Bonsai From Field Grown Material

In this video Peter takes a field grown Maple and starts the process of turning it into a Bonsai. Peter has had this Maple for around 25 years. It started its life planted in the ground, where it was grew for around 10 years. It was then dug up and planted in a flower pot where it grew for another 10 years. A few years ago it was planted into a larger container where it has been for about 3 years. Over that time the roots have spiralled around the trunk the tree unappealing. This video takes you through the process of turning a large field grown tree and starting the process of creating a bonsai.
Peter also takes you on a tour around a section of the Herons field. We have an 8 acre site here, half of which is given over to growing the bonsai we sell on the nursery. We have many different species of Bonsai Maples, Pines and Yews to name a few. Trees that are too big for bonsai will end up as garden trees.
Top Tip: Finding the front of the tree is an important step when creating any bonsai and it is worth taking your time with this step, looking at the tree from every angle. A turn table is a helpful tool in this process. To design the tree you need to decide what the front will be.
Books
Create Your Own Bonsai www.herons.co....
Bonsai Bible www.herons.co....

[@Multifire]

Other Bonsai KZbinrs: "Now be very careful with this next step." Peter: "Its time to use the pickaxe."

[@joecrites]

😂

[@CHloE748]

You forgot to mention the crow bar

[@CHloE748]

@Miquel Jarchow NO ONE CARES

[@davidsumner7033]

Man dont give a s**t

[@SPEAKERDWELLER03]

I love the shout out loud when he was swinging it lol.

[@gazoakleychef]

I loved that root :(

[@viktortraktor3829]

Hey Gaz!

[@kagitsune]

Same, I am one of the people who would have expressed interest. I am not "the true bonsai person" (yet), haha!

[@KimsengChoy]

😂

[@Crusty_Camper]

Anyone who uses an axe, pickaxe and a saw on his bonsai gets my vote. I used to visit your nursery often several years ago when I lived nearby on the Sussex / Surrey / Kent border. It is so interesting to see how you create these works of art.

[@johannamarsh8464]

Mr. Chan, I just started watching your videos yesterday and cannot stop. I am sending them all to my four sisters so they can love them as I do. Your personality is so sweet and kind. You have brought great joy to so many people. I want to smile with every word you say. Thank you for sharing your vast knowledge with us.

[@GurgleThaGobbo]

Man, you gotta really have some faith and knowledge to take a pickaxe and a hammer to something you been growing for over 20 years

[@LuckyLeprechaun100]

or have a lot of things you've been growing for that long or longer but yeah it seems intimidating every time but he always does so well

[@larjkok1184]

The guy’s a ninja!

[@Elon_Trump]

my mind just keeps screaming "STOP THAT" those roots were cool.

[@matyourin]

He basically did what i would do to try killing that tree 😁

[@anilkumardondhe6782]

Oggy Oggy p

[@laulan1000]

Some 30 or more years ago, as a child, I received a Dutch translation of one of your books. My reading of your works inspired me not so much to create bonsai myself, rather to understand nature from a specific philosophical angle. Dear mr Chan, thanks for having introduced me to the art of Bonsai.

[@peterchan3100]

Thank you - I hadn't realised that so many people like you have enjoyed my books. I feel really humbled.

[@laulan1000]

@@peterchan3100 I can send you some of my work in philosophy (mainly on the relation between nature, craft and technology) if you would like. I quote from your writings.

[@peterchan3100]

@@laulan1000 Please do. I would love to read your work. Send to my email. [e-mail]

[@josephaguilar705]

I love this old man, his perception I quite respectable and commendable.. very awesome and top quality!

[@stardoll1995]

I had physical pain watching him take out those gorgeous roots

[@marleybobs280]

Pixie garden ... Could add pixie doors in the holes 💜💙 perfect for kiddies to learn to love gardening

[@johannamarsh8464]

After seeing your finished work of art you truly are the master!!

[@FlowericiousResident]

Such decication, love and patience to create beautiful trees. I love to see the bonsai's a year later that you did on youtube.

[@colinquinton474]

the delicate art of bonsai, WHACK it with a hammer LOL love it. But I am loving the videos, and subscribed

[@rallekralle11]

pickaxe, crowbar and sledge. the tools of a bonsai master

[@dakotahlavender]

XD

[@lkhaleghi6264]

I love your work, 👍🏻THANK you for sharing it 🙏

[@drstavroseleftheriou1722]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge! Thank you also for giving us a very brief tour of your breathtaking 7 acre nursery....

[@peterchan3100]

You have many of my field grown trees!!

