How To Create Taper

[@user-te7zz8mv3x]

thank you Peter! i took early retirement and have just started learning about bonsai. i have used your lessons to prune a 20+ years old juniper tree in my garden. it’s not a bonsai of course bur the practice has been very useful. when i go on walks, i also been looking at trees differently … noticing the nebari or its ramifications! many thanks for bringing more awareness and understanding! i can’t wait to get started on a real sapling so that in 30 years time, i can say Peter Chan changed my life!

[@kleinwolfje]

You can really stop saying "I hope I don't bore you" . Bonsai is patience, you explain so well with so many examples, if people don't have the patience for that then they won't have patience to grow a tree into bonsai I'd say. I love watching how passionate you are about it and to learn so much about how to turn a tree into the aesthetics that you think is nice. Even if not everyone likes every tree. Seeing how with patience the mature trees come out after much suffering is amazing !

[@pradeepkumarkavilayil2406]

I agree with you

[@CookieAlexander]

Very well said! I love these longer videos. I can learn much more in depth.

[@ratso1963mikel]

I'm ok with it. Shows you care about us.

[@murray821]

While watching this, the thought came to mind that this video is a good way to demotivate new people to start bonsai 😅 Long process, long process, 29 years this 40 years that.

[@radiodamon8750]

This man is a master of the art and you children are telling him how to do his own vids , to give you some wisdom about the art . Bickering children at the back of class .

[@mukeshchaturvedi]

This is the most important video on bonsai I have seen. I hate those people who recommend all sort of grotesque techniques like splitting the trunk at the bottom. Thanks Peter. Its a slow process, but so what? Bonsai also teaches us patience and an ability to look forward to ten years/twenty years.

[@dildobaggins8987]

Life is in the living. Some may call the miniaturisation of a piece of nature “grotesque”…..Let’s not get on our high horse about this Strange Hobby we all have 😭🤣

[@abydosianchulac2]

I swear, I was continuously giggling with delight while you were in the workshop from the amount of unconscious expertise on display. Hearing you say, "maybe I'll cut it here for this reason, or maybe here for another reason," even as your hands had made the cut and were three steps on, requiring your explanation to hurry to keep pace with your mind, was amazing. If my certainty of anything could match your uncertainty, I'd be a much more productive man.

[@HappyGrower]

“Most people will give their right hand for that tree.” - P. Chan

[@FC-fq5um]

The numerous small bits of information mentioned casually are priceless.

[@greenstar7492]

Love my Sunday morning coffee with Master Peter Chan....

[@MF-fc5vk]

Thanks Peter, very educational, long process, ever changing and never finished, teaches us so much.

[@akoijamshantasingh2511]

All a continuous process with lots of observations and patience. Thanks Sir from Imphal. Regards 🙏

[@danielesilvaggi]

"Passion is patience". It shows in what you have accomplished at Herons Bonsai. Thank you for sharing with us.

[@haunter006]

I’ve looked at so many bonsai professionals, at their work, trees but always come back here to Mr. Chan. Just can’t stop watching and listening, it’s so peaceful and informative.

[@rainbowstar4360]

Master Peter! I can honestly spend hours a day watching all your many videos. Never think for one second that we all don't appreciate your wisdom and knowledge! Feel free to make as many videos and very long videos you want too!

[@jesseporter3397]

I love this guy. Been into trees for a few years now and its changed my life. I've watched a few of Peters videos in the past year or 2 but I'm glad I have just started to really dig in and watch alot with the knowledge I have already had and seeing Peter with his trees it just has given me a better understanding of how these techniques applied over time can produce awesome bonsai. And Peter seems like a genuine hard working dedicated guy and its great to watch. Thanks for the videos. Im in the U.S but hope I get a chance to see the nursery someday

[@GarrettNicolai-vc4qk]

Peter, you are an artist. I love your work and your passion. Thank you for your extremely educational and entertaining videos.

[@bdiederich638]

Gorgeous mountain maple in the turquoise pot--I exclaimed aloud! Like a lovely, graceful lady.

[@pallejurgensen7888]

every tree he walk past, look at this tree, this is another amazing example , look at it, beautiful :)

[@mame6508]

Thank you so much Sir Peter. You have given us so many free lectures on bonsai. God bless you

[@JoeCangelosi-e3r]

So incredibly informative, you have such a way to educate your viewers, like no other. Thank you 😊

[@3babaroga]

I done it all wrong last 3 years.I watched your all videos ,but this one explains all my mistakes. Thank you for the video.Thank you,thank you,thank you...

[@elizabethrosario5659]

I've never thought of you as boring. You are inspiring... And I don't wonder why you are doing anything or making a video... I look forward to LEARNING from you. I'm sure that MANY of us believe you to be a "Subject Matter Expert" with regard to Bonsai... That is the reason we subscribe to your channel and come back time and time again.

