A Wild Tree (Yamadori) Becomes a Bonsai

Collected trees (yamadori in Japanese) often possess qualities that are almost impossible to recreate by hand. This is usually due to the harsh conditions they have endured over long periods of time.
In this video I create a bonsai from a 70+ year old collected Sabina Juniper, doing my best to enhance the natural characteristics of the tree without losing the wild magic within.
If you'd like to help my channel out please consider supporting my Patreon:
/ bonsaireleaf
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.
Instagram: / bonsaireleaf
Facebook: / bonsaireleaf
Bonsai Releaf Merchandise: my-store-c09b3d.creator-sprin...
The music in my videos comes exclusively from Epidemic Sound. For a free trial or subscription please consider using this link:
www.epidemicsound.com/referra...

[@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!

[@qfourteenn]

i love all your videos i forget you exist then u post and i enjoy every second LOL

[@EduardBonfillUrbano]

Thank you brother, this is ART, beautiful art, did you edit the video? the editing is masterful!

[@tex24]

Dude... I'm not sure what's more impressive... your bonsai work or you videography/post production work. Another stellar video!!!

[@PaddyMcQueen]

Both for sure

[@michaelshepherd5251]

The patience is incredible. The videography probably took longer than working on the tree.

[@yusefsvacina9389]

I know! I’m a film editor and bonsai lover and it’s like Christmas when he releases a new video!

[@leolldankology]

​@@yusefsvacina9389 I'm just someone who smokes to much weed and watches youtube.

[@Chercher4848]

Omg so funny! I just discovered this channel & was mesmerized by both his talents. Beautiful!

[@emilydevries8620]

You know it’s a good day when bonsai relief posts

[@asdfghjsdfgg1841]

you could say it's a relief. i'll let myself out

[@tylertieman546]

@@asdfghjsdfgg1841 stay wya bro that had me dying lmfaoo

[@John-pe3tb]

Fr

[@sunscar7532]

Kekw that was funny

[@Oz-gv5fz]

Nice

[@paris4342]

I Love the parts when he gets invisible for giving us a better look on the bending

[@BonsaiReleaf]

I’ll try to figure out a way to make myself invisible throughout 😉

[@blackhatvisions]

That's the best, it looks awesome

[@shmooglevitz7281]

This is something i've never seen before in a bonsai video! It gives the clearest demonstration of wiring & its direction. Makes it hard to watch any other tutorial now! You set the bar!

[@MrSitallewal83]

Greensuit​@@BonsaiReleaf

[@mariuszkupczyk2137]

it's amazing😯💪👍

[@ShadowDoc]

I don't know which is better. . . His Bonsai skills or his video/audio editing skills. Truly exceptional!

[@sophovot5079]

video skills for sure. I mean the tree already looked amazing when he started out

[@chrisbeeken]

Heck, I'll wait a year for this kind of content.

[@rosehawke2577]

I'm subscribed to about 50 channels, this is one of maybe half a dozen that I'll go looking for as soon as I notice there's a new video been posted.

[@rubydaniels4882]

Saaaaaame! It's sooo good.

[@Emily-ye1rj]

Definitely

[@Tanam3.]

Maybe it will take longer,...

[@Bonsaifly]

Sick tree. It’s been too long since your last video!!! Edit: You have outdone yourself. I didn’t think that stop motion effect could have been improved, this time it looked as if the tree was actually moving by itself. Outstanding videography!!

[@ValleysOfRain]

The quality of the videos is a function of the time between them. The bonsai + the editing take up a lot of time.

[@BonsaiReleaf]

Thanks @Bonsaifly. I couldn't help but question some of my life choices on day 3 of the time lapse, but it sounds like this one at least was worth it!

[@baverfjant]

The stop motion was incredible. Gave me some intense nostalgia vibes to old stop motion cartoons I watched as a kid too.

[@Bonsaifly]

@@BonsaiReleaf no wrong life choices made, it was all worth it!

[@rubydaniels4882]

@@BonsaiReleaf it was soooo worth it!

[@bonsai5753]

When you go invisible and start folding the branches....that is legit the best. I know it takes forever to edit something like that

[@andrewspar436]

This stop motion style of documentary is absolutely outstanding and unique in the bonsai video genre. Just awesome, like the trees and what you make of them.