[@drstavroseleftheriou1722]

And I plan to get some more :-)

[@walkingbear8582]

Thank you so much...this helps me personally. I'm intimidated about trimming roots..this gives a lot of relief

[@annie8339]

I am mesmerized by your kindness in showing us the process of your creations...thank you so very very much!! You are a wonderful teacher ❤️

[@garsox]

Aw jeez...Now i have to get me one of those fancy 'Bonsai' pickaxe's...

[@Max-fi4jl]

"Off to the mines Peter?" "Na, just repotting my maple"

[@peterchan3100]

Ha Ha - Good luck!

[@Dehradun.aquarist]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@HellOnWheels63]

Beautifully done and explained! I’ve improved my bonsai skills immensely watching your video’s. Thank you so much! I’m in the states but I wish I could visit your nursery. It looks like one of the greatest collection of mature bonsai in the world.

[@pcdube6939]

Not all we created are beautiful - God has plans for everything- you could left that tree roots as is -

[@1957bots8]

It’s beautiful already, can’t wait to see, the spring, the progress. Thank you.

[@HappyGrower]

Please make more videos about this tree! I'm very much interested how it will develop. This video is amazing.

[@azbz2993]

Iys probably dead now. He murdered it. The roots looked cool

[@deft1abc1]

@@azbz2993 Wrong. 1: those roots looked hideous and 2: cutting them off would not kill the tree as it has plenty of other roots.

[@gc4550]

He just made an update on it.

[@HappyGrower]

@@gc4550 Thanks!

[@mukeshchaturvedi]

@@gc4550 Can you give its link?

[@jimparry7197]

Really interesting video as usual Peter. Who needs fancy tools when you have a pickaxe and crow bar!

[@dougg1075]

Looks like a haunted tree . Love that

[@alquilala5392]

You are my idol mr. Peter for every plants you've discuss it is very interesting for me.. Godbless😀

[@Alypinkflower]

Always enjoying your teaching.. thnx so much

[@beanerschnitzel794]

I’m really enjoying the tour of the field and the explanation of all the different growing times and this is just a wonderful video I have planted a few Japanese maples from seeds with success, even though 90% fail, I will keep watching you so I can improve my techniques thank you from Roseville California.

[@peterchan3100]

There are a couple of reasons why your seeds fail to germinate. One - seeds may be stale and Two - you should stratify the seeds before sowing. As California is rather warm, maple seeds dont get a chance to stratify. Look up my seed sowing video for tips. OK

[@luckystars1632]

To be able to remember in detail the stories of each tree and seedling over decades is remarkable. It’s undeniable how much Peter genuinely loves and cares for these beautiful trees.

[@garlicbread2418]

Great tutorial with such a wealth of information and transformation. Thank you Mr Chan.

[@crystalm4324]

7:20 - I like the roots, I think bonsai with roots showing growing over things are amazing. Particularly ones growing over rocks! 14:30 - onwards 😭😰😱

[@johnturner3455]

It's cool when they're growing over things but these ones shattered the illusion, made it obvious that the tree was grown in a pot.... Each to their own too......but the roots kinda looked like a sweet potato tumour in this case 😂

[@kayjenkins731]

I liked those roots also, I don't think we all need to view in a puristic bonsai style to create a beautiful tree in a pot.

[@daneskarsgard5659]

Beautiful and tormenting to watch at the same time. You're an amazing bonsai Sensei. Much respect. 🎩🤪😀⛏️

[@alfkey4155]

Sound quality . that's much better, thank you

[@senecathurgood2438]

Thank you Mr. Chan for another amazing and instructive video. Masterful work as always. I have learned so much from you.

[@MrKlipche]

Would love to see a video of you guys lifting one of these big old trees that have been growing in ground for 20 plus years.

[@bingbangbongmukbang3015]

It’s like major plastic surgery. I love your videos.

[@eschaefer6512]

Hope to see this tree again in the Spring. That was a lot of severe pruning of the roots but the shape of the tree is quite pleasing when it was repotted.

[@AkitaMix]

Thanks for that, I feel much more confidence about what I just did to my nursery plant that I repotted.

[@davidhuston6677]

Mr. Peter, will you show us this tree now or when you are carving the scars ?

[@sgtjenko]

Truly fascinating! And what a beautiful tree

[@vinnyjamesobrien]

Guy is nearly 80 here. What energy. I hope to have the same vitality at his age.

[@FlorenceChandotCA]

What a beast of a tree! Please do update us before this heads out to its new owner?! Would love to see how it turned out.

[@jimelmore9728]

Would love to see the finished bonsai. Beautiful work.

[@ZE308AC]

If i had a lot of money i would buy that tree with the crazy cool roots. I always go for the onces people don't want to buy.

[@WoodsleeSummercraftwoodturning]

i enjoy your informative videos, ive been trying to get into bonsai more seriously the past 3 years Rob

[@ericsvideos1]

I LOVE your videos!!! So well explained and your trees are Awesome!!!!!

