Bonsaify | The One Mistake All Bonsai Beginners Make: Here's How to Avoid It!

Eric shares the one thing beginners get wrong when styling commercial nursery junipers, and provides detailed guidance on how to avoid it and keep on the path to creating better bonsai.
You can support this channel by purchasing bonsai starter plants from our website! Thank you to everyone who has done so! www.bonsaify.com/products/kis....
00:00:33 Eric begins with 2 Shimpaku Junipers he picked from a commercial nursery and cut back once 1.5 years ago. He plans to clean-up the foliage so he can see the structure of each branch.
00:01:31 Example of foliage clean out with detailed explanations.
00:02:47 Removing trees from their growing containers.
00:03:28 Eric styles one like he sees many beginners style nursery stock, and the other how he would style it himself.
00:04:39 Eric explains the difference in styling and results. Which tree do you like better?
00:06:41 Example of incremental work on a third tree.
00:07:14 With the fourth tree, Eric styles it to become a finished bonsai.
00:08:36 Eric's KEY POINT - DON'T SKIP!
00:09:06 Further comparison with a 15 year old bonsai. Discussion of scale in composition.
00:09:54 How to get a "twisty" trunk - start with much younger material, such as these www.bonsaify.com/products/kis....
Did you find this tip helpful? Let us know in the comments below. Please like this video and definitely share it with anyone you know is new to bonsai!

[@alandouthwaite6980]

Made those mistakes over the last 18 months (just started at 85yrs of age ) but in my defense, it is the first time I have seen this explanation. Oh well, back to the nursery, in more senses than one !!!

[@KitakuBonsai]

Never too young to start bonsai Alan!!

[@alandouthwaite6980]

@@KitakuBonsai Ha !!! If only I had found this interest in my 20's !!!😪

[@kaweGD]

@@alandouthwaite6980 You live on in your bonsais 🙂

[@greasylimpet3323]

​@@alandouthwaite6980 good for you starting this great hobby. I'm sure you'll have a lot of fun with your trees. Best wishes 🇦🇺

[@alandouthwaite6980]

@@greasylimpet3323 Thanks a lot, I no longer see shrubs and bushes only potential bonsai !!! Stay safe and well

[@berealistic]

There no mistakes, just a learning curve. Been growing bonsai for 40 years

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I think this could be echoed to most deciduous trees also!! Keep the small branches and remove the too thick ones!

[@murray821]

Indeed, developing branches too early will result in branches almost as thick as the trunk. It feels like a waste to cut them off but it’s necessary.

[@alandouthwaite6980]

I think you have just savedme from spoiling a very nice 18" Hemlock ! There are so many branches (All Very painful to handle !) that it is going to be a problem trying to see which ones to remove, any advice please ?

[@yalithratnavibushena9953]

​@@murray821😢😢

[@Dylan-ok6ft]

You explained that really clearly. I like that you demoed the beginner approach side by side with the experienced method for getting better scale!

[@KitakuBonsai]

Agreed. Very well done!

[@jfdb59]

One rule of thumb I've only heard once and never since, I forget the source however, is that the height of the tree should only be about six times the trunk diameter. So, for example, if you have a one inch trunk nursery stock, you should only be planning for a tree that is six inches tall. This keeps the perspective nice.

[@PaulWall.]

As in the diameter or circumference of the trunk?

[@trashbuilds8351]

can you do this calculation based off of the goal size you want it to be in the future? I like bigger bonsai esp for varieties that have larger leaves

[@vancelanger7749]

This would be DIAMETER since that's what you see visually when you look at the composition. Your eyes have no idea what the circumference is

[@nathanshirley9671]

@@vancelanger7749I mean, I piece of string would give me the circumference pretty quickly lol

[@trebledog]

Like they say, you'll are missing the forest looking at the trees.

[@markoffmichael]

Another typical beginner mistake I call "Ikea-bonsai". That is, following some instructions and going step-by-step, never to revisit any of the prior steps. eg; Step 1: Clean out dead, weak, and unnecessary foliage. Going on to step 2, eg; selecting the front and trunk angle. However, ignoring newly-discovered dead/weak foliage, because you've moved on. Experienced hobbyists, etc. are continuously cleaning out dead, weak, or unnecessary foliage and are open to new fronts and angles throughout the entire design process.

[@AJ-th6zc]

I thought the mistake "Ikea-bonsai" was getting one of those factory ginseng bonsais from Ikea that come half dead. But that "mistake" gave me my first bonsai and brought me here so I think it's still a win.

