Bonsai Tips and Tricks with Ben!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Great questions, great answers!

[@guinzone2995]

H

[@TheBonsaiZone]

@@guinzone2995 Hi

[@BackGardenBonsai]

Great tips. The trunk of that cypress next to you has such a beautiful flowing movement to it

[@dhrdan]

This is probably one of the best short vidoes on Bonsai I've ever seen.

[@tyfude]

You always do such a great job of making the pursuit of Bonsai seem so approachable. Humble, careful, objective, kind. You’ve helped me with my soil, collection, and I have a few trees moving into refinement since I started watching your videos years ago. I collect my trees in urban setting, often trunks people want to get rid of in their yards. It’s such a pleasing art. Thank you.

[@AppalachianBonsai]

You are most welcome.

[@AppalachianBonsai]

Subtitles up & running! If you don't see yours, leave a comment. Love ya!

[@bonsaimoldova]

Are your subtitles made with google translate? Because they are quite good, but in some places are a bit unusual the formulation and the according between the words

[@AppalachianBonsai]

Yes. The KZbin interface uses Google Translate. There is an automatic default subtitle I do not use because it is never correct. I personally go through the entire text in my native language to ensure the grammar is (basically) correct. Then I use this good text to auto-translate all the others. My goal was to give the Google translate algorithms the best base. Seems like it's working!

[@robdevoe1057]

I Don’t know if you will see this but I will go ahead anyways! I have always loved trees and always had a desire to try and make a bonsai and watch it grow through the years. I recently got a juniper to start working with at the ripe age of 30 lol. I have started trying to watch videos of different arborists and seasoned bonsai growers and I just want to say your videos are among the best I’ve seen if not the best as far as simple information on what works FOR YOU and I just want to express my gratitude. Thanks and keep up the good work!

[@AppalachianBonsai]

I'm humbled and grateful. 30 is a great age. I was 27 when I started and am now approaching 40. It's a worthwhile hobby I am continually learning from, as will you! Keep it up, my friend!

[@ggdszzvx0509]

One of the most nature-like bonsai i ever seen.

[@evolution_bonsai]

fall collecting best 6-8 weeks prior to cold snaps or freezes to give time for the roots to regenerate, so early fall when the tree is starting its vascular growth period.

[@avinashramdath620]

I really enjoy your videos, you share very valuable information keep it up you are doing a great job

[@santarific9x60]

A whole lot of great info in a nice amount of time. And a great specimen of a bonsai to show us. Thanks for the vid I'm always tuned in.

[@oskarstork2040]

If i decide to collect a tree in the summertime, would it be a good idea to cut the leaves off it, so it can focus on surviving and setting roots instead of transporting moisture to the foliage?

[@AppalachianBonsai]

It is almost never good to collect in the summer. Summer root work is usually reserved for slip potting and emergencies. Collecting, regardless of removal of leaves, is a dangerous thing for plants in the summer.

[@BonsaiJCan]

Very nice Cypress

[@AppalachianBonsai]

Thank you

[@jarheadbonsai]

Thanks for all the info Ben. I dig the new coasters.

[@AppalachianBonsai]

Coasters? That's a sticker, baby!! I'll see if I can get one out to ya. Slap it on your Yeti!!

[@jarheadbonsai]

@@AppalachianBonsai 😳😂😁well alriiiight...but Im adding AB coasters to my Christmas list.

[@DP52001]

Awesome video - thanks so much for all you do for the community!

[@fp9596]

My favourite channel on KZbin. Would love daily videos but I guess our hobby doesn’t run at that pace!

[@Emtbtoday]

beautiful tree there! i like the way you used guywires only thats what i do wih my junipers and pines sometimes i will wire the trunk of my pines only so it digs into the bark iv just took the wire off a scots pine iv had in training for 5 years its roughened the bark alot and gave it that old looking age just keep an eye on the bark if anyone tries this idea but dont harm the tree iv imported some white pines from japan to uk and when work on them noticed theres still wire growen into the trunks !it was a shock to see to start with so tried it as an experement on a collected sacots pine and what a diffrence its made !i need to start getting some videos up myself now iv recived my new camera!

[@luisramos2965]

Great video brother allways great to watch!

[@ashjinkim]

Thank you so much for posting photos of the soil aggregates you use.

[@peteryoung9164]

this video answers my previous comment about when to collect. thanks for everything. Peter

[@garydyarman6384]

Good to see you back!