[@sidewaysonhighways]

Nice trees. I have been applying the same cut and grow techniques on my Mohave firethorn, as well as a magnolia I’m planning on digging up this year. It’s got a nice thick trunk with a beautiful, natural shari running half way up it. One thing that caught my eye at 25:10 was the three trunk Scots pine on the bench, which I believe was done by Graham Potter in his ‘Making a good Bonsai for the price of a shirt’ video almost 10 years ago.

[@1969wareid]

from texas - i love a bonsai video on a sleepy sunday morning with coffee

[@MidniteSan]

Yaay just what i needed about taper, thx for sharing Peter.. they would grow and heal faster in the ground too i guess.. can't wait for the next one.. Cheers

[@thome4229]

Ich bin total begeistert von Deinen Ausführungen und möchte am liebsten täglich ein Video sehen. Seit Jahren fasziniert mich das Thema BONSAI schon, aber Dank Dir hat es mich jetzt so richtig mitgerissen und ich bin ständig am Verbessern, sowohl was mein Werkzeug betrifft, als auch meine Bäume. Ich habe bereits einige Yamadori ausfindig gemacht, die ich mir im Herbst holen werde und einige Abmoosungen eingeleitet. Ich bin so glücklich, Dich entdeckt zu haben. Viel Gesundheit und ein langes, fitales Leben wünsche ich Dir - natürlich auch, weil ich Dich so wertvoll finde!

[@Deshojo78]

Best video on creating taper! Lots of great examples! Thank you

[@MsSaudm]

I learned at least 3 new things just in this video ! Thanks so much Peter

[@yopage]

Wow, I enjoyed this video again. Thanks, Peter!

[@hhhhhhhhh61]

Thank you for being so generous with your knowledge! I'm super excited to see all the different levels of progression of taper; I'd been having a hard time envisioning how this worked over time. This video is brillant, as are you. Much gratitude! I have been studying your book "The Bonsai Bible" and have found some very interesting nursery stock and have new eyes on my old garden shrubbery, to be potted up and styled! I'm blessed where I live on the edge of green space, it's wild and spills into my yard. I'm attempting air layering on a wild plum, and fingers crossed with all your great videos I'll soon have many bonsai to learn from. I can see how this started off by making pots, to a life long love. Thank you again for sharing your passion, it's contagious 🌱🌳🍃

[@poples5799]

It's nice to see so many examples of how you create taper. The more we see of the process, the more we start to understand it and it becomes less daunting to do it oneself. By the way, that silver birch is absolutely glorious! Thank you for showing it to us, it's very beautiful!

[@kaneda4102]

One of the best lessons I’ve come across. Well done and thank you Peter!

[@scottunique]

This is the single best, eye opening exposition of form development. It exposes grand technique and mind blowing patience. Cannot thank you enough for showing the world the way to great Bonsai!!!

[@kathybradbury]

This is an excellent teaching on the process of creating beautiful bonsai trees.

[@gordonallan2798]

It is a real treat to watch a video on deciduous trees and one that covers a fundamental concept; that of creating taper. I have been critical of some of your videos in the past but this one is a classic. It has been well planned and resourced and well filmed. Your final point is one of the most important and one that is hardest to grasp - that is, with most deciduos trees you can develop the branches and the much sought after ramificatin AFTER the trunk taper has become well established. Bravo Mr Chan and thank you.

[@marcusmungeam241]

Every time I see a bonsai im like yooo, that one though! Each has its own character.

[@Kjbrunzo]

I just love the gradual walk through your bonsai nursery. Seeing the different types of trees is so interesting, I could just watch and watch.

[@jimbersmcimbers]

Cheering me up on a Sunday yet again, woohoo

[@apriliaric]

Thank you so much Mr Chan... Another excellent video.. Your teachings are invaluable to all of us who wish to follow in your footsteps...

[@Tarian_475]

I learnt a new term today, 'twiggery'. Something I will always use.

[@sammyg2210]

I loved the small oak tree at the beginning. I think Bonsai trees like that look so lovely : )

[@cgoh1423]

Thanks Peter! It amazing to see how you created the big beautiful bonsai artpieces using tapering! It was a real feast 👍

[@jesusmartinezibanez5387]

Thank you Peter. We are learning every day a little bit more from you. Thanks

[@craighunter3273]

Nice video. This really shows the depth and extent of your passion and unbounded focus for Bonsai. Just love how you gave 150% in this video. Top one Peter. You are a precious gem in our world. Such energy and enthusiasm. Cheers Craig

[@peterchan3100]

Thank you Criag for your encouraging words.

