How A Bonsai Tree Is Professionally Restored | Refurbished

Darren George runs the KZbin channel Gro Bonsai, where he restores and maintains bonsai trees. He shows us how he restores a hemlock bonsai by removing the tree from the pot without causing damage to the trunk, removing matted roots, securing the tree back in the pot, putting new soil and moss in, and styling the branches.
For more, visit:
www.tiktok.com/@grobonsai?lan...
/ grobonsai
/ grobonsai
MORE REFURBISHED VIDEOS:
How A 1950s Vanity Is Professionally Restored | Refurbished
• How A 1950s Vanity Is ...
How A 2-Year-Old Overgrown Lawn Is Restored | Refurbished
• How A 2-Year-Old Overg...
How Cracked iPhone Back Glass Is Professionally Restored | Refurbished
• How Cracked iPhone Bac...
------------------------------------------------------
#BonsaiTree #Refurbished #Insider
Insider is great journalism about what passionate people actually want to know. That’s everything from news to food, celebrity to science, politics to sports and all the rest. It’s smart. It’s fearless. It’s fun. We push the boundaries of digital storytelling. Our mission is to inform and inspire.
Subscribe to our channel and visit us at: www.insider.com
Insider on Facebook: / insider
Insider on Instagram: / insider
Insider on Twitter: / thisisinsider
Insider on Snapchat: / 4020934530
Movies Insider on Snapchat: / 9616609930
Insider on TikTok: / insider
How A Bonsai Tree Is Professionally Restored | Refurbished

[@slimtarheel2720]

I appreciate the before and after. Especially seeing as it took 4 months to get the desired, natural, healed look. Bravo

[@harveymilne1684]

4 months is nothing in the grand scheme of bonsai. This tree is probably older than 60 years I'm guessing.

[@b0ngkong349]

much older I'd say I watched an old Japanese lady who has done it all her life and some much smaller than this were 50 and 60 years. I appreciate the patience these people have.

[@timmplay6024]

@@b0ngkong349 size itself doesn’t tell you what the age is. You can let a tree grow to a massive size in just a few years. The problem with that would just be that the rootball would be very large

[@rejoyjohn9]

This profesionally restored series is addictive...

[@ozziew1z743]

Crappy life? Restore your life with restoration videos!

[@tin8066]

@@ozziew1z743 squid game would be your answer,

[@monisolaelliott9346]

Watch Vetiver, he restores shoes and it’s so relaxing to watch

[@Potatolooser]

I accidentally clicked this, thought it was an add, and when I realized it was in fact just a video about this tiny tree I just… I don’t know man this tree man is magical. Thank you magic tree man.

[@alexisrodriguez7127]

If you like this you will love bonsai releaf

[@mysteriouspikachuman]

Magic tree man, xD

[@jamesbizs]

Why did you think it was an ad

[@Mythical4227]

@@jamesbizs probably because they accidentally clicked it or misclicked on it.

[@-Tarzan]

His intro sounded like an ads intro

[@robertgoss4842]

I formed a love of bonsai while serving in Japan (yes, Marines do appreciate the finer things). Now, 40 years later, I love the magic of bonsai trees no less. And I stumble across your channel! You do a wonderful job, and show great respect for your art.

[@davidgraham2673]

Tree was "root bound" big time. That big sigh you heard a month later was from the tree 🌳after it caught its breath.

[@shannonvickers8988]

I said that phrase 4 times wile I watched lol

[@davidgraham2673]

@@shannonvickers8988 , I was surprised that we didn't hear the term as soon as the tree was pulled out of the tray. Just from looking at the branches, and foliage, I thought; "This tree is going to be root bound, and the soil is beat. Time to freshen up everything."

[@samuraiboi2735]

I used to have a bonsai but ofc it died of old age and i kept the bonsai wood in my cabinet as a collection

[@Bart-Did-it]

Pot bound

[@Bart-Did-it]

@@myfavoritebigbootylatina6980 yes cause it needed that doing to it . He did it all correctly and look at the results

[@SaxonSuccess]

Not enough, I want MORE... I went to Expo70 in Japan, and there was a truly amazing display of bonsai trees there. They'd come from all the four corners of Japan, and most were individually known by the Japanese people. The trees had names, and were treated with the utmost respect. What struck me straightaway was the size of them. The hemlock in this video gives you some idea, but the Japanese ones were taller, thicker, and with massive trunks, girthwise. They were powerful, with a real presence. Some Japanese people bowed to them...

[@sapphireaqua]

May I suggest you to search for a clip name ‘Why Bonsai are so Expensive’. Unlike the name of the clip, it gives some insight info on how Japanese treat Bonsai. It is really nice and aesthetically pleasing.

