Making a Christmas Tree Bonsai

The sight and smell of the Norway Spruce will be familiar to many, being one of the more popular Christmas trees around the world. Spruce often grow with perfectly straight trunks, making them good subjects for formal upright bonsai. Watch as I try to create such a tree, one that is representative of its mature counterpart in the wild, while also maintaining visual interest in its miniature form. I use the knowledge of Spruce's tendency to grow new apices from branches to design and create this bonsai, styled and filmed over the course of two years.
I’m truly grateful for the response to the videos I’ve uploaded so far, and I’m working as fast as I can to keep producing them. Thank you for the patience and support. I am of course limited by nature and the seasons (and a bit of perfectionism too) but rest assured there are plenty more on the way. If you'd like to help out please consider supporting my Patreon:
/ bonsaireleaf
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[@BonsaiReleaf]

Thank you for all the kind comments. If you’d like to support the channel and enable me to keep creating videos like this, please consider joining my Patreon - www.patreon.com/bonsaireleaf. I’ll be sharing some of what goes into creating these videos, bonsai tips and tricks, and lots more!

[@erwinsoria]

I hope you released new video man

[@antosujarwo5015]

Dah lama g posting?

[@danieldalton8125]

The most anticipated bonsai content on social media and never disappoints!

[@GenuinelyCurious120]

Last one was kinda disappointing 😕

[@seandoyle6688]

@@GenuinelyCurious120Clearly this is what your parents said after you were born

[@shaneallen3502]

Totally agree, I've been waiting for another video for a while

[@jaskaran-ll3xk]

So true

[@bingus454]

@@seandoyle6688oohhhhh

[@isaacjaydensenior]

When Bonsai Releaf drops a video is like Christmas all over again

[@carolinalandfriedpaisajist2025]

BEAUTIFULL

[@TheSunnyTrails]

Seems like that’s when he bloody uploads.

[@dreamofwings]

I have so much respect for how you manage to keep track of your footage for these projects over the course of several years 😱 gorgeous as always!

[@Tore1972Wisdom]

I totally agree.

[@BonsaiReleaf]

Many, many 4TB external hard drives 😅

[@tranthaibao13010]

Hi Bonsai Releaf, may i ask the name of cutting tool shears you use. Where i can buy it? At 11:16 for example

[@danielkosta3134]

@@tranthaibao13010 That is called a concave cutter. They are available from any source that sells bonsai tools. His is carbon steel. There is also stainless steel but more pricey.

[@Bonsaifly]

When Bonsai Releaf drops a video I just stop what I am doing and do some watching instead

[@izzakertv82]

Haha, me too ^^

[@rogersfc]

As everyone should

[@themichaellerner]

Agreed!

[@justinyee5544]

Even the snipping sounds of the branches are in time with the music! Always blown away by your video production quality, truly top-notch!

[@KitakuBonsai]

I agree!!

[@andersoned5878]

I don't know what impresses me more, the work and art of the bonsai, or the editing. Congratulations, great video.

[@BonsaiReleaf]

Thanks Ed

[@MarioLopez-jd1rc]

@@BonsaiReleaf Felicitaciones desde Jujuy Argentina. Que especie es? Me confunde, tengo un cedrus Atlántica parecido. O es cedrus Deodara? Felicitaciones desde Jujuy Argentina. Que especie es? Me confunde, tengo un cedrus Atlántica parecido. O es cedrus Deodara?

[@kokosnusskaka]

The snow falling on the Bonsai tree was amongst the best shots in all crafting/DIY videos I've ever seen on youtube. As always I am impressed once again by your work!

[@KitakuBonsai]

Very well done, right?

[@njzynj]

Best Bonsai content on KZbin! And your production value is off the charts!

[@BonsaiReleaf]

Thanks Jen!

[@sshuggi]

I love these types of bonsai where the original, strong growth shows that something catastrophic happened, but a new branch emerges with the same vigor as the old. It's like the hero's journey but with trees.

[@BonsaiReleaf]

It's amazing how much that top branch thickened once the tree accepted it as its new trunk

[@danielkosta3134]

@@BonsaiReleaf the plant hormones take over and the growth takes off.

[@KonradKvanli]

You create true art in not only bonsai but in filmmaking too. This is far beyond all other bonsai videos. Thank you.

[@BonsaiReleaf]

Thank you!