[@Penguini_]

I am not sure if you have addressed this in other videos, but I am curious about how you clean up the large trunk cuts you make to make them flow better with the tree (I know you have talked about "hollowing them out" in previous videos but I would love to see a demonstration)

[@AppalachianBonsai]

I've got one filmed (now where did I put that...). It's grinding with carbide bits and wire wheels. I learned by watching Graham Potter from Kaizan Bonsai. I'm still working on it

[@Penguini_]

@@AppalachianBonsai Thanks so much for the info! Love your videos!

[@suryjoni]

wowwww what abeautiful bonsai u have ther!!!! great videos great tips, looking foward for more

[@jasincolegrove6651]

That’s a beautiful cypress. Very nice

[@AppalachianBonsai]

Thank you.

[@mikeo9366]

Great video I Love seeing some of your more advanced trees. They give us a closer look into you as an artist/scientist/collector. And it's just cool to be inspired. Thanks

[@tangluke9619]

这棵树比例匀称，过渡自然，已经是非常优秀的作品了。

[@PeriodWoodworker]

Beautiful tree in opening. I need to talk to you about that style of wiring. Good presentation. Thanks for sharing, Steve

[@AppalachianBonsai]

I'll have to catch you during the July meeting or after. I won't be there this week.

[@jtauscher]

I'm just wondering whats the use of coarse sand? It cant keep water or anything - is it because of supplying minerals?

[@AppalachianBonsai]

No, just coarse inert grit. I have lots of things in there holding moisture. Possibly too much. But no issues, so I don't change it. I know others that use pine bark and turface. They water a lot!

[@MsSaudm]

Thank You so much ! I,ve been going broke with this specialty clay etc imported from Japan Can now use readily available US ingredients Love love love it Many smiles ! You're the best

[@CheffBryan]

Personally, I've just been using Herons Bonsai suggestion of growing raw material in Peat Moss for root establishment, and have had more success this year than I ever have had because of it. Of course, it isn't a perfect solution nor the end all, be all soil choice, might have to mix it with crushed lava rock for some better drainage.

[@alexparris7769]

@@CheffBryan sphagnum has always been my go to ever since I was a kid and started growing venus flytraps. Stuff is magical and was glad to see Peter Chan recommends it for trees too. I went a little more liberally with my sphagnum, since I cultivate it, and sure enough I saved two rhododendrons that I otherwise might not have via any other way. completely chopped off all mains and left only few rootlets off of a 45-50 year old rhodi and another with only a single main root stub and no rootlets. It's likely due to the sterile nature of sphagnum via its acidity. Stuff used to be used as bandages by soldiers.

[@ianurbina9777]

Great Job, I'm from a tropical land in Central America btw, I've trying collecting for bonsai and it's so hard to find when it's best time to do it here, our weather is such as Florida's

[@AppalachianBonsai]

No estoy seguro, ya que vivo aquí arriba. Pero, trataría de encontrar a alguien en tu área o país que haga bonsai. Es posible que te puedan ayudar más de lo que yo podría con esta pregunta.

[@AppalachianBonsai]

Just in case you preferred english. I'm not sure, since I live up here. But, I would try to find someone in your area or country that makes bonsai. It is possible that they can help you more than I could with this question.

[@ianurbina9777]

​@@AppalachianBonsai Thanks for the attention over the comment , and also for the Spanish response, I speak both. Regarding to bonsais, I'll try to find someone. whilst this practice spread is almost null here. Btw, have you ever work with bougainvilleas?

[@AppalachianBonsai]

I haven't, but Artisan's Bonsai in Tampa Florida does.

[@patriciaspell2569]

Thanks. I have been looking to find a pink dogwood. Guess I will have to go to a nursery to get one.

[@veegee49]

Love the video and the way you explain it all just some of the questions I always wanted to know Thanks for your time

[@LessTalkMoreDelicious]

Does all DE brands (8822, OptiSorb, Axis DE) break down into mush? How many years does it last before mush? When you say “mush” ...you mean compaction and breaking down into smaller particles/fines... or soggy wet mush?

[@AppalachianBonsai]

I don't know about other types, but I've tested the 8822. If you've seen the soil freeze-thaw video I did you can see what I mean by soggy mush.

[@jkdortch2308]

GREAT INFORMATION I JUST STARTED COLLECTING OUT OF THE YARD AND WOODS

[@zato6226]

That WINK is just soo cool.

[@Josef_R]

6:00 You're throwing out a recipe like you use this same mix for development as well as refinement. Do you make no distinction between the two?