[@soldier87xxx]

m2 i learnd a lot of the videos ty

[@dailyfilmfix469]

The big Japanese Maple with the huge circular roots looked kinda like an Octopus before he went all Samurai on it with a pick axe..

[@resin_Hd]

Fantastic!

[@its_notta_cedar]

as often as i lie to myself about this it just never fails. golden rule: when in doubt smack it with a hammer. hammers fix everything.

[@soonzach4017]

Very very interesting thank you

[@BonsaiJCan]

Now that's some major root work! I'm wondering how much this tree would sell for in your nersury? Thanks for the field tour, many nice trees.

[@Groglor]

i like the look of gnarled roots, but yes they look a bit unnatural because of the round shape of the pot.

[@socalbonsai2778]

Very nice, I wish I had access to a nursery like yours.

[@coffeepot3123]

This is some next level shit. "Oh you a have bonsai on your desk?.. Ha Ha Ha!". *Shows massive 20 years old bonsai from the garden*

[@lorib1696]

Bonsai is not for the faint-hearted.

[@ronjudd3477]

If it has more than one front..is it better to pot it in a round pot so there is no set front?

[@sq5487]

You sir are an inspiration to us all, thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience, words can't describe the amount of respect I have for you sir. Please continue sharing theses awesome videos with everyone.

[@peterchan3100]

Thanks for your feedback Sohaib Bhai

[@user-pt1cz4ot1e]

At first, I loved the roots. Then, you explained why they were there and I felt bad for the tree. Now, it feels like you removed a matted mess of hair off a stray dog, and I agree that it was a great choice. Well done. That was a journey.

[@mmjnice97]

The Disgust is real my friend... when he cuts something off the punishment for being ugly is seriously severe... "so I will cut it off!!!!!!" In Peter's voice of course hehehehe

[@BonsaiTalk]

My bonsai friend, use a electrical Reciprocating saw. Easy on that back..

[@peterchan3100]

If you use saws to cut roots - they blunt easily because the blades cut through sandy soil

[@peterchan3100]

We all have our preferred ways of doing things but thanks for your suggestions. Will give it a try. @Jesus Souless

[@silverioramos8037]

Are you a dumb ass ?there is power tools. I guess cause your oriental that makes you a master? Or the biggest ass I have ever seen

[@colinbates1050]

@Jesus Souless some people only use hand tools because of tradition.

[@rojomi93]

Oh mr C, I hate to say it but I disagree with your assessment that the roots of the large maple were ugly! A very interesting contemporary maelstrom of roots would have made for a glorious modern bonsai!

[@vondamn9943]

It screamed "pot" be4 he removed the roots, it was a good idea

[@markn26]

Those circular roots looked beautiful and unique...I definitely would have left them as-is

[@marcrejas1634]

Thank you for the video. I’m learning so much from your work! I’m just starting and your videos are a wealth of knowledge. Just a curious: could you have use an oscillating saw? I feel like that would’ve made your day easier. 😁

[@beradbro]

Peter, I really enjoy your videos. Is it ok to start a air layer when temperatures are still cold or should I wait for spring? Thank you for your videos.

[@peterchan3100]

Best to wait till trees come into leaf. Here in UK we start airlayering our Maples in early May and continue till August.

[@japanesemaplesbonsai7133]

Hi Peter, hope you are well and happy new year. How much would this sort of material cost at your nursery please. As an example, for the one in this video once repotted but not at show material stage currently? Thanks, Mark

[@peterchan3100]

about £3k

[@alaindavid2419]

You work very hard Peter as if you never get tired. Love and passion are your fuel to propel your art. I admire your qualities.

[@imwillwin]

The Octopus tree!! Very good. I wonder if this tree features in a follow up video, please?

[@illiaillia419]

Just wondering if it is a good idea to cut main trunk a half by applying air layering on it. This way main trunk could be carved or even jin-ed, isn’t it?

[@benbishop1131]

The first time fast motion was used I just thought Peter was on his A-game...lol

[@TheTinkerThinker]

KZbin bonsai "experts": "Carefully brush the dirt away with chopsticks..." Peter Chan: *crowbar       *pickaxe       *hammer

[@bruh_hahaha]

WOW. I was doubtful while watching the tree get chopped with a pickaxe and crowbar. But the end result is a stunning tree. Well done.

[@MsOSheDidIt]

That is an amazing video on your technique of downsizing a field grown plant to place into a training stage pot. I hope that you took a good long break with some magnificent tea. Thanks for your super presentation on taking down the size of overgrown plants.

[@EatVancouverIsland]

I had no idea bonsai was a form of exercise ;)

[@andytheflutemaker]

Hello Peter I was wondering if you chose to make it a short tree would it be possible to air layer the top part?

