Nursery Stock Holiday Bonsai Creation

From a nursery stock tree to a stunning living holiday bonsai tree, Ryan Neil teaches an initial styling on a black hills spruce whose future was destined to be a unique bonsai.
After coming upon this spruce with a rare root-exposed base while looking for a Christmas tree, Ryan jumps into a raw styling to transform the aesthetic of the tree. Through the process of cleaning out the old-growth, selecting the best front taking into consideration branch placement and the nebari, we are able to look at the nursery stock with new eyes. With a creative pursuit in mind, Ryan begins to eliminate branches, split the trunk using a wire and raffia ribbing system, and laying out the branch pads to ensure sustainable growth for the future.
In the quest to find a holiday tree for his home, bonsai professional Ryan Neil can never resist a gem nursery stock find to transform and evolve in the coming years.
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[@JosephSAi2HT]

Lol, Ryan, “I like this ‘blue’ one here!” The amazingness of humble in a master of craft! Ryan you’re the best!

[@emiljonsson3600]

Please hold on to this tree for a while. As this is exactly how many of us beginner first start out with bonsai i think it would be a nice thing to follow along with this tree trough the seasons -to be able to watch you work on a tree that is in the same stage as ones own.

[@lancerogers9694]

For real right… He sells them too early haha

[@EllecastArow]

why is this so satisfying to watch

[@WanderingBobAK]

Nice to see an assistant working independently. Trust with the same vision. I hope he gets proper credit. Love your work!

[@bjornlennartson]

Would be interesting to see the tree now one year later, and maybe a anual revisit of it.

[@tonydavies8683]

I have been playing with trees and watching them grow for almost 35 years. living in the woods has given me a unique understanding and some insights into what can be used on some types of trees. that being collected saps, trees that are wounded or that weep or drip saps that will harden can be harvested and kept in labeled jar. just as long as you do not use the wrong one on the wrong tree.. Pine and Cedar are the two I deal with most and have found that by heating them, then slathering the big cuts that you make on a tree with the sap of the same type and then scorch---ish heat the sap up fast creating a glazed effect then let it cool, it will form a shell so new wood will form faster and completely over the surface it seals the air gap and provides water protection so it dose not rot or turn to dead wood.... it will act like a tree was hit by lightning and the fire pushed out the sap to seal the wound will only work well on fresh cuts and splits, to much time spent in open air or on a plant you split last year it will do nothing to but keep water from rotting it out...... not a bad thing to have happen also can be used to make a " fat wood" dead wood that will stay on the plant for years longer.

[@wildboystv3013]

Have you compared to using cut paste?

[@ryanfitzalan8634]

Bonsai profesh wandering through a nursery just eyeballing every thick hunka trunka lol

[@luispedrolobo09]

Keep In mind that you are inspiration all over the world. I'm Portuguese. I follow you since 2010...

[@Kwood10]

Ryan that was amazing when I saw it in the beginning I was like hmmm but at the end it looked like a Yamadori plucked off a mountain side .

[@dickgonzales8658]

Almost 2 hrs of video and I couldn't Stop watching the longer it went on the More I got glued to it and the end result Was so rewarding. So awesome to watch a Master Bonsai Professional at work , you are very gifted, thanks so much for sharing that amazing video. Big Fan Try to get to Mirai in 2021 From Sacramento Ca

[@WanderingBobAK]

I know, right??? It's 2 AM and I just noticed there's a Parte Dos. Here we go again!

[@sagebonsai]

I've started watching this clip when you posted it, but I had had to put this on pause. I got sick living in a ice box for our our winter dogs. Then I got the news of a lifetime that im finally able to get an actual house and get out of this tiny apartment. Today I was able to take a break from packing and finally finished watching this amazing clip. Thank you for sharing your experience with us.

[@michaelsinne1350]

I'm totally flashed every time I see what you do to such nursery material. Amazing and inspiring!

[@renuvaish645]

Sheer magic by Ryan! Worth every second of watching ! Thankyou for teaching such amazing techniques!

[@alanpowell7044]

You have expanded my horizon with this video. I collected a few Amidori from Montana this fall, shhhhh! Wanting to do some serious styling on them next winter. Thank you so much.

[@IrishMatt83]

This was awesome. I watched every second, thank you for sharing this info Ryan!

[@mapsri1341]

What a transformation. It gives a complete new dimension to Bonsai Design. Great!

[@edmilkovitz297]

Just started following, I think this is my second one to watch. Holy crap that is quite the transformation. Hopefully we will get to see this tree get updated in the future. Great work.

[@denvernow7294]

This is now my favorite video on bonsai. Your confidence in splitting and handling of this translates well across the video. It tells your story and showcases the experience that you've accumulated. I'm beside myself with this transformation. Good job, man.

[@j.ressler395]

This is exactly what I do. When I’m at any kind of nursery, I’m just shopping for trunks.

[@almac2598]

Thanks Ryan.

[@ColossalKoi]

Woow❤unbelievable!!! Dope!!!