[@AppalachianBonsai]

I use it for everything. Makes life pretty simple, especially with as many trees and as limited time as I have. The more simplified I can make things, the more I can focus on where it really matters - life! ;)

[@Josef_R]

@@AppalachianBonsai Good deal. I'm trying to work out a mix with the stuff I just got, Turface, Floor Dri (DE), topsoil, bark compost, and play sand. What ratio would you do these at if this is what you had?

[@mirandusings]

Gorgeous juniper!

[@tuncayozdemir6965]

Please shoot more videos like this. Its good. Thank you

[@HoundStuff]

Catching up on some of your older videos…. Is this still your typical soil mix? Thanks!

[@AppalachianBonsai]

Yup. Typical for all trees.

[@HoundStuff]

@@AppalachianBonsai Thank you!

[@kylebrandon364]

Nice video and tree! I have a quick question about collecting junipers. I dug up 2 large junipers (planted in the 60s) in town this past February and have been told by people in my bonsai club to not cut style or touch them for at least 2-3 years. They are growing obvuously larger already now. Do you agree don't touch them for that time period and does anyone else have experience with that?

[@AppalachianBonsai]

I agree with the club. Give them at least another year. It's exciting they're responding well, but you don't want to risk it. Maybe in late autumn 2020 you can look to do some heavier branch pruning, but I wouldn't do any styling until at least spring 2021... so hard to resist!!! Just be patient and keep it alive. You'll be so glad you did.

[@kylebrandon364]

Thanks for the advice! I will do that even though it IS hard to wait like you said haha! But you're right. In the long run its better that they survive. I do feel lucky just found out several others have either lost or are losing their trees from that dig. Appreciate it!

[@deploribusunum3894]

Gorgeous tree.

[@gregcostanzo4724]

Thanks for the soil composition notes. Do you sift them all to the same size or do you leave the more compostable parts bigger? Great composition on the videos too!

[@AppalachianBonsai]

All the same size!

[@nathankeith1810]

Hey I'm 15yo and from Fayetteville wv and new to bonsai and I was wondering what local breads would be nice to harvest with small leaves

[@AppalachianBonsai]

American hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana) 100%!! Red maple (Acer rubrum) Green hawthorn (Crataegus viridis) If you can find some invasives like Amur honeysuckle or Chinese privet, go for it! Ask for permissions. Collect in the spring. Learn all you can in the meantime. Good luck!

[@rahulmasurkar6261]

Does the optimal season for collecting trees matter in the tropics ? I am roughly on the 16°N latitude. Love the tree. Especially the canopy. Looks really natural.

[@AppalachianBonsai]

I think so. My understanding is almost the opposite of the temperate zones. I think tropicals like repotting around late spring or early summer, with some winter work also good timing. I would definitely double check before you made any big decisions.

[@johntad751]

I'm in Northern California zone 9ish. What bonsai is the best to start off with?

[@AppalachianBonsai]

Depends if you want to start indoors our outdoors. For indoors, ficus are great starters. For outdoors, maples and hornbeams are my favorite. All of these are generally tolerant of our invasive bonsai meddling.

[@bobowens9939]

That very well done bonsai. I admired it at the N.C. show last year.

[@mame6508]

Thank you for sharing. You are great. Greeting from India

[@stateniland]

Hello.. question.. My Juniper (I just transferred to a smaller pot) is beginning to turn brown... Am I over or under watering, it's outside..not harsh sunlight.. I spray and water daily.. water drains easily..? HELP.. ty Joe

[@AppalachianBonsai]

Summer is never a good time to do root work (including repots). If it was JUST transferred to a smaller pot, you've probably killed it. If it's brown, then it's dead. Juniper doesn't recover from brown back to green.

[@stateniland]

@@AppalachianBonsai ty :( and it was from a Co. that sells the 'All in one" Bonsai plant , pot, soil etc..

[@marcelwesterhoff]

Beautiful tree!

[@nahjnature2375]

sir im from PHILIPPINES i enjoyed watching your hunting bonsai videos!

[@richardmitchell8783]

When sifting the Turface MVP what size sieve are you using and is there a lot of waste material? I'm using the smallest @ 2mm and seems to be about 50% waste...is that normal?

[@AppalachianBonsai]

I usually don't have much waste with Turface. With a large back, I use about 90%. Thankfully, most of Turface isn't dust (like diatomaceous earth can be). If you have smaller particles getting into your mix, though most is out, then you should be fine.