[@cristiancosneanu]

i was just about to say the same. :)

[@danieldalton8125]

This guy is to bonsai what my mechanics is to restoration, just insane. You'd think he'd apprenticed in Japan for 10 years whist taking a filming and editing masters.

[@caloster7664]

Perfect analogy right there

[@kaatonn7786]

Agree👍

[@xtsulunarphere3889]

Chinese penzai

[@timvincent5349]

Just what I thought

[@xtsulunarphere3889]

LIke other culture, this is not Japan art

[@nonculus]

I like that this guy came out of nowhere and just dropped awesome bonsai videos with no ending in sight

[@jupatj24]

For fellow bonsai practicioners, sometimes it happens that you see a tree that makes you understand bonsai a little deeper, finely and intuitively. This cycle never stops. This is one such a tree for me, thanks a lot for sharing.

[@11219tt]

I can only imagine how many he's worked on and didn't film to get to this point. So much fun to watch!!

[@Serentropic]

I don't know any videos that really demonstrate the entire spirit of bonsai quite like yours. You clearly articulate your artistic vision, explain your use of sustainable technical skills to manifest it, and brilliantly film the whole process for a video that's beautiful from start to finish. Yours are the videos I show to people when I want to explain what bonsai is.

[@BonsaiReleaf]

Thanks for the kind words. Part of the inspiration for this channel came from trying to explain the spirit of bonsai to people and the realisation that no one had any idea what I was talking about 🤣

[@Serentropic]

@@BonsaiReleaf It's difficult! The thing you're aspiring from is often so removed from the place you start, and the results of your actions so delayed from when you take them, that it feels impossible to "show somebody bonsai." You do a great job showing the journey in a short enough time for somebody to grasp the big picture without skipping important steps. And just as importantly I think you make the whole process look as gratifying as it feels!

[@denvernow7294]

What are sustainable technical skills..?

[@Serentropic]

@@denvernow7294 I basically meant skills that make the tree look better now but also set it up for success in the future. Things like pruning at the right time of year and at the right place to avoid dieback, setting the branches so the foliage will get sunlight, that sort of stuff.

[@tomato3972]

Even before you styled the tree, it looked beautiful in its natural state! But gosh, seeing the before and after.... it's like day and night. Two beautiful trees: one natural, one designed.

[@stephprnb5325]

This video blew my mind! Not only is the quality of work on the yamadori especially good but also the video editing, the synchronisation with the music with the cutting of branches and the timelaps of the binding process...this literally made my day! Thank you!

[@BonsaiReleaf]

Thanks Steph, this was nice to read 👍🏼

[@denimlab3871]

Wow!..very impressive!..😮

[@julesk3816]

gotta drop a comment and say how much i love the stop-motion portions showing the repositioning of the branches. if there were just a before and after, it would feel too obscure to understand how the end result was achieved. seeing the process of first repositioning the larger branches, then the smaller ones, and then trimming the excess growth, bit by bit, it gives more insight into your thought process and makes me feel like make i too can make a bonsai one day! 💜

[@gulligus]

This channel is the definition of quality over quantity

[@themargrave]

All too rare, and more impressive because of.

[@virolfestrellado9425]

I'm not sure if he's mastering bonsai or filming ? Coz he's both in there 😃

[@nurcholish9215]

Mantap

[@iriditium197]

Its sad that his view count has been declining per video.

[@danbanham728]

Flippin heck... I'm speechless... where do I begin... your skill as a bonsai artist is off the chart, your vision to see the bonsai from within the raw material.. the horticultural skill... then the lighting, photography, stop motion photography, videography, editing, music... just blown away by it all and I've been keeping bonsai for over 30 years, you have a skill that's rare. Very very very impressive.

[@BonsaiReleaf]

Thanks Dan. This was nice to read, especially coming from a bonsai aficionado.

[@WibawaTanamBonsaiTV]

Yes, I agree with you, Bravo BonsaiMan in the World 👍

[@denvernow7294]

Came to the comments to say what this guy just said.

