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.c....
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.c....
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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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

[@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

[@gramsci121]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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!👍

[@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.

[@Old52Guy]

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

[@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.

[@blenheimantiques9507]

Just grow from seed. I'm in the southwest. I don't bother with cold stratification, just bang the seeds in some propagators and keep them in partial shade with the lids off, then move them into the sun on bright sunny days. This year I planted all my seeds in the middle of june. I had maples germinate in just a few days, rainbow eucalyptus in around a week, birch, juniper and a few others which I haven't identified yet (I don't do labels either) in 2 weeks, giant redwood in less than 3 weeks, and now on week 4 (with week 3 being mostly wet) I've got jacarandas starting to sprout. All nice and strong. The only thing which hasn't germinated yet is the Baobab, but they're the only seeds with which I've done what others say you must. I've now planted the last seed in sand and soil and will just leave it out in a sunny spot. I bet it grows just fine.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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!

[@ianleroux2567]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@philmorton4590]

Agreed as a beginner this looks too harsh in one session for me, there's letting the material dictate design and a force of will by the artist, but in the end I just want the plant to thrive not kill over. Lol

[@Bonsaify]

update: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q3iToIpso52nsKc

[@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.

[@johncspine2787]

We all do things differently..before taking scissors to a tree, I’d remove it from the pot, scrape the soil down a bit, and get a look at it before trimming. If too many branches need more just..rank development, I’d maybe trim the roots a bit so they have an head start in the right direction and put it repot back into the pot for further growth. If it’s destined for transformation right away, then, I’d remove it and look first.

[@maureenfaulkner4323]

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

[@ryanf5894]

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

[@adebolanos6977]

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

[@whitecaps0]

One of your best videos for beginners. As a beginner I need to start chanting the mantra less is more! I think we are not confident to make bold changes to the tree when we start. Loved the junipers side by side at the end.

[@Bonsaify]

Thanks! I would caution that I have also seen beginners cut too much from trees. The point isn't only that less-is-more, but that you should be contemplating the scale of the plant and don't assume that the size it has at the beginning is the final size. Mixed in there is a caution about how older and larger branching (from standard nursery material) is mostly not suited to bonsai styling.

[@KitakuBonsai]

Learning how to know when to make big cuts is sometimes the hardest or scariest thing to master.

[@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!

[@dildobaggins8987]

Came in skeptical but this was a genuinely helpful and simple direction. Being too precious holding onto big branches leaves it looking more like a shrub than a tree, I’ve been guilty of it many times

[@joemoore1023]

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

[@louisetwinberrow5508]

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

[@ponderanceofagravedigger2564]

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

[@peterchmielecki890]

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

[@philipandrew6241]

Fascinating video thank you. Very enlightening.

[@KitakuBonsai]

Super helpful right??

[@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!

[@markweaver3497]

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

[@FRanger92]

I'd like to see an update on the one you cut all the larger branches off. Did it survive that?

[@Bonsaify]

Not a bad idea. Yes, it is happily growing with new spring tips now.

[@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.

[@brianbirish]

Thank you. This makes so much sense, but I've been scared to cut off thicker branches and lose all the size even though I kinda felt it was the right thing to do for proportion replicating an old full grown tree

[@mostafahosseini2872]

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

[@thomastessier4529]

Very good info. Thank you.

[@armingivili]

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

[@denvermadison9052]

I’ve been told i have a natural eye for it im a sculpture artist and have been into bonsai for 4 years now…my rule of thumb for beginners (as if I’m not one) is to make the branches below longer then above as trees in nature have shorter branches the further up you go. think about it in triangles

[@KurisuBonsai]

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

[@WanderingBobAK]

I've watched many of your vids, this one caused me to subscribe. Just over 10 minutes of how and why was perfect! Would have been cool to maybe take that "Beginner" initial design and take it to the next level of mature design. Thank you. Perhaps in the future?

[@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! 👍👍

[@deepanjanbanerjee3491]

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

[@drjitters]

Good, quick, essential lesson. Thanks.

[@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!!

[@Virchov]

This video really opened my mind Thanks!

[@9daywonda]

Nice specimens especially the last 2 depicted.

[@vancelanger7749]

I needed to see this video so badly, I think this is the key I've been missing. I think I might pick up a new victim on my way home from work!