[@photovincent]

Haven’t even started, but yes - the beginner one is exactly what I’d do - afraid to cut down too much, loose the growth, and try to shape already too thick branches into a shape. Thanks, immediate subscribe

[@pablobartelotte4553]

Bonsai is a long term commitment in a time when people's attention span is that of a goldfish. I too want something pleasant to look at almost immediately without breaking the bank. So, I purchase 3 small juniper plants and style them in 3 stages, first one is traditional bringing the plant down to the bare trunk save for a few small branches, second one I trim about halfway there, and the third one i trim "biginner" style. With 3 inexpensive pots and starter soil i have invested about $100 for an interactive ever changing piece of art. I'm a hobbyist without a large income. As informative as your video it is also intimidating for beginners and hobbyists/ amateurs who may want to get into bonsai but watch a video with a background of a ton of supplies on a large shelving unit and think wow do I need all that just for a hobby? Occasionally remind people they can start and enjoy the hobby without extensive investment or a huge knowledge of horticulture. A lot of people can be amateur hobbyists for life and break all the rules but their trees are still alive and they enjoy doing it. For some it may be more of developing a relationship with a plant without worrying if it looks like a "proper" bonsai.

[@Bonsaify]

A good set of points, and thank you for making them. The shelves of pots in the background were one part accident in the sense that I built them to house my pot collection, and then didn't have a better background available. You are right that it can send the wrong message. I try to show the long-term commitment in my videos - in this case by first taking raw material and styling it, but then later showing a piece that is further along, alongside something I have been working for 15 years. Cheers.

[@alisinwonderland1308]

@@Bonsaify the background is great

[@gramsci121]

Thank you. Now I can turn $1 clearance juniper into something that begins to look like bonsai.

[@Old52Guy]

Thanks! This is a mistake I make all the time. Thanks! That's one mistake down, another 99 to solve and fix.

[@thomasplaster155]

My first couple of attempts look just like the 'beginner example'. This is such great advice and has got me excited for the next project.

[@PhyllisGlassup2TheBrim]

I'd have bought the 'beginner' example as after watching the whole video, I *still* prefer it.

[@fryconntinumum6559]

It's never easy to cut foliage off a tree and it is definitely the first big mistake. That finished juniper you brought in is wonderful, I love that tree.

[@cbobgo1]

Truly an excellent video. I don't think I've ever seen a side-by-side comparison like that before.

[@KitakuBonsai]

It’s definitely helpful!👍

[@ianleroux2567]

Eric, I do appreciate you taking the time to answer me. Thank you very much.

[@trashbuilds8351]

wow as a visual learner this was so good seeing them side by side.....I'm definitely guilty of the beginner version lol. I've been practicing on "weed" trees/shrubs that grow in my yard (blackthorn, mulberry, rose of Sharon, various evergreens, boxwood, privet, cherry, clover, even ivy) and because I like big bonsai so much I've been fusing saplings together over chicken wire trunk shapes because I'm terrible at this kind of pruning lol. I would never think to shape the tree like you did but I can see how visually it is just more appealing!

[@adamkoehler3371]

This is great info that's very well presented. Totally changes how I'll approach converting my big box store purchased plants into bonsai. Thanks, Eric!

[@markn26]

I love this, it is always the most difficult part to master... letting go of those established branches and being able to envision what everything will become

[@bobcatbonsai]

That makes so much sense. Thank you for breaking this down in the K.I.S.S. method. My confidence is feeling a bit higher to go hard on the initial cut. Thank you!!

[@bobmccarlie382]

This is the best instructive video on designing young junipers (or any variety tree) I have seen. I have numerous junipers, and I have always done what you say you don’t do! Kudos! I will definitely use these techniques on my trees going forward! Keep doing these great videos.❤

[@KitakuBonsai]

Knowledge is power! Keep learning and growing - pun intended 😂

[@landsurfer66]

100% Agree!

[@InfiniteLoveandLight]

Yes me too .. I search for something that I can adapt which is fun but not the real thing.

[@PhyllisGlassup2TheBrim]

If you have been happy with the results of what you've been doing to date, then don't change just because one person says he doesn't do it that way.

[@chambersfpv9506]

I would love to see a video explaining how to cut the roots from a larger nursery grown tree so they can eventually turn into a shohin.