[@the_junk]

Agree

[@Matt6644]

The opening shot of the finished tree, with the snow falling on it and the music, reminded me of a scene from Edward Scissorhands. Awesome tree and thanks for the effort you put into these videos. Happy new year!

[@BonsaiReleaf]

Is that the scene where he's creating the ice sculpture? 😄

[@bellabellabelladonna]

“Posted 2 seconds ago” and I have never clicked anything that fast.

[@zsandmann]

YES!!! I knew the music and mood were reminding me of something and i couldn't put my finger on it.

[@Matt6644]

@@BonsaiReleaf That's the one.

[@brainrussell6811]

Amazing skill and artist-tree... it's very calming just looking at the "finished" living sculpture.

[@BonsaiReleaf]

I might have to steal this pun 🤭

[@terrystrait1443]

As always your artistry in both bonsai and film production are amazing. Thank you for sharing.

[@BonsaiReleaf]

Thanks Terry

[@sunscar7532]

I fall in love with this guy every time he drops a video 😤😆

[@dominicweber]

2 years to make this one video!! my delight knows no bounds

[@Emily-fh8en]

These videos always make me so emotional for some reason

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Very well done!!

[@BonsaiReleaf]

Thanks Nigel! I particularly enjoyed your scots pine restyle(s) the other day 👍

[@jacksonwalker6898]

It looks great and also looks like a tree from the grinch. I love it!

[@petesampson1454]

Amazing transformation 🔥

[@CJAYTODD]

Thank you for making a good day even better!

[@hectormendez6391]

What a great way of starting my day

[@yongyea4147]

Just thinking it's about time for another bonsai relief upload

[@yongyea4147]

Thanks for you

[@ertgb_]

These are some of the best videos I have ever seen, not even just on KZbin!

[@judlpd]

I find the time lapse footage of manipulating the wired branches so useful! It offers a good ‘feeling’ of the artistic.

[@TonysBonsai]

Which is better - the production or the bonsai? I can't decide because they are both so good. Also that stop motion is brilliantly done. I would say this is your best video yet.

[@BonsaiReleaf]

Thanks Tony. I enjoyed your greenwood-inspired spruce video too!

[@TonysBonsai]

Thankyou. That's great to hear, and like everyone else, I look forward to all your videos.

[@EiseienBonsai]

Great video as always!

[@BonsaiReleaf]

Thanks Bjorn. Just watched your Japan video - definitely making me want to visit!

[@shocksZN]

Avengers, assemble!

[@Oscar-ns9wg]

i love how you explain every step of your work

[@yongyea4147]

Bravo!!!!! Best KZbinr ever!!!! Thank you!!!!

[@yongyea4147]

Thank you

[@nacho7872]

Nice video 👍. Thanks always for the high quality

[@donhectorsalamanca]

You are so peaceful and nice and comforting. The perfect man with the perfect hobby. Thank you 💜

[@KitakuBonsai]

High compliments indeed!

[@boonjabby]

The vision to draw the tree and how it looks so similar 1.5 years later is uncanny, talented, remarkable and incredible foresight. I appreciate your story telling through your videos. I'm envious of your talents and patience.

[@BonsaiReleaf]

Thanks Jim, appreciate the kind words!

[@stevieboy826]

Just when you think the bar cannot get raised any higher.............it does just that. Absolutely mind blowing!

[@SamJansson]

Stunning. I love that the spiralling flow of the branches make them feel like a separate entity to the straight, rigid trunk. Like some kind of creature climbing up it.

[@BonsaiReleaf]

Thanks Sam, I have to admit that wasn't intentional but I liked it too. something I'll try to develop further as it grows!

[@quangphamhong9919]

I feel really happy watching your videos. Thank you very much, best regards. Looking forward to the next videos

[@weiliming100]

It's ART and it takes a lot of dedication and patience👍👍

[@allanchurm]

have been makeing shaping bonsai for nearly 50 years ..love to watch this channel a subscriber..thank you for such lovely way to present what you do

[@manusman3758]

Superb, the tree of course and the love you put in making the video. Thank you very much 👏👏👏👏👏

[@KitakuBonsai]

I second that!!

[@Rexxis-Arcturus]

My jaw dropped when I saw that you waited to produce the vid with growth from prior seasons. Amazing patience, skill, and video production quality. Keep it up.

[@goruka-en7928]

With such love and care you design a bonsai and made videos is really inspiring.