[@peterchan3100]

Yes you could but I chose not to as I like big tall bonsai. Purely personal taste

[@xaryuo]

this one looks like a "Roper" monster from dungeon and dragon

[@rajahdoha]

It got a Creepy look, the round round Thick roots & the hollow dead wood, felt like Tree in movie Sleepy Hollow.

[@liukahdragas5799]

I would have kept the neat root instead of chopping it off. But everyone bonsai person is neat. 🥰😉🙃

[@azbz2993]

The big roots looked really nice. Unique. I would have bought that. Watching the video i wanted to say please stop i will buy it but obviously its not a live video. It looked so good so unique. I just dont understand why you would demolish the big roots. Why do all the bonsai need to be the same style? I have seen some great ones in the examinations and the big curled roots was so unique. Anyway never mind

[@xXNadoGaminXx]

It’s a shame getting rid of those beautiful roots. Very interesting roots. Love you’re videos. Can we get an update on this tree?

[@nexingtoncaldwell6381]

I think that I would had enjoyed it better with the rounded roots, it looked like art piece, a lady sitting with crossed legs. It was beautiful. People like things that are unique. I am quite certain that the people would consider the body of the tree the bonsai. It is funny how he many options as first to be front, now after he destroyed it, the choice is more difficult. That tree was more of a problem than good.

[@janeto100]

You are my favorite you tuber...THANKYOU. I admire your videos and knowledge so much.

[@jsnstamper]

I’m sure you’ll make it look good but you just removed the most unique characteristic of it. Can’t believe you didn’t see the art and beauty of that root

[@noddylloyd]

I do agree with you. I really liked the look of that root. I have a small Chinese elm but it has a similar big route like that, probably where it was a shoot of a bigger tree. But I love it as a feature.

[@Suth1172]

MY MAN PETER CHAN, you gotta get some smaller gloves. 16:01 lol

[@anthonycastillo8447]

hello sir, do you have schafflera bonsai

[@jaychet]

just going back and re watching some of your videos again.was wondering how this tree progressed through the year.is there a progress video that I've missed?

[@brendancahill3376]

What a crude way to prune the root of this Maple tree .I am really surprised you did not have a special tool designed for this job.

[@alog2]

you just cut a root of that age, i think its better to cut the other part and retain some to form an aged nebari, on the otherhand you are holding a big shovel so better for me to keep silent 😁

[@chippythesquirrel8945]

Took a really beautiful unique tree and made it ordinary and run of the mill. blah

[@berneyman]

this will be really a nice tree. How much would it cost, if it was sold by now?

[@peterchan3100]

£2-3K if I want to sell it. I get more for Maple garden trees that we grow on our Nursery.

[@greenstar7492]

@@peterchan3100 Thank you for answering this question...don't think I would be able to spend so much for a tree.. that is if I don't want to have war in the house..lol.....but still gives me lots of ideas on how to create something similar...greetings from Canada...

[@Julie-sw8xv]

Broke my heart when you hacked off those front roots. To me it looked like the tree was resting cross-legged. :( However, I really enjoy your work.

[@boydcarbunkle1830]

anyone ever notice that when peter has to put alot of effort into a chop or a snap, you can hear the voice of his ancestors? "Hye!"🤣

[@melvyn3426]

Hello master Han I am just getting the bug for bonsai . I am growing some seedlings ready for growing into bonsai and I need all the info I can get . Your videos are very informative and it gives me hope that I can do a little of what you do thanks

[@bernardo9202]

is there any follow up video on this tree?

[@MegnZ1]

Instead of shears he needs a mini bonsai chainsaw.

[@tomsmith2215]

this guy has a lot of knowledge obviously, but his work ethic and getting his hands dirty is impressive too. got to keep moving.

[@Raphii27393]

Using a crowbar, saw, hammer and pickaxe. Peter: "Easy".

[@dibiodepaint]

very nice

[@widdershiznit]

Ah the delicate tools of the bonsai Master.

[@blairguinea6811]

Awesome video Sir, bonsai fascinates me.............no one bothers too much here in NZ

[@nightcoder5k]

12:33 oh no. I like those roots.

[@xyzllii]

Jeez.....Mr Chan moves in with demolition tools...to create another potentially wonderful bonsai. Amazing and a far cry from your snip snip videos...which I also enjoy.

[@davef.566]

Hi you are very gifted and talented at creating bonsai's from plan old plant material just amazing skills

[@tomsmith2215]

perfect. im working on 4 earth grown maples (10-20') and a 10' Lilac as of last week, in MA

[@BackSeatHump]

I am pleased that you chopped off that ugly nebari. Graham Potter is probably the only man in the world who could incorporate that thick round-and-round original root structure and make it look good. He has five-dimensional eyesight. 😊