[@mcbabs7495]

Très intéressant, merci pour la vidéo!

[@markcandasamy2878]

Simply amazing Niel

[@lionel293]

" joie de vivre" in Coronavirus Time is the right word! Magnificient work! Happy Christmas !!!

[@invertevision4757]

Best pro ever imo! Been a member of Mirai Live for over 2 years now and there is NOTHING better! Sad to see others stealing ideas too from Mirai haha. Keep rocking Mirai team and Ryan! Loved the moss stream tonight! Happy holidays

[@achmadasrori4696]

Need to see the development of this bonsai, it's very interesting to me.

[@DavesBonsai]

Inspiring! Love your work and am so appreciative of your continueded sharing of such in-depth knowledge for this craft.

[@69juamex]

Defiantly an excellent video. Love the outcome and would like to.see the finish product.

[@makeshiftmonk]

Thank you for the knowledge again brother!!! Looking forward to spring!!! So many ideas after watching you work!!! Stay safe friend!! :::=^)

[@cherylandrews3195]

your knowledge and imagination are incredible. Happy Holidays to you and yours!

[@nmhansen]

Christmas tree shopping when dad is a bonsai professional... 😂

[@PumpkinBecki]

Wow! What a cracker Ryan...and the tree 😉😁 It makes me very happy to hear to you say that you have moved away from using power tools in your work, I've never used them on my trees. I have watched lots of people use them, but the results just don't bring me joy. Merry Christmas Team Mirai and a very Happy New Year xx

[@waterlover]

wow, so glad I tuned in

[@GrimsleyAllyn21]

Amazing video!

[@jaxonsaledrab7035]

It looks amazing!!!

[@JoeVincenti]

Hi Ryan, trunk splitting have worked well with Ficus, Olives and Bougainville for me. In sub-tropic climates, trees suitable for these climates do well if in the early Spring. Joe

[@JoeVincenti]

P.S. Happy Christmas

[@Chris-oq6kn]

Best bonsai christmas gift! if i wanted anything it would be another detailed video. I saw this and was soo excited . Loved the last one cause it really explained alot of branch selection and this explained some more really great information. Im soo glad u did this video. Ur a true artist and teacher .i love all ur videos. Keep the passion alive and hope u and ur family have a merry xmas! Peace. Chris N.Y.C .

[@perseusserrano]

Happy Holidays!

[@Shinrin_koen-en]

Sad I missed it live but glad I got to watch this very informative video. This definitely pushes me to apply the splitting technique on an Alberta Spruce I have sitting around for 5 years now. Been brainstorming this idea for the past 2 years. The spruce and another were purchased as porch step Christmas decorations. One I am already training in a formal upright. I know boring huh Ryan lol. But this video gives me alot of information to use on the 2nd spruce. Merry Christmas Y'all from SC 😎

[@mynala110]

That was amazing! Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@mattmoore1311]

That tree looks so much like lots of spruce and hemlock in my area, that sprouted on a stump from a prior cutting. Some of these grew on stumps several feet tall, and some the original stump rotted away. I'm sure you're familiar with these trees. I'm sure you're a guy that catches himself drifting while driving down the highway, looking at some tree with unique features, instead of the road. :)

[@shropshireladoutdoors743]

Truly amazing what you can do

[@drawingfranco7533]

what makes it's done nicely , because ryan makes it, hahaha i tried to split trunks but,,, what i got then was a tree that got blown by a typhoon

[@tonycorleone3739]

Excellent channel you got one more subscriber, could be possible to see updates about this tree.

[@bonsaiartwork3378]

wow..amazing stock............

[@lorenamartinez7834]

Excelente trabajo...precioso!!!! muchas gracias por compartirlo🎅🌲💖🙏👍🙋‍♀️

[@JAMES-dv5ns]

Thanks for the upload awesome

[@hhelderbaptista6542]

Very Nice work...

[@enricocassero2948]

you are so good

[@bboyoutcast2430]

Thanks for the video you made my day 😊

[@kenmahannah7509]

Amazing!

[@eribachtiar7842]

23:06 25:14 31:43 41:52 54:57 57:11 1:00:44

[@eishaehad6339]

my favorite so far, ty :))). id like to see the roots work for this tree pleas

[@andrewsdrmike]

Taft is the man!

[@soberhippie]

Hi, I'm back with the same question: has this tree survived? How has it progressed over this year?

[@javierricaud9182]

Very cool

[@davidnjemoga1790]

How is the tree from last year doing ? Can you create a video on that one as an update ? I would really appreciate that and I think the others as well. On this one you again rock ! You Ryan and Walter Pall are for me the guru for bonsai in this century. Every video I enjoy and it's a relax for me to watch it. I've learned so much from you. Huge THANK's to you, your family and your whole team. Amazing work, really.

[@wildboystv3013]

He says in the video that he sold that tree

[@davidnjemoga1790]

@@wildboystv3013 Yes yes...but I meant more like some videos or basically how the tree is doing. But thanks for note.

[@wildboystv3013]

@@davidnjemoga1790 im not following mate. How can you make videos of the tree if he doesn't have it anymore.