[@minnermin]

Dude I'm jealous

[@pallaviparshuram8223]

Vaale mbnvcxjgxdl

[@helentee9863]

Probably hundreds of years old to

[@darkfent]

Expo 70? Sir, you just evoked a memory of me watching 20th century boys

[@mustiz1898]

Guy: "It cant move, it cant go anywhere" The poor tree who just wanted to go to get some dino nuggies: ):

[@twitchclips4245]

Cringe

[@ED2302]

So sad

[@thenameidk3168]

Jesus loves u if no1 else does

[@sharontrotter8198]

How beautiful your profession is! To look and instantly know that it was in distress and possibly what it's problem was, is awesome to me. That final pot looked too small to me, just like the pot it came out of.

[@VitaKet]

Have you not heard of bonsai before?

[@googiegress7459]

Looked like the same pot to me, I'll have to look again. You don't increase pot size very often, and once it's mature you might not size up again. The small pot size is part of why the tree stays so small; mostly bonsai are not a special type of tree, just grown in strict conditions.

[@hungryblitz]

I’ve always wanted to own a bonsai tree. Small trees look cuter, but I didn’t know that I’d have to take care of it more than I thought… lol Edit: Just saying this to everyone, thanks for giving me so much information

[@Salted_Fysh]

Yeah, you're honestly better off not doing it unless you're willing to invest a lot of time and money. Bonsai's are very delicate plants and need a lot of care.

[@FoodKart]

Yup, Bonsai is extremely tough to take care. Instead spend nice money on fake trees and enjoy stress free !

[@hungryblitz]

@@FoodKart lmao

[@TheGlobal747]

@@FoodKart don't do that.

[@MohidPvE]

Get a Ginseng “Bonsai” , relatively low maintenance but beautiful and really unique

[@leolow2057]

The bonsai must be feeling fresh. Is like going to salon for manicure and hair cut

[@marcelaxd3919]

True

[@somegirl9055]

@Repent shut up this is a video about a bonsai tree

[@yauker]

i think it was a little more vital than a haircut. More like giving it the ability to breathe again.

[@4rtic]

A 4-month manicure and haircut 😂

[@CozyCoziee]

it’s more like going to the hospital from your lungs being collapsed and the, getting fully restored allowing you to breath perfectly again

[@mm1234Xxx]

I heard people say they feel that bonsai are abused trees. But I think a good bonsai is probably the most pampered tree out there

[@Albinojackrussel]

They're very tightly controlled trees. It's a kind of care, but not one that's actually very good for the tree (hence why keeping the damn things alive is so hard).

[@blindillusion1128]

,

[@Forened]

Abused? Just sounds like people that give emotions to something which is incapable to have.

[@alberteinstein8862]

@@Forened well to abuse something It's not necessary for it to have emotions

[@caughtin4k929]

Noh bro tell me how will y feel if I put u in a small room for ur entire life where u can hardly move,, this is like that these are very big trees it's need much soil water and environmen,, but we put these in small pot this is not enough they just hardly alive,, they want to grow but they can't

[@sejalprasad2887]

This was surprisingly relaxing to watch!

[@shortsthatdontsuck2174]

This was so weird to see in my feed, im subbed to both grobonsai and insider and I saw him in thumbnail and then saw the views and thought one of his videos exploded, so cool to see him featured here

[@thecrafter1547]

"Bonsai Daniel-san Bonsai" "Bonsai Mr. Miyagi Bonsai"

[@kenshovenir5097]

Banzai

[@crabmansteve6844]

"Banzai" and "Bonsai" are two different words.

[@kenshovenir5097]

@@crabmansteve6844 ik

[@hellgatto]

@@crabmansteve6844 isn't that the joke though 🥲

[@crabmansteve6844]

@@hellgatto I'm genuinely not sure. Can't hear speech patterns or inflection through text.

[@Daddywarbuck]

From cow feet to bonsai trees, man I love you internet.

[@custos3249]

Should have someone cast that root mass in resin. Practically art as is.

[@calebduff5533]

Um no

[@custos3249]

@@calebduff5533 Um yes

[@besacciaesteban]

It would be great for growin orchids and the likes.

[@notarobot1494]

If you had cast it in resin it would’ve molded bc of the water in the roots, but by looks that would be an amazing art piece

[@ReaperWithHips]

@@notarobot1494 But I have seen dried roots become fiber. In my experience; roots are hard to rot when dried. I often mulch them for top layering or soak them in order for them to be useful for compost.

[@lilitharam44]

Aww, happy little tree! I'm glad the gentleman rescued it.

[@dylanwang6514]

Beautiful. Wish I could take care of a bonsai.

[@richardrussell7082]

As beautiful as they are, I could never subject a Bonsai to the horror of my brown thumbs.