[@rtikcanna4204]

I just bought my 1 st bonsai tree tonight 😅 so pretty excited to learn the art of bonsai 🎉 but also scared lol 😅

[@cherylandrews3195]

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

[@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.

[@ryanf5894]

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

[@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.

[@oliveambros9887]

I did not like it…. I LOVED IT! Thank you for a very clear and detailed instructions… Well done and great for a beginner like me. All the best!

[@bjrockensock]

As i was driving to my class today i was observing the J. Virginiana, Eastern Red Cedar-a "weed" tree in the fence lines and fields. Up on the bluffs they have a totally different habit, for junipers are so variable and adaptable. The upright trees are climbers- branches to the ground and equally spaced in a big sphere. The lazy trees and the trees in the bluffs are twisted and cling to the rocks. They often group in groves and over all will show the drift of the prevailing wind.

[@KitakuBonsai]

Seeing those different patterns in nature can feel like a bit of an enlightenment right?

[@oliwestside5050]

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

[@jfarrell50]

Brilliant, and so well explained. Thank you!

[@KitakuBonsai]

Definitely really helpful!! 👍

[@mattbrennan647]

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

[@theoschmitt3037]

Deine Gestaltung dieser Bäume gefällt mir gut❤

[@SealthWA]

Great video with very helpful demonstrations showing not only what to do but also why. One thing that would improve the video for me would be to use a simple grey background. Your stock shelves, while interesting, mask the details your are trying to show.

[@Bonsaify]

Thanks for the feedback! Funny enough, the next video I made I did just that! Cheers.

[@Gabriel-dm1du]

I loved this approach. They look amazing

[@SivBratland]

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

[@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. 👍

[@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!

[@HoundStuff]

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

[@pela1100]

Me gustan mucho sus trabajos. Será posible subtitular en castellano? Muchas gracias. Salud.

[@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

[@simonjones686]

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

[@ricbethsbonsai638]

Congratulations great work I like your work

[@Bonsaify]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@sagebonsai]

Thank you Eric, this video was very helpful. I feel a bit more confident tackling my next project.

[@txturbo930]

I make these beginner mistakes. Thank you for this!

[@mikeyswallow2162]

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

[@minipinebonsai]

It's neat. Thank you for the education.❤

[@julidev1445]

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

[@jasonbollman]

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

[@TheBonsaiGarden]

Great video Eric.

[@MakeMoreBonsai]

Super valuable insights!

[@pdean_photography929]

Thank you for sharing. I wish I could find conifers with nice trunks and NEBARI Like these two specimens. your vid is very helpful. Thank you again for sharing.

[@conspiraterry7393]

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

[@DavidScheltema]

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

[@tonyzone8999]

You should explain where to cut. Where not to cut also the idea behind u stripping bark off some. I’m new to planting anything really

[@Bonsaicrazy]

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

[@Blaydrnnnr]

This was a good discussion. I found this video as I was looking for help with 2 Shimpaku I have that are "problem trees for me. I have 2 Shimpaku, that I got from someone throwing them away, about 8 years ago. They were both BADLY "pom-pom'd" and I've been letting them grow out for about 4 years now. They still have very dense, clusters of foliage that were the pom poms, but some back budding as well. The branches were long and spindly because the other person bared them when trying to create pads and wound up with "pom-poms". Through wiring, they were bent to "close" in the silhouette, but they are not really styled. I do have about 6 cutting from these doing fairly well, but I would love to try to find a way to begin a styling on these before my time is up. Thanks for this video.

[@vrindabandishte5166]

Very helpful video, l wish someone would guide on tropical trees too.

[@razasshahril751]

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

[@ShalomYal]

Do more vids like this!! (Don't fall into the Ryan trap and just bring us 500 year old RMJ that none of us will never own) Thanks soooooo much for this

[@KitakuBonsai]

I second that! Bonsai should be accessible to all levels.

[@apearson79]

I'm always just too scared to cut that much off 🤷🏻 which I need to get over 😂

[@chiendo8460]

Thanks for pointing those things out

[@debcampbell4076]

Your explanations of what your trying to do or make out of this material is excellent. I love the way you add a aged look to young stock, great job. I'm looking forward to your next video,thank you.