[@fishhooks100]

Amazing seeing your collection and just hearing how old some of the trees are and how long you've been working with them....... A life long venture for sure but even more so a passion. Wonderful!

[@HootMaRoot]

Perfect video to enjoy with my late breakfast. I have had no luck with any type of maple trees as here in North West Scotland with the severe winds we get throughout most of the year, I had taken a few of my 3 year old saplings out of the pollytunnel to try and hardy them but I was away for the weekend and came back home to wind burnt leaves on one and 2 other trees completely bare and even the shoots wind burnt. So after 5 years of many maples dieing I have decided to just focus on evergreen verities

[@peterchan3100]

I am surprised - i have many friends and customers in Scotland who grow maples very successfully

[@HootMaRoot]

@@peterchan3100 they might be on the mainland, I am living on the islands where just last week we had winds of about 80mph and even during the summer it is common to get cold northerly winds mixed with hail and snow. I may have to buy slightly more mature maples and hope they can acclimatise well

[@paullill5604]

Yes part 5 is here,happy Sunday breakfast everyone.

[@paulagoller7893]

Thank you so much Peter. This was so helpful in understanding how to create taper. I appreciate you more with each video.

[@monsieurcarotte]

Thank you very much mr Peter Chan, for teaching us the secrets of bonsai!! I've learned so much from you already! Arigatogozaimashita! Much love from Holland!

[@kelly-bo-belly]

Thank you for sharing your time and passion with us. This makes me want to go get that 7’ trident maple that I recently saw on a clearance rack. It may make for a fun experiment.

[@GeirOpdal]

This both learned me a lot, and confirmed a lot of my own thoughts about how to make a taper. I have some birches that was selfseeded, and that has grown to become quite interresting over the last four years. I want to taper them, and this is the method I thought I hade to use.

[@ccme1111]

I really enjoy your videos. I learn something every time and its very relaxing. Thank you for sharing your great knowledge. You have beautiful Bonsai!

[@sarahhoyt9556]

Thank you so much for making these videos Sir! We love you

[@FeelTheVoid]

Wow! learned so much from this video. Thank You sir. You are a gift.

[@alancunningham4274]

as ever excellent,think i should have started bonsai 20 years ago,but its a super tuition time watching,

[@brianb5939]

Great video Peter, very long, informative, and in depth description on developing taper

[@baalbaalzebab5657]

Peter u are a sensei..bravo and respect !

[@joanscott9323]

Another excellent video lesson. Your videos truly are lessons to aid our learning. Thank you so much for taking the time to share your knowledge!! Thank you, also, for choosing precisely the things to show in each video. It would be so easy to have just a “collection” of beautiful plants, and not show the progression involved, and the thought process of why you do things in a certain way. I always try to answer your questions involving which cut to make, etc... i usually get it wrong (!), but once you explain why, it becomes so clear! Thank you for giving us the “dilemma” of which to do, and only after we ponder it a moment, then to show us the preferred cut, and why! It’s absolutely invaluable in adjusting our minds to think things through. You, Sir, are a natural teacher. Thank you! Can’t wait for your next video!

[@peterchan3100]

Thanks for your kind feedback. Its constructive comments like yours that help me to get a feel of what is helpful in our videos.

[@renuvaish645]

A wonderful and very educative video explaining the process of taper so well ,Peter. Tbankyou for making it. Renu Vaish

[@explorer2571]

Another master class from bonsai master.thanks Peter

[@ReynaldoSCaday]

Thanks You Master Peter, for the knowledge about Tapering you taught to us...👍

[@raymondplodzien7459]

So very useful for me in understanding how to taper. Thank you Peter!

[@martnhu8170]

Thank you for taking the time and make such long video. I always enjoy them very much.

[@jonathanaristone2468]

Peter this was a very good learning experience which simplifies the process. Thank you.

[@plips71755]

Just terrific - as usual. I’d love to see more on the flowering bonsai and the weeping (evergreen and deciduous) or even vining like wisteria.

[@markdayell61]

I love your videos, always worth re-watching for me to absorb all of the invaluable information you provide. Thank you for your work!

[@shadyb2234]

THAANK YOU! I asked about cut and grow techniques a while back, and this has made a huge dent in filling in some if that.

[@Joelwilly57]

Thank you Peter for all you do, very informative.

[@Xylomethazolinhydroc]

Thank you for this very educational video. I like all of your videos very much!

[@meare5592]

Thank you. I learned so much from this video.

[@DanH84-p2g]

This is one of my favorites so far. You have some incredible specimens. I hope to visit the nursery some time to see them.

[@samyoel5384]

You could spend a couple of days there and probably not see them all he has that many!!

[@pallejurgensen7888]

the split trunk maple, peter chans signature tree, AMAZING tree!!