[@mwtraining4310]

Your best video! Making a not so beautiful tree to look amazing and a lot older than it is. This one blow my mind! 🔥 🌲

[@yoteslaya7296]

Its all about correct scale

[@M_kanpur]

The pristine stop motion is always the highlight of the video for me. So satisfying to watch

[@nuri-garden]

It's the most elegant bonsai video.

[@SeekerKC]

Nostalgia bomb! 💥 It's as if a tree from "The Grinch" was made real! Absolutely gorgeous, & so very, very cool! 🎄

[@oliverpage1012]

This guy doesnt miss.

[@BustsQuick]

Honestly. Just imagine how many future videos he's working on that we haven't seen. I love these videos. Pure relaxation.

[@TheBonsaiGarden]

Always beautifully done. Superb editing. The artistry on display here is just sublime.👌

[@BonsaiReleaf]

Thanks Jason 👍

[@TheBonsaiGarden]

@@BonsaiReleaf you are welcome.

[@gerryvestering8383]

Flawless technique, excellent editing. Thanks for sharing.

[@johndaniel21343]

What an artist that's incredible! Best Bonsai video I ever saw in my life

[@BonsaiReleaf]

Thanks John, glad you enjoyed it

[@tomrohan8480]

Bruv I shud say u are a talented artist both on shaping a tree in to bonsai and on paper.. awesome talent

[@bartstellink307]

I really like the timelapse parts in your editing! Nice and clear videos.

[@skrounst]

The prune clips on beat with the music, even with a long take ( 3:52 ) is maybe the most painstaking editing I've ever seen. Really underrated. Every time I see a new video of yours released, I stop what I'm doing and watch. It's a sight to behold.

[@Aureora]

This is Art, the video, music, shots, editing, work. All of it. This is masterclass in every possible way.

[@boratitanius9923]

The music, the editing, the craftmanship, the time it took it make this, the pure joy. Just wow..! I dont think there is another channel videoupdate I click so fast on as this. And cool that its a norwegian tree ;)

[@corpson5417]

The snow falling on the tree is so magical... Sorta reminds me of a miniature piece of Narnia

[@kaveeshadeneth8734]

My favorite bonsai artist ❤🥰

[@KitakuBonsai]

Very good indeed!

[@himalayanwanderer6096]

You should be proud of yourself that you are a magician. I watched your videos many times from beginning to end but it was never possible to touch your thoughts.

[@dolefomi]

I absolutely love your videos. They always come unexpected but always brings me peace in my everyday life. Keep up the good work!

[@BonsaiReleaf]

That's nice to hear! Thank you

[@huntervanasten1406]

the man simply DOES. NOT. MISS. Best bonsai content out there

[@clancyf4046]

Yay new bonsai relief video

[@danbanham728]

2023 is already better just by watching this video, your content always amazes me just how professional it is, and what can I say about the tree..... just amazing.

[@colinadams3466]

Beautiful work, as always. Thank you.

[@BonsaiReleaf]

Thanks Colin

[@mynala110]

Beautiful and amazing tree and video

[@billz.3444]

Love it! Great how it spans over years and not just a 30 min one time prune job. Looking forward to more videos.

[@BonsaiReleaf]

Thanks Bill, hopefully lots more coming

[@Theoldindie]

One of THE absolute BEST video ive ever seen on bonsai! Clear, Precise, méditative and with no confusion!! Please keep it up!

[@mikeswain1945]

Another long awaited video and, as usual, you never fail to impress. Brilliant video, brilliant work.

[@BonsaiReleaf]

Thanks Mike

[@RichyDYupYup]

Tenkai master strikes again!

[@zanadoo1979]

Thank you for your videos. The trees are amazing and so is the production.

[@Kayla-ks1ss]

I so look forward to every 6 months for these videos!!! They are always worth it!

[@BonsaiReleaf]

Thanks Kayla. A little bit longer this time, but will try to make up for it with the next one!

[@timbuck2223]

This is definitely the most beautiful bonsai I have seen. I love your videos, keep it up!

[@BonsaiReleaf]

Thank you!

[@Clearly69]

Every video is like a magical experience.

[@claudioestrada1671]

The editing alone and time behind the footage is jawdropping. Needless to say the bonsai design itself. This guy can really create beautifull trees and great videos but surely there is a great amount of work behind every shot. Fantastic work, allways a joy to watch!