[@Eleriath]

I'm speechless, I don't know what to say, I mean, I don't know if I want to praise the bonsai, the tree, the video, your vision, the editing, I almost even cry when your son put the last piece. Damn, absolutely fantastic, all of it. I want more!

[@jackattack-ex4od]

the way you bring youth culture into the art of bonsai is honestly amazing. being an owner of 4 bonsais myself I love turning to your videos for ideas and techniques I can implement on my own.

[@BonsaiReleaf]

Thanks Jack, glad to hear it

[@kenhunnicutt8536]

You don't post many videos, but when you do, both the bonsai and the videos are works of art. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. It's apparent that you are a good parent as well.

[@BonsaiReleaf]

Thanks for watching and commenting. I can't take any credit for my nephew though!

[@josefranciscolonasanchez5360]

Buenas noches. Una pregunta, el aceite de camelia puede ser sustituido por otro aceite? Cómo podría ser?

[@JDsVarietyChannel]

The choreography with the music is phenomenal! This is my favorite of your projects so far. The contrast in colors is beautiful!

[@BonsaiReleaf]

Glad to hear it!

[@phoenixelysia]

On top of the very traditional styling, the final product gives the pure vibes of a dragon. From the broken dead wood having horns of it's own to the twisting of the bark. And to no tree more fitting than a 70+ yr old wild juniper, having survived strife and hardship to now retire in luxury.

[@1milomir]

The bosai work is master class, but what is more impresive is the dedication and cinematography this guy puts while working on the trees, just pure relaxation. Keep up the good work, looking forward for more content from you, its satisfying and inspirational!

[@Tom1k9]

the level of production and effort you put into these videos truely does not go unappreciated. Not only a master craftsman when it comes to bonsai, but also videography and editing. Stellar work

[@BonsaiReleaf]

Thank you Tom

[@BottlefFlop]

They take a while to come out, but it's 100% worth it!

[@BJT14]

Hello again everyone!! Awesome video again! I absolutely love these video's! The editing is also top notch! Especially with the music! We now stream these videos on the big screen and take a our time to peacefully watch the video! See you all in a couple of months for the next masterpiece!

[@arpithprashanth3863]

I usually never comment on KZbin videos but this really needed all the recognition it deserves, your work has been a treat to my eyes and to my soul. I can feel your passion in your craft. Quality over Quantity any day my friend!

[@Carlosalbertomelo-yk8cc]

Gostou,também?

[@KurisuBonsai]

Holy moly the branches moving by themselves, stunning effect and massively helpful. Banger of a tree too. Wow!

[@jballenger9240]

Great stop motion.

[@BonsaiReleaf]

Thanks Chris, good to know!

[@woocashwombat3897]

Bonsai is a hobby for the patient. Stop motion bonsai styling is just next level. Video is well worth the wait. Beautiful tree ❤

[@BonsaiReleaf]

If not already patient, patience soon come... (channeling my inner Miyagi)

[@ferhannyo5824]

This is absolutely the most stunning Bonsai I have seen. Love the contrast of deadwoods.

[@colejamesco]

Literally wait months in anticipation for a new video and you never disappoint. These are incredible! Thank you for inspiring through your craft.

[@Greg-ceramics]

I don't know which took longer, the work on the tree, or the video editing work. Superb work once again, it's always so pleasant to watch.

[@BonsaiReleaf]

Thanks Greg - definitely the editing in this case!

[@ertgb_]

@@BonsaiReleaf It really shows! I have never seen better editing. It's like you were an apprentice in Japan while getting a masters in film.

[@SubjectiveFunny]

Your editing skills are one of a kind. You are a gift to the bonsai community on KZbin. Excellent work on the tree, it is stunning.

[@BonsaiReleaf]

Thank you.

[@AndrewPonti]

Yet another masterpiece. Honestly 12 perfect minutes of real Zen for the end of my day. My breathing is actually slower! I absolutely loved the contrast between the live vein and the deadwood.... it's stunning how they twist around each other all the way up to the top where the growth is perfectly styled. Amazing.

[@benwilde365]

I hardly ever bother commenting on videos, but this is effing great. As a motion/video editor myself, I can see the effort that has been put in here. Bravo mate.