[@louisetwinberrow5508]

Great video thank you for explaining, the importance of removing the large branches, when starting out

[@darkshadowsx5949]

keeping branches in scale with the trunk is actually the best advice for styling a bonsai tree. i seen another youtuber just chopping off limbs leaving one branch to grow the trunk out, but he didn't explain style. his oldest tree was massively scarred and ugly.

[@Gabriel-dm1du]

I loved this approach. They look amazing

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

A really great video and you hit that major stumbling block perfectly. I still find it difficult with junipers to get that scale correct. Cheers

[@frenchfries2148]

I agree, I bought a creeping juniper about a year ago, and I did very light pruning. This year I want to be bolder with it. I think this comes from the fear of killing the tree.

[@adebolanos6977]

Thanks so much for this explanation. Its a huge principle to work with: The scale!!!

[@luisaguirre1482]

This video really opened my mind Thanks!

[@cameroncorley7927]

Super helpful! Really appreciate your perspective and your explanations on bonsai dos and donts 🙌🏼

[@KitakuBonsai]

Good pointers help us all grow and advance our art. 👍

[@joegarland4885]

I enjoyed watching your explanations of styling a Juniper to a point were we would be happy to call it a styled bonsai, thank you so much for spending your time doing these videos, unfortunately I am in the U.K. and we don’t see as many Juniper types as you do, they are not popular sellers in garden centre outlets around the U.K. as with most plants fashion dictates what is on sale.

[@armingivili]

One of the best bonsai video i've watched till now! Really thanks!

[@ryanf5894]

Great advice in this video that you don’t hear on other bonsai videos. Thank you!

[@DavesBonsai]

Brilliant video Erick!! Thanks!

[@simonjones686]

Another cracking and informative video, brilliant 👍🏾 thank you from UK

[@mikeyswallow2162]

One of the best of many videos i've watched on beginner bonsai, thanks!!

[@HoundStuff]

Nice video! Like so many others have said.... I really liked the examples and comparisons, too. That really helps illustrate the point. Thanks!

[@FrostBiteBonsai]

Very helpful explanations! Thank you!

[@mattbrennan647]

Amen brother. Well done and said. Thanks, keep growing

[@DavidScheltema]

Great video! Really helpful information for a beginner like me.

[@razasshahril751]

Wow just wow. Learned a lot today.thanks!!!

[@Bonsaicrazy]

This is a great video. Thanks it’s actually really helped me out 👍👍👍

[@thomastessier4529]

Very good info. Thank you.

[@mm6918]

It's so helpful how you did the side by side work on those trees to demonstrate this point!

[@KitakuBonsai]

Super helpful right? Good stuff.

[@ryanf5894]

This video is one the best ones I’ve seen on how to start from nursery stock! Thank you!

[@maureenfaulkner4323]

This is a great explanation and happy to see Nigel Saunders weigh in. Inspiration from both of you. Thanks

[@cesarvelasquezz]

Guilty! I am so grateful for your demonstration and your clear explanation with two trees. Your videos always demonstrate ideas/ techniques that so many others avoid or dont address. Thank you very much and hope one day you make it down to the San Diego Bonsai Club.

[@BillsBayou]

Thank you for this lesson. Now I know why I only liked a couple of my junipers. Our local club is having a juniper styling event for our next meeting. I'll be be putting what I've learned here to the test. I've often said that the only failure is when you learn nothing from your failure. That is incorrect. The second failure is when you learn nothing from your success.

[@sbragaglia]

Thanks! Very useful info, I wish there were videos like this for each doubt I have! Now I feel confident enough to tackle the junipers I’ve been basically just growing for the last 3 years! (Cool upbeat music too! 🤟)

[@KitakuBonsai]

Agreed! Junipers can be challenging at times.

[@jfarrell50]

Brilliant, and so well explained. Thank you!

[@KitakuBonsai]

Definitely really helpful!! 👍

[@mostafahosseini2872]

Thanks for your Tutorial. this is one of the best video about Bonsai

[@philipandrew6241]

Fascinating video thank you. Very enlightening.

[@KitakuBonsai]

Super helpful right??

[@theoschmitt3037]

Deine Gestaltung dieser Bäume gefällt mir gut❤

[@KurisuBonsai]

Ichiban! Superb demo and love the results, excellent little trees!

[@katherinespencer2073]

OK that was REALLY helpful. I'm someone who LOVES having large houseplants, larger the better. But as I transition to smaller house after the next one, I want to have Bonsai started, ready to take up space that will be more limited & your demo was great.

