree and good design analysis. thank you. Question: you stating that acadma and lava rock are not enough to retain nutrients, however you never say: i need to add such and such to this mix so it would be correct and plenty of growth. I assume a lot of people here using acadma, lava rocks and pumace as the base so would be great to learn what is missing.

[@MiltonChang-ee6rq]

A) frequent fertilizing, B) start ove with mix that retains moisture and also nutrient. Right! In southern Ca, many people now subtitte akadama with small black lava rock and slow release fertizer...Cost 25Cents vs 30$.

[@papanichols8913]

That trees amazing! If you don't mind me asking how much did you pay for this gem? Love you videos thank you for sharing these awesome techniques you've learned!

[@MiltonChang-ee6rq]

Nope!

[@papanichols8913]

@@MiltonChang-ee6rq Nope to what? 😂 You won't tell me what you payed?

[@brianjanku4549]

I would leave the top as is, but keep it pruned down, allowing some of the other branches to grow as high as it over many years. This would give it a nice round silhouette. I would be concerned about cutting those 2 bottom branches. If cut, they may cause die back. With them there, the large main cut can't die back to the ground.

[@MiltonChang-ee6rq]

I will keep the too...but will definitely remove the bottom branches. No worries... Thanks for the concern!

[@aaronp3411]

I’d not considering topping a larger tree to make a pre-bonsai… I own about 7 acres of forest/field and have access to another 70-80 acres, so I have a few days of walking the woods to do this winter.

[@MiltonChang-ee6rq]

I hope I live in your neighborhood. Have fun!

[@aaronp3411]

@ If you’re ever in the area, you’re welcome to come check out the property. I’m sure you’re better at yamadori selection than I ever will be.

[@PhillipWaterman-f9u]

Very interesting video thanks Milton op no

[@MiltonChang-ee6rq]

You are welcome!

[@zimartiste1]

wahoo

[@MiltonChang-ee6rq]

Yeah!

[@brucedeacon28]

👍👌🙂

[@mercamg9312]

🌲🌳🌴

[@BonsaiguySoCal]

Akadama not holding nutrients is news to me