[@29lookingood]

It's been a while, but so worth the wait. The music, lighting, composition and editing are all spot on. And of course your artistic and balanced attitude towards the tree, is a thing of beauty, 11/10. 💙

[@BonsaiReleaf]

Thank you

[@tulkadevilson3565]

This is next level, so relaxing, you make the best bonsai videos out there... truly wish more people would see the beauty in that, then you'd become famous and more people would see the appeal to share with such talent their bonsai transformations, and internet would become 50% cats and 50% bonsais, heaven... You set the bar pretty high tho...

[@Skinflaps_Meatslapper]

You could leave the cats part out entirely.

[@TheBonsaiGarden]

@@Skinflaps_Meatslapper no it should definitely be there.

[@Skinflaps_Meatslapper]

@@TheBonsaiGarden How about 15% cats and 35% birbs? I'm willing to compromise, but that's my best offer.

[@tulkadevilson3565]

Man, if we are going there, what about otters then?

[@Skinflaps_Meatslapper]

​@@tulkadevilson3565 Otters are horrid little psychopaths.

[@gerryvalle1841]

Simply one of the best bonsai videos I’ve ever seen - beautiful, instructional, and inspiring.

[@boon7564]

The stop motion! Best bonsai vid ever!

[@dotty7789]

Bonsai Relief and Internet Historian are the two channels that I think do the best job of delivering quality over quantity. They don't post very often but I'm more than happy to replay their videos while I wait for the next to come. I also love the clips of your son! He is super adorable!

[@BonsaiReleaf]

Hadn't heard of Internet Historian but just checked it out. I'm in good company!

[@dotty7789]

​@@BonsaiReleaf Yay! Thank you for replying to my comment! Your channel is awesome and I can't wait to see more. I love that you actually explain the why behind everything you do for these beautiful trees. Internet Historian's stuff has a hilarious way of combining memes and huge events of the past. His content isn't for everyone but it's well made. I do like his second channel, Incognito Mode, as well. It introduces other youtubers to join him and discuss various topics like food, fashion, and architecture. It's almost like a podcast but with a bunch of editing

[@BonsaiReleaf]

@@dotty7789 Thanks for the feedback, I genuinely find it very helpful to know the things that people appreciate. At the risk of losing my Tuesday night, I'll have to check out the other channel too now!

[@sunscar7532]

Ive been re-watching the other videos waiting for a new one! This one is so beautiful, juniper is used alot in bonsai and often training guides and books will use it as an example but the way he made this one shine is like something ive never seen. Even with a very traditional styling it felt like a fresh breath ✨️.

[@BonsaiReleaf]

Thanks for the kind words and feedback. I think junipers are used a lot for their ability to be quickly transformed (which is why 3 of my videos so far are of junipers!) but as time goes on I hope to change it up a bit more

[@angelotripkos7567]

Again idk what to applaud first, your video production work or your actual bonsai work! You are an amazing person, thank you for all that you do and share with us.

[@dyrocoroots]

Legit the best bonsai video I’ve ever seen. The stop action was incredible. You’re the man

[@constanzetausch122]

You are not only a Bonsai, but also a video artist - not to mention your drawing skills. Thank you for sharing your skills with us! A MUST SEE for every bonsai enthusiast.

[@BonsaiReleaf]

Thanks for watching!

[@watsup6084]

What a magnificent yamadori! The bending timelapse is the best i've ever seen. Out of this world professional styling. Videography is sick! And like you said, your nephew made an appearance again :)

[@antonisanagnostopoulos4809]

Awesome!! Love this tutorial and style of teaching! Thank you for sharing!! You child is awesome!! I wish my boys followed me on my adventures with this new hobby and make it their own someday.

[@BonsaiReleaf]

Thanks. My nephew humours me more than anything 😂

[@user-jk8pg9el5y]

This is a high art of your work, it's really a pity that a tree has to endure so much to become your puppet, thank you for the pleasure of magic!

[@yoteslaya7296]

Trees endure just as much in nature if not more

[@BlueSkyBonsai]

always love your videos. Fantastic!