[@steveanacorteswa3979]

I feel the same way as many and thank you Peter, only the fool would get bored with all this info and probably 10 years in case studies with so many trees that we would not have access too on making these decisions. My ugly maple needs a lot of work, after watching your video I cut off one of the larger branches so as not to create too much taper in that area. I will let the rest grow crazy this summer and see how it's health looks, I think I have a favorite new leader, it's at the wrong angle but really it's just the nebari that is at the wrong angle :), I will fix that next winter with a re-pot. I have been using a black paste, I assume it will wear off when the tree heals out, one of my bean maples is already sprouting leaves, spring is almost here.

[@MrBlackbamboo]

experience is also a long process many thanks' for your time! excellent video

[@sureeynprasad8635]

Amazing video and very informative. Thank you so much, Peter.

[@mattbrennan647]

Just a wonderful tutorial. Thanks

[@briangallagher3106]

I’m collecting native Irish trees, I live in cork way down south. I have Oak, Ash, Sycamore, wild cherry, all collected locally,or grown from seed. I only have a small garden so trees in pots are my only chance to have the forest I want. Peter Chan is helping me out big time in my learning process.

[@briangallagher3106]

When I walk my dog I’m always on the lookout for Scots pine. That will be my holy grail.

[@briangallagher3106]

I’m aware sycamore is not native to Ireland... But they are everywhere and beautiful...

[@joakimbrink5297]

Lovely video, as always. You mention in the video inverse taper. I really would appreciate a video on different techniques for how to deal with that, since I have Japanese maple with this "condition".

[@RoyaleJester]

Thank you Peter excellent stuff very valuable, thanks for your knowledge.

[@alexandrecastagna9578]

Thank you Peter! That was a great lesson. Soon you will be everywhere in my garden ❤️🇨🇵 Looking forward to visite the nursery. 🙏🏻

[@dongcana4078]

Thank you Mr. Chan for the tips. Patience is really the key in developing bonsai. Please tell me what is the ideal way of cutting, horizontally or a little slanting? Thank you in advance.

[@peterchan3100]

I never bother with sloping cuts as the new shoots can appear from anywhere. Also making a sloping cut does not guarantee that the new shoot will come from the tip of the sloping cut. I will explain all this in another video.

[@erixouther]

i love that he didn't mind finding the spiderweb at 5:33. he knows that the spider is helping the tree just as he is.

[@mikec3820]

we had a larger silver birch in th side yard that would bend over any time it snowed. it was older then i was. until one heavy winter snow fall it bent and snapped.. we have a 15-20 yr old fuji cherry tree there now. thanQ for sharing peter

[@joannevandyke5112]

Chop first or root prune first?

[@valentinrieuf9983]

I would say the third option is to ground layer and create the nebari you want, anytime.

[@peterchan3100]

Best not to root prune if you chop.

[@joannevandyke5112]

Thank you,

[@waltwiseman9306]

Thank you Peter. This is another very interesting video. Which time do you prefer for cutting of main stems?

[@carlosrojosalguero1018]

Great video, Mr. Chan.

[@andromeda85]

Very interesting and useful video!!! Thank you very much!!!

[@waknatious]

That maple at 2:00 is the goal. THE. GOAL. #want #need

[@paulbeattie5263]

Great informative video thanks!

[@tizianor9454]

Very useful video, thank you!

[@israelclayman]

So when is a good time of year to make a taper cut on a maple?

[@NerdyShawn]

I too am curious, I'm guessing late winter before they wake up.

[@davidirish2941]

Great educational post Thanks Peter. 👍🇨🇦

[@richardoliva1190]

Thank you so much for making these videos!

[@saratv7417]

Thanks peter .. very nice video...

[@Gbhmagic]

Wow those are great! I'm curious about your methods to achieve such nice ramification.

[@mikechan231]

So informative- thank you!

[@johnfloydman7735]

Thanks Peter for sharing 🙏

[@tonycain9077]

Would it be to my advantage to cut at a node, to steer the tree in a certain direction? Or does even matter?

[@blakelanders6966]

Yes, it certainly would. The technique is called clip and grow.

[@ArdArdArd123]

Hi Tony, you can watch some of the video's Bonsai Mirai has about this subject. The beginner series are very useful. And for more advanced info, you could watch the BSOP and Nursery Stock video's. Those are super interesting! I love mr Chans video's, but Mirai really goes more in depth. Enjoy!

[@vicbarrientos655]

thank you so much for the lesson i really learned a lot from it!

[@finnsbiavl7483]

Another great video, thanks.

[@susanta-swain]

Thanks for sharing your experience 😊

[@deelanders6132]

I love this channel. Especially when host calls out the donkeys in the comment section then lops off a branch just to see you wilt. Plus this guys doesnt call them Bone sai.