[@angelduffell]

This video is 3 years old & I'm just now seeing it. As others have expressed, I'm very interested in seeing an update. When can we expect to see one? If it's already been posted, please share the link here. Tyvm!!

[@rubenscheer]

What a nice piece of art... Is it ok to do this work end of May, beginning of June?

[@PastTheDirtRoad]

Did Taft really say you can only pick 1 tree? Haha He must not know who his dad is. Really cool that you keep him involved man

[@minofatboy]

top top spettacolare..........

[@Cgraseck]

New Sub. Can we get an update on this tree? How did it do? Cheers, and Merry Christmas, Chris

[@dracokaiser]

Would love to see the blue rug juniper tree!!!!

[@Alex-ip1dn]

Ooooooh yeaaaaaaa

[@BonsaiFamily]

i number 3...watching...its good

[@HansKaramottoBonsai]

Very informative episode again Ryan! I always make sure to tell my English speaking students to watch your video's! 👏👌 I have one question that I hope you can answer for me/us?! Living in Holland I did not have much chance of working on spruces my self, but most of my foreign professional college do work with them a lot told me that when working on spruces with your bare hands you should always mist the foliage with water?! If not the smaller branches could die from the acidic oil on ower hands?! Is this trough or a myth?! Hope you can answer this question so that I can teach the right fact to my students?! Cheers from Holland and stay safe! Hans van Meer.

[@TemplarGrandMaster]

0:25 Charlie Brown Christmas Tree, but Ryan Neil saves Christmas and makes a Bonsai.

[@jameswalker3416]

I found a blue spruce with a similar root base. I found it by digging around the trunk of all the trees they had.

[@banjopete]

,Bet they loved that.

[@garlanddavidson6845]

You got up in their! lol Classic🤣

[@fabricdragon]

is there a photo of this tree later? to show the healing?

[@Bruno.Pacino]

Any update this year. Cool transformation for sure didnt see the split coming

[@rktile8966]

Zero to hero 👍🏻👍🏻

[@stevewhiteside9455]

Best ever stream

[@ianrobinson8718]

Hi will this stay in greenhouse all year now ???thanks love this clip.

[@soccervixx9991]

nice three perfect

[@robertrei7944]

What time exactly would be to do something "like this" to an older piece of material? you mention more in the active time of growing season. with junipers (here in Europe-germany) for example I would do splitting in lets say mid-end fall. is it different with this species, or you recommend completely different timing? just found your Chanel, really interesting, and some new ideas and approach to bonsai for me. regards Robert

[@brucedeacon28]

Nice 👍

[@eagle-db8kf]

Very very beautyful

[@johnpugh5867]

Loved the video in the UK we can’t get copper wire easy will aluminium do the same also how do you Anneal you copper wire

[@jon6288]

LOL, "it's totally objective which branches you cut right now, we're just taking out the weak branches, letting us see what we've got." 20 seconds later, dude cuts off the entire top of the tree.

[@modtheblackmarvel]

Yessssssss 💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾🌲🌲🌲🌲

[@argonbonsaichanel1312]

kerenn🙏🙏

[@audryscraftingchannel3597]

Update on this little tree please 🎄

[@stuartrogers2118]

bill valavanis has a video branch splitting a full moon maple, not the same as trunk splitting but similar i suppose

[@bertilbechhviid3768]

please show us the progress of this project

[@tgward313]

yeah but how much?

[@skippserrano6771]

How does one know where to stop splitting?

[@jimbojones5560]

What is about planting this tree out of the container directly in to the ground next spring, just for one or two seasons, I think it will increase the survival rate drastically?

[@mephitis4343]

Any chance we can see an update?

[@memyself1670]

I am curious as what we do with the tangled root ball that comes with nursery stock material?

[@htcinfinity]

Detangle it with a chopstick or something similar, then trim.

[@soberhippie]

How old is this stream? Has there been any progress on this tree, if it's not this year's stream?

[@invertevision4757]

This was made last tuesday on the 13th I believe.

[@soberhippie]

@@invertevision4757 Are there any updates on this tree yet? It would be fascinating to know

[@Oterlia]

Is this tree still alive, and how does it look today?

[@stanhill3980]

Do you teach classes in Portland Oregon?

[@alexanderwebb3424]

I've seen a deciduous tree get totally split in half and both trees survived

[@brandonloubier3959]

How.do we accomplish a split trunk on a conifer without Raffia?

[@dracokaiser]

Is it advisable to use electrical wire tape on top of the raffia? I’ve noticed some bonsai artists using that in bonsai today magazines

[@ckennedy309]

this video....just sold you two shirts.

[@johnpugh5867]

Hi Ryan I have a Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Boulevard' how do I get it o back bud please John Uk

[@mmjnice97]

Update please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Should be about time to remove the bandages.. DID BOTH HALFS LIVE????😱

[@ErikPukinskis]

"That's not to pooh-pooh the technique, but it definitely is to share my very strong feelings that I think it's silly."