[@Corndog4382]

You really can’t be upset about the upload frequency when the production is this insanely high. Those stop motion shots were incredible. Beautiful transformation

[@WanderingBobAK]

Incredible transformation and wonderful editing as always. Love to see your helper getting in there as well. 🤗

[@profaquila]

OMG, I can't even realize how much work is in this video. The branch positioning part is extremely good.... and the patience and knowledge how you do your work. Hats off to you!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

A beautiful video and tree!

[@BonsaiStyle]

Wow. That was incredible. The tree is insane and the editing made it perfect. Great video editing, everything is just right here! I will definitely watch the video many times. And the little boy makes it so unique. Thank you so much for sharing with us. Hope another part comes soon 😍👍🏻

[@BonsaiReleaf]

Thanks for taking the time to comment! Lots more coming... 👍🏼

[@hannicutie0.0]

Your videos are so therapeutic. Thank you so much for making these. Always a treat watching them cause it makes feel so relaxed, like a lullaby.

[@BonsaiReleaf]

Glad to hear it. Thanks Sora

[@ponyrang]

My best friend, OMG! So wonderful! I really love this! Thank you so much!

[@ryanjayi.villorente4642]

This guy is just on another level, not only for bonsai making but also in creative video sequences and unimaginable editing skills.🔥

[@mikenco]

The beat and flow ' *snap* ' of the editing is just as good ' *snap* ' as the tree. You're a very talented ' *chap* ' ! - Why don't these vids have millions of views?

[@jmundito]

from the before to the after it literally looks like the tree ages backwards from a contorted elderly man, to a young and graceful dancer. it looks so alive and vibrant, it appears as if its literally giving a bow or curtsy. truly captivating flow and energy, its so so beautiful to look at. youre an incredible artist man thank you for sharing

[@Jacob-yb6bv]

I can’t imagine the work which goes into these videos. The editing and music and timing and detail and stop motion and all the rest is like nothing I’ve ever seen. These videos are mesmerising.

[@st.finnikin]

This right here is prime content - thank you for sharing these moments with us. So sacred and special.

[@BonsaiReleaf]

Thanks for joining in the journey

[@geoffrayfazilleau2121]

I love your stopmotions! It really showcases the movement and structure you add to the bonsai. Keep it going!!

[@BonsaiReleaf]

Thank you, will try to keep adding them in!

[@ctgeorgia]

Wow!!! That is crazy beautiful! I can't believe the before/after! Amazing!

[@marioz2397]

My goodness, you're not only talented for bonsai but also, the freaking off the charts quality of your videos. I hope i can get at least 10% of your bonsai abilities. Please give us more content.

[@nebel_banane2349]

it's actually crazy what you manage to do with these trees. great work! keep it up!

[@leebottoms9576]

I swear all of your videos make me cry. My son is 4 months old and I just can't wait to explore nature and create beauty with him, and seeing you with your son makes my heart long for that even more strongly. Your bonsai and videos are pure excellence all the way around. Thank you

[@jasonpatnoude2836]

Absolutely love the video that shows the restyling and how each branch moves with no person.. first time I've seen it and it's awesome! Thank yoiu

[@jesskc6436]

I could watch these all day. Love it. You can tell there was a lot of work put into the video (tree too obviously).

[@parmerapps69]

This is living art captured in its purest form. . . a vision, a tree, and a virtuoso. Something about the illustration of the tree at 0:50 always speaks to me in big ways. Aside from the documentary-quality production, this tree was masterfully styled. I can't wait to see the next leg of this journey!

[@BonsaiReleaf]

Thanks for the kind words. I was considering leaving the drawing part out in some vids but I'll definitely take this into account!

[@parmerapps69]

​@@BonsaiReleaf Of course, it's subjective, but I think the drawing segment exhibits your mastery across mediums and allows you time to explain your design choices in a very visual way, which is helpful to people like me! 🙃 It also sets an inspiring tone for the rest of the video. Oh, and I forgot to mention it, but the stop motion piece was UNBELIEVABLE. As someone who has worked on a few stop-motion projects before, I have can't imagine how much time and patience that took.

[@doogliebop]

Your editing is phenomenal. Great job👌

[@joyhaave6151]

The editing on this channel has gotta be some of the best on KZbin! Really enjoy watching the branches move 'by themselves' - so mesmerizing with the music!