[@dantepicantemartinez]

This was very helpful. I would just find myself staring at nursery material I bought and I’d think to myself, “ok what do I do now?”. I wish I would’ve seen this video a couple of years ago.

[@nerinat8371]

This video is very helpful, thankyou

[@patriciatatich3014]

Great examples on the approach in the use of nursery materials - very helpful explanations. Thank you.

[@KitakuBonsai]

Nursery material can have some great potential if you pick the right one! 👍👍

[@davidreid622]

Oh my, thank you. That was great.

[@joemoore1023]

What he did was really cool! A technique I have not seen yet! Well done sir! Very nice looking trees.

[@jasonbollman]

Thanks for the great insight. I've been guilty of these beginner mistakes.

[@SivBratland]

Thank you!! This is the most informative video I have watched 🙏🏻

[@oliwestside5050]

Perfect example for starting off. Wish I had this knowledge bevor

[@julidev1445]

Great lesson. You are a good teacher and a genius. Thanks so much.Bonsaify.

[@miracozkir]

Fantastic teaching! Thanks!

[@chiendo8460]

Thanks for pointing those things out

[@MakeMoreBonsai]

Super valuable insights!

[@MsOSheDidIt]

That's a great explanation for how to get the proper scale of trunk to branch size. Thanks for your time and wisdom. 😉

[@KitakuBonsai]

Definitely really helpful!

[@deepanjanbanerjee3491]

Excellent video …. We have all made these mistakes at one point or the other.

[@ponderanceofagravedigger2564]

Those junipers at the end of the video are beautiful!!

[@peterchmielecki890]

Great job 👍 👍 👍. Beutyfull juniper. I working on precumbens nana. Best Regards. Peter.

[@markweaver3497]

That's a smashing good cut. The first two trees where very interesting.

[@txturbo930]

I make these beginner mistakes. Thank you for this!

[@nogravynopie2396]

one of the best videos so far!

[@intheocean007]

This is so helpful…Thanks !

[@michaelwenzel3196]

Very interesting - particularly regarding truck size and composition. Also helpful to see how you approach the application of "jin" in your work. Thank you very much!

[@awalktowardsglory]

Great information! Thanks

[@bonsaisforever]

Thank you for that I have been doing it the other way, keeping larger branches .and it's off to my greenhouse to practice.

[@KitakuBonsai]

Spending time in a greenhouse is always a treat!

[@buterfly7x7]

great info, thanks!

[@andrehak]

This is amazing. Thanks!!❤

[@conspiraterry7393]

Awesome! Just the kick in the pants I needed, thank you!

[@cherylandrews3195]

LOL its like you saw me do my tree.... this was so helpful!!

[@TellMeMoreTMM]

Lovely video. Thank you

[@conspiraterry7393]

Brilliant! Great video!

[@mokdog666]

Another great video !

[@shahrafiq2165]

Love it thank you regards

[@Reviveftp]

beautiful work

[@fruitlessbeast]

I’m certain my product would have been like the leftmost one of the first pair had I not watched this. Loving this channel and learning so much. I’m a potter and budding bonsai enthusiast and appreciate your time and work! Also, the Retrograde synth wave works on the last half. Sometimes music overlay choices are unfortunate. Not here. Nice!

[@arpadvarga3475]

Great demonstration

[@WeezieV]

The tree you've been working on for 15+ years is so amazing because it DOES look like a miniature huge tree from the forest.

[@9daywonda]

Nice specimens especially the last 2 depicted.

[@njcr4688]

I've never seen this explained. Wow I've wasted so much time and trees. This is a great video and makes so much sense. Thankyou

[@RPX-moon]

you opened my eyes

[@BONSAIenCORTO]

Thanks, really usefull.

[@glenbustos4345]

Great informative video! I applied your tips and guidance with a hard cut to my own juniper. Do you have recommendations on how to best fertilize a juniper after a hard cut to help promote growth?

[@TheBonsaiGarden]

Great video Eric.

[@dylanschultzable]

Excellent advice!

[@westcliffsmusic]

looks awesome!

[@SamSam563]

i found this very helpful. thank you, its about making a better bonsai later. not now

[@bonsaidinhvuong]

Beautifully bonsai. Thanks

[@kylecruz9788]

Beautiful

[@minli2584]

Very helpful!