Bonsaify | One Simple Principle to Level UP! your Zelkova Bonsai!

Achieving the formal upright style required of a broom-style Zelkova requires precision. The branching and the particular movement and patterns in the branching are so important for creating a convincing composition. Eric demonstrates the One Simple Principle you need to follow for success, using two 5 year old Zelkova brooms. BONUS: Watch Eric overcome his fear to work on a beautiful 15 year old specimen. Please Subscribe, hit the thumbs up button, and share this video to your bonsai community!
00:01:06 Winter provides a great review of the relative size of the twigs and branches.
00:01:35 What to do with larger branches.
00:02:02 First 5yo example. Eric reviews size of branching and demonstrates his cutback decisions.
00:04:07 Second 5yo example.
00:04:45 THE SIMPLE PRINCIPLE defined.
00:05:20 Mummification process explained and demonstrated.
00:06:07 Eric addresses the elephant in the room...the continuum of broom bonsai structure.
00:06:55 Eric sets aside his fears and cuts back the 15yo tree, the first one he created and the oldest one in his collection.
00:08:04 Explanation of why he's going to cut certain branches and not others.
00:09:01 Witness Eric's PAIN and wiring.
00:09:50 Summary of why Eric wired the tree the way he did.
Have you ever felt pain similar to Eric's when working on your trees? Let us know in the comments below! Please Subscribe and hit the notifications button,, so you're always informed when Eric drops a new video. Thank you!

[@jamesojohnson467]

What book were you refrencing?

[@Bonsaify]

There is a series of books that are in Japanese about various species. The one in the video is about Trident maple and Zelkova. If you search for this you'll find it: KBムック 盆栽樹種別シリーズ 9

[@jamesojohnson467]

@Bonsaify much appreciated. Keep up the great work.

[@KCWerk]

Now let's see the big Jay McDonald version!

[@lolpwndk]

This zelkova series is amazing!

[@arpadvarga3475]

Wow very helpful video before spring 🙂

[@PhillipWaterman-f9u]

Very interesting video Eric

[@Benw3790]

The 15 year old tree looks a whole lot better now. I know how it feels to cut branches on a tree, in refinement but we all know that it is sometimes necessary. It really does look better and the tree will be better in the future! Great video, as always man.

[@Tinoshke07]

Your videos are always great !

[@01bc01ce]

Thanks Eric. Waiting for the next video.

[@Bristolnick100]

I know what I'm doing this weekend - thanks!

[@joegarland4885]

This was a really interesting video on working with zelkova, which would also apply to other species similar to Zelkova. Must look closer at mine. Thank you.

[@backbudbonsai]

Super interesting! I haven’t heard of the “mummy wrap” technique, but it does make sense for a broom style……. Would maples be a good candidate for this type of work if I wanted to create a maple broom? Or is it a zelkova technique only? Thank u for sharing ur vast knowledge of techniques! Have a blessed day, Eric

[@Bonsaify]

Not sure. You could try it.

[@Junderclork]

Painful is right! But look at the results!!! That tree is beautiful.

[@DarthMasiah]

👍👍

[@patriciatatich3014]

The first cut of a branch out of scale in size is the most painful😮…staying true to the ‘plan’ for a broom ‘Z’ takes courage and discipline.

[@Bonsaicrazy]

Great lesson Eric. Very strange wiring

[@brucedeacon28]

👍👌🙂

[@Thebonsaitrail]

I have a few Zelkovas, is it normal for them to bud out at the very end of spring?

[@Bonsaify]

Yes, they often are the last of the common bonsai species to bud out.

[@Thebonsaitrail]

@Bonsaify thanks for replying back and for confirming that. Also, you were the inspiration to make me work on Zelkovas 😀, by any chance, do you have cork bark elm seedlings or cuttings for sale?

[@9daywonda]

Wot's up ERIC?

[@stephencreswell229]

What do you think of different style Zelkovas?

[@Bonsaify]

TBH, I prefer forest Zelkova in general. But brooms are quite charming when done well!