[@NataschaYT]

Great work and vision😊. Love that you showed the stop motion of the branch placements. Gives a great feel of what work you are doing to achieve a look.

[@marcogiai-coletti354]

Definitely the positioning of the moss by the little dude takes this tree to a whole new level! Wow, what a masterpiece. Well done, and well put together video.

[@BonsaiReleaf]

The icing on the cake...

[@Johannes_P]

I'm always amazed by the astonishingly high quality of every single video, well worth the wait every time! Keep up the amazing work!!

[@bayanigabriel3238]

Finally new video. I've been waiting for this for so long. Thank you! ❤️

[@skitzochik]

your patience is unwavering both in tree maneuvering/design and video editing its quite amazing, really something to see.

[@lumanaughty1025]

The stop motion was actually the coolest thing I’ve seen in a while! Amazing video! 😊

[@enormousiserratic8276]

Really wish I could interview this guy and learn his story. His channel is a testament to what makes KZbin great and Bonsai as well.

[@thezenboy]

My god, that was beautiful . Seeing such elegance emerge from the rustic form was pure art. Watching a master at work is inspiring.

[@alexhintenaus6]

The way you edited yourself out while styling, but the branches kept moving. The motion of flow 🙏🏼

[@moe_1886]

Always love it when you upload a video, never disappointed! Beautiful work on this one Mate and from the Little Helper too. I'm blown away that it's already 70+ years old too! As always, thank you much for a relaxing and tranquil watch.

[@chriscoates8751]

That is absolutely incredible. Another really impressive video once again.

[@mirkoravasi3979]

One of the best videos on styling Bonsai that I have ever seen!!Outstanding job, both the bonsai and the video!

[@Sl4yerkid]

Interesting to see you making it look less destroyed by destroying it further lol. It's like when a kid knows they made a mistake and try to cover it up by making it worse. I mean it is very artistic though.

[@konstantinshirokov631]

Thank you! Enjoyed every moment of the video, especially a stop-motion part. And the result is...simply bravo!

[@yk1997aac]

As always, amazing material and really amazing work on the tree, but you really stepped up your game on the video this time. Truly a work of art!

[@CrypticSkies0]

Accidentally clicked on the ad, and all I can say is this was the best accident ever. Truly a work of art

[@glennstrong5599]

Great use of video to show the pruning and bending progression without hands!

[@Ddraculafactory]

I don't know what's more impressive, the trees or the editing!

[@TheThomasK97]

The quality of these videos is insane! Great work as always, it looks beautiful

[@BonsaiReleaf]

Thanks Thomas

[@alpguney]

this is insane , you are insane m8.! the bonsai art is thousands of years old but the progress is endless thx to ppl like u

[@seanbrennan4231]

To watch the tree take shape with all the editing you put in between bends... stunning really. Im looking forward to start bonsai myself

[@kevinc6323]

Just like less being more with bonsai, this channel has the best videos despite being very few in number - I am amazed at how you remove branches yet seem to have more at then end than you have to begin with - where does the lower branch and all the ramification come from. This is genius.

[@timhewitt1976]

awesome , great story telling and amazing editing. not to mention the skill in styling that tree. thanks really enjoyed that

[@sebastiantrivino7371]

Your videos are like symphonies, man. So textured and nuanced. About so much more than just the subject. The story you tell with every video is undeniably rich and spiritual. Glad I ran into your channel.

[@Carlosalbertomelo-yk8cc]

Concordo,freends

[@credz911]

Amazing video. I love how the bending is shown! This is the only place I've seen it like that and it offers great insight into how everything falls into place. Thank you so much for sharing this! Great work with that tree too. It is beautiful!

[@teachearth]

This edit is next level. The stop motion you did for positioning. Omg. Soooo dope. Your edits are as beautiful and artistic as your bonzai! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@BonsaiReleaf]

Thank you

[@raudi42]

Absolutely! I had gossebumps watching it.

[@camiamarte]

This is not just a video, this is an experience ✨✨

[@randyhenderson2377]

Absolutely mind blowing. The styling, the video production and the finished, or beginning of the juniper.