[@AppalachianBonsai]

bag, not back

[@BrandonTran]

Awesome crash course video on collecting packed full of tips to live by. So many great tips in here that some I had to learn the hard way. If you don't want to kill trees, watch this video 2-3 times :)

[@AppalachianBonsai]

Those experiences are vital, if only we knew then, eh?

[@Rainy163]

Спасибо за ваш труд! Все подробно и понятно.

[@my_bonsai_and_koi]

Great video! Thanks! 👍

[@kennethstensrud669]

Hello chap. Good to see you again, long time no see. I noticed you mentioned John Yoshio Naka, he was my inspirator as well, along with Doris Froning. Two nice people in my mind. Have you move away from the place in the hills?

[@AppalachianBonsai]

Yes. I moved closer to Virginia Tech because I'm going back for another degree. Still in a mountainous region, just in the flats between ridges.

[@andresmauricioacostadavila8889]

Me enamoro de cada arbol q"muestra. Mil gracias por compartir su arte con nosotros.

[@humdrummed]

that tree is awesome!

[@naturalnaturaleza2728]

Necesito informacion de como obtener el sulfocalcico. Gracias

[@AppalachianBonsai]

Nunca he usado sulfocalcico. Busca a alguien en tu área o país que haga bonsai. Es posible que puedan ayudarte más de lo que yo podría con esta pregunta.

[@HLWTR]

Спасибо за ваши видео! Это один из лучших каналов по теме!!!

[@AppalachianBonsai]

Потрясающие! Рад, что вы наслаждаетесь ими!

[@HollerHunter]

If you were to give a very rough estimate, how long does it take for one of your collected trees for you to consider it a bonsai? Thanks for the great material you put out. The soil breakdown and plant information was very helpful.

[@AppalachianBonsai]

Ten years? They're always evolving!! And depending if the dog gets a hold of them again, that could significantly increase!

[@AppalachianBonsai]

Bonsai empire just showed a Walter Pall video discussing his process to create very rapid bonsai. Definitely great advice!

[@PapaOsmubal.OscarBalajadia]

Thanks, pal! Great tips!

[@TheNatrjack965]

Great video Ben great advice. Will you be selling your window stickers to us guys in the UK...

[@AppalachianBonsai]

I'm still looking into it, but should hopefully be able to let everyone know soon. (I hope so, though!!)

[@CurrenCyPhWorld]

Thanks for the tips Ben... appreciate it a lot ...☺

[@GardeningLecture]

I love your tips.. I try to my garden and bonsai..🤗🤗🌲🌲🌲🌲

[@takarabonsai3545]

Más videitos por favor!

[@ШурикПирог]

*_Отличная работа!Удачи!_*

[@gjackyroxas2720]

Great video.

[@LANolan]

Great info on when to collect! I assume this applies to repotting also. Do you know about collecting/repotting tropicals?

[@AppalachianBonsai]

This applies as well. I think tropicals are different. Now is a good time for repotting those (if I remember correctly. I don't keep many of them).

[@sirhanreid5896]

As always, invaluable information, t.u.. gorgeous sawara cypress btw.. did you collect it as material and train it yourself? Would love to see how it started out.. thanx again, your channel is tops!!!!!

[@AppalachianBonsai]

Thanks!! No, I didn't collect the tree, but it definitely looks different than when I first got it. A bonsai artist friend of mine was wanting to get rid of it. All the branches were straight up and the top was flat. I've been bringing it down for years.

[@sirhanreid5896]

@@AppalachianBonsai thank you. Im convinced this hobby adds years to one's life.. purely from the anticipation of seeing one's ideas and training finally fulfilled. Thanx to guys like you, I was introduced to yamadori. Im new to bonsai, only have a couple of store bought untrained nursery trees witch in my opinion may be disastrous to force trunk movement upon

[@AppalachianBonsai]

Don't force the trunk movement. Work with it. Or cut it and regrow. Stoked you've found bonsai and are really enjoying it!

[@nibilengunliedguruworkushi2290]

This is very helpful!!!! Thank you so much!

[@dibiodepaint]

informasi bagus

[@BostonBonsaiIdiot]

Thanks for the help. Good stuff.

[@estrellavegetal5929]

Excelente !!!

[@KANGBONSAIBOGOR]

Very good friends, greetings, hobbies😀👍

[@jimvogt4405]

Nice tree.

[@AppalachianBonsai]

Thank you!