[@heikolaub5442]

Ein mega Kompliment an Dich perfekten Bonsai Künstler und Du bist DER MEISTER für Mich ... Weltklasse und einzigartig in der Ausführung im Detail !!!! Dankeschön für das tolle Video für Uns Alle...

[@cybermaxs]

Your videos are pure bliss.. Those are work of fine art together with the bonsai specimen you design.

[@morrypysarchik3195]

The best bonsai videos on the internet. You artistry is amazing.

[@albertocatania6165]

really amazing. I love you way of create bonsai...it is pure art...amazing

[@KitakuBonsai]

I think so too. Awesome stuff!

[@hoser9463]

i am an older noob half japanese bonsai enthusiast from north alabama, the skill and creativity is simply amazing sir, thank you. i also love the subtle humor..

[@robertobreglia9224]

Very compliments for this great job! You have a great talent and technique!👏👏👏👏🔥

[@BonsaiReleaf]

Thanks Roberto

[@andywillis3723]

Amazing! Gorgeous cinematography of bonsai art. Thank you for all the details and captions of the techniques. Even the artist trimmed his hair and transformed in handsomeness from the beginning and the ending.

[@BonsaiReleaf]

Haha. In reality the trees are working on me...

[@TheRickestRick33]

Always mesmerized by your videos! Thank you 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@thomasmorris8599]

By far the best bonsia content there is on KZbin, I've watched everyone of your videos a over and over. Please please please! Keep the content coming. Fantastic work and thank you for sharing your beautiful art work with us all.

[@BonsaiReleaf]

Thanks for the encouragement Thomas, hopefully lots more coming 👍

[@the-secrettutorials]

Most underrated channel

[@SaswataNandiVlogs]

Always likes your bonsai work, just great❤❤❤

[@joannaspivey566]

I love how you take a living thing that perhaps no one would want and create such beauty with it.

[@bobsiegefreud2797]

You know its a good day when Bonsai Releaf brings out a video :)

[@KitakuBonsai]

😍😍😍

[@МарияСалина-б5х]

Понятно, что такие шедевры не могут выходить часто, но как же хочется вновь увидеть такое чудо! Браво!

[@BonsaiReleaf]

Thank you 😅

[@mephitis4343]

Simply the best bonsai content out there. Well done.

[@BonsaiWeekend]

Finnaly, been waiting for your video, thank you so much

[@xplosionrule]

I was so happy to see that you posted this! Nothing like a long day of work to come home and watch this masterpiece

[@colwich]

I don’t know why, but your videos always give me goosebumps.

[@KarIiah]

Always a treat to watch and so much to learn! Thanks for all your content!

[@monkeking8604]

Always liking your video before I even watch it, cause it is guaranteed that every of your videos would be great

[@Scar_does_stuff]

As always, watching you create these masterpieces was a very rewarding experience. What you create, your editing, and your music choices blend together perfectly. May this new year be filled with blessings for you and your family my friend.

[@BonsaiReleaf]

Thank you for the kind words 🙏 And for you and yours!

[@denhardy7238]

Respect man as always

[@alexandra9208]

Great work and great filming as usual.

[@nicklhuang]

Especially given the prevalence of short form content and immediate gratification these days, your dedication to an inherently long term craft and the sheer thoughtfulness that goes into it is so inspiring. Excellent. Thank you

[@ugo5222]

As always, a masterpiece !

[@Misha..K]

Thank you for showing us this beautiful process 💜 It's like the tree was sleeping in a sad dream and you helped him to wake up and be proud again.

[@BonsaiReleaf]

I like that!

[@technicalscience]

I just started doing the same to a Christmas tree, yours looked better from the start, I don't think my tree is the best specimen to use but I'm gonna give it a try anyway - this video has definitely added some inspiration. Your videos and trees are simply amazing, you're an artist.

[@BonsaiReleaf]

Glad it helped. I plan to do a video one day with the type of tree you can buy from Sainsbury's just before xmas - that will be much more of a challenge I think!

[@Mycro_Office]

Very impressive video editing. It is as breathtaking as the bonsai technique

[@dominika_mishka_klimczak]

I have yet to encounter such well-crafted films. I am delighted with the editing, framing and attention to detail. This is already a higher level. Besides, your videos allow me to relax and immerse myself in the beauty of the bonsai world like nothing else. Something extraordinary! You create natural works of true art.

[@BonsaiReleaf]

Thanks Dominika, this was an especially heart-warming message. I appreciate you taking the time to comment 🙏