[@projcinco21]

Really enjoy your vids and the info within them, but I have only 1 complaint. and that is that you’re not dropping enough vids haha On a serious note, Thanks for sharing your knowledge and your awesome uploads 🍻🍻

[@AppalachianBonsai]

I wish there was more time in a day, but I sadly must sleep!!

[@EduardoBlauthAhlert]

What specimen is that beautiful tree you have with you? Really a masterpiece

[@AppalachianBonsai]

Check the 6:42 mark

[@VelhaGameleiraBonsai1433]

Bem didático ! Grato, pelas informações, tenha uma boa semana!

[@junkyard_dog111]

very nice cypress

[@museermuseer9996]

Wat a beautiful bonsai sir 👌

[@miguelangeldiaz3630]

Muchas gracias.

[@funiarbaba5245]

Waaao lovely bonsai tree.

[@funiarbaba5245]

Plz give me any seeds for bonsai grown

[@nuovodivano517]

Oi ✋ muito bons os teus vídeos principalmente os que vc mostra a coleta parabéns👏👏. E obrigado pela legenda 🖒🖒

[@AppalachianBonsai]

Absolutamente! Abraços!

[@marcoseduardo7179]

Obrigado por compartilhar seus conhecimentos. Um alô do Brasil.

[@hienart9959]

Ok... thank you...

[@chickknightgreenleaf820]

what about Ochna ?

[@AppalachianBonsai]

I've never tried it, but I've seen them. Beautiful flowers! Have you tried this tree?

[@chickknightgreenleaf820]

@@AppalachianBonsai er... no, i just developing my Bonsai obsession a few weeks lately, haven't create any bonsai yet, but i planning to start with Ochna (just put some seeds to the soil), it's a very popular tree in my country, a traditional tree to be exact, see it every Lunar New Year.

[@gurzyca]

Niesamowite. Piękne

[@AppalachianBonsai]

Dziękuję Ci!

[@murilobass1]

hello friend, what a beautiful plant, I already miss your videos, make a video showing your plants, strong hug, God bless you.

[@MattQrillz]

I almost can't watch this due to jealousy haha. Stunning tree.

[@hey_you356]

yeah it's so beautiful, it might be my favourite bonsai that I've seen so far

[@getoutofhere8989]

good! big explication, like.

[@amadeurafael3736]

Retirou a legendagem?

[@AppalachianBonsai]

Estou digitando eles agora. Eu os terei para você daqui a mais ou menos uma hora. Sinto muito!!

[@amadeurafael3736]

@@AppalachianBonsai obrigado.

[@AppalachianBonsai]

Estrondo! Acabado de terminar! Abraços!

[@ricklandaubonsai5506]

That pendant doe

[@AppalachianBonsai]

OBX Remix in Rodanthe, NC made it! If you're ever in the Outer Banks, they've got it going on!!

[@oldcoins7659]

Awesome

[@The1vuonchuoi9]

Thank video

[@ianfox9262]

Would this soil mix work in a SW Florida climate. Thanks in advance.

[@AppalachianBonsai]

It should, though I'd play it safe with only one or two trees. Maybe a little more pine bark to keep moisture in. Check in with Artisans Bonsai near Tampa or Adam Ask Why. Maybe even Wigert's Bonsai. They're all closer to you than I am and will know better.

[@stangable5564]

Golly that’s a nice tree.

[@บอนไซบ้านๆ]

👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@luiseduardo9447]

ME AGRADA, POR QUE TRAE ENSEÑANZAS EN ESPAÑOL OJALA SIGA CON SUS VIDEOS, SALUDOS DESDE COLOMBIA

[@AppalachianBonsai]

Saludos de vuelta a usted! Bienvenido a mis videos!

[@luiseduardo9447]

@@AppalachianBonsai Gracias y estare pendiente con tus enseñanzas, ojala te hubiera visto antes ya que a mi se me murieron dos arboles y no supe q hacer, gracias nuevamente

[@ioan-sebastiansofiean3506]

i have wached 20 or more of your videos with ugly stumps this is the first with a bonsai where did you bougt it ))

[@AppalachianBonsai]

The original tree was nursery grown from seed, then turned into a stump like my other trees. Then grown and trained for years. Don't worry, all those ugly stumps are slowly becoming bonsai. They're actually pretty beautiful right now. Can't wait to share with you beginning in May!!

[@BONSAINICA]

so beautiful

[@codeWdika732]

Iyo batua

[@MrTributes]

0:03 *cue gratuitous whistling catcalls*

[@AppalachianBonsai]

haha!! Thanks. It's one of my absolute favorites!