[@briannadickson2884]

That hurt my feelings

[@gearblue89]

First time feeling happy for a plant’s well being

[@adampalmer5399]

I remember in the late 90s & early 2000s Bonsai trees were a huge thing. Every time you were going to Florida you knew you were crossing the line when you saw the shops with Bonsai trees! 🤟✅🌳

[@jamesbizs]

Lol “the karate kid” probably

[@lenaChyenne]

Bonsai trees are just- i don't have words i love them. They give peace somehow. Lots of love to this dude

[@DuncanDimanche-sreview]

amazing work ! But i'm confused at the type of soil that he used... 1) The tree clearly had some type of "normal" brown soil before repotting but all he added was that mix of gavel looking lava rocks... 2)Did he also add soil at all or does that mix have all the nutrients that it needs ? 3) also I would think that it needs a certain weight to the pot to keep that massive tree stable

[@michaelbrockelhurst4227]

No. The soil used is nutritionally pretty neutral. It's mostly intended to allow air and water to flow freely, but stay damp. Bonsai like this require additional fertilizing on a regular schedule. The tree is wired to the pot to help it stay stable. But sometimes the wind can still knock them over. It's common for bonsai enthusiasts to bring trees in during rough weather.

[@googiegress7459]

To add to Michael, 1: Bonsai watering is different. You water to wet the soil in the container, but then it's supposed to mostly drain out. 3: Bonsai pots are thick and dense, and they're heavier than you think.

[@TokinWhiteKid]

A lot of that brown traditional looking soil material on the top of the soil is organic fertilizers that have broken down.

[@LittleRaspa]

I appreciate the update photo. Glad to see the bonsai is thriving 🙂

[@FunkyPom]

I love how everyting is simply explained, super relaxing to watch, good job ! :D

[@UnprofessionalFlip]

If I had a friend who was a bonsai professional, they would be my bonsai buddy.

[@retsub3]

Easily half of these Insider topics I had zero previous interest in yet they are fascinating 😲👌

[@aaryansetia9093]

Would like more of such Bonsai videos! I am a Bonsai Practitioner too from Bharat(India).

[@jennifermenth-pavel1260]

Excellent video, the best I've seen on the topic. I learned so much and it was so pleasant to watch. Thank you for sharing and God bless. ❤😊

[@jocelantonettetenoc5996]

All in my life I thought bonsai trees are small, until I watched the video.

[@michaelsorensen7567]

SmallER, though there are some monsters out there.

[@Lara-234]

They're always smaller than the height a natural version of their species (oak for example) can grow too

[@ironliver316]

Bonsai have several different size classes. They range from just a few inches to around 4ft.

[@plaguedoctorowl]

Some can be very small

[@LizMcNamara47]

Thanks, very helpful, I’ve a few bonsai’s that need repotting but I am really trying to hold on until spring

[@Tcwilliams07]

Not gonna lie..... I didn't even know this was a thing

[@acetiv8]

Bonsai trees are the sh**🤘😅

[@helentee9863]

Truly a thing inJapan, some are hundreds of years old and worth many thousands of pounds

[@jeanneamato8278]

Absolutely fascinating! Glad he saved it.

[@hannahyamauchi839]

I'm glad people outside of Japan appreciates this slow fascinating hobby

[@jackviner3387]

Wonderful! I've repotted and disturbed roots of hemlocks here in the Pacific Northwest, No survivors. Beautiful 6 footers turned brown and died.

[@dazallison411]

Good job, clearly explained.. you made that look easy.. keep up the excellent work. 👍🏾

[@parisinthe30sx]

I never knew that any tree can be a bonsai. I don't know much about it (obviously) but it's such a beautiful practice. Especially the bonsai forests! It's magical.

[@bonytony18]

That really relaxed me - good job

[@ariannasv22]

Man the sounds are so calming

[@whocares269]

Seen this and wondered if it was going to be "gro bonsai"! I wonder if this is why he's been quiet recently? Very happy you're giving these smaller creators with valuable skills another platform to 'branch' out😉😅

[@marietta8807]

Nice pun

[@yokai193]

@Repent tf

[@ntsakisomaswanganye887]

When my Dad got a Bonsai tree 10 years back I didn’t really understand what’s up until he taught me how to take care of it.The tree has some made Aura😣.takes you to a realm of Calmness and inner peace and kinda changes a few introspection on how you view the world 🌍.

[@carramrod8232]

If you can find a person that loves you as much as he does bonsais then your life is complete

[@suhail7330]

Who immediately just thinks of mr Miyagi and Daniel-san 😂

[@cameronsarmiento4102]

Dude..i think every person came to comment section to post this first...lol..congrats!

[@aayangoverski3437]

Me

[@zaakirmiraj8876]

Who is that

[@suhail7330]

@@zaakirmiraj8876 do u not know who mr miyagi bro?

[@zaakirmiraj8876]

@@suhail7330 idk

[@SB-ns4nw]

The upper site of my beautiful bonsai just died last year cause i don't knew how to proper hold it.... Im so sad 😔 he is about 1m tall... Oh boy oh boy

[@marietta8807]

Just use it as deadwood :) That way it looks like an older tree that went through harsh conditions

[@Lorelaeyn]

Can someone tell why he didn’t add soil, and made the mound from the same stuff as the aeration layer (akadama, hummus, lava rocks 1:1:1 ratio)? Does that stuff count as soil for a bonsai tree?

[@MrSmartComment]

By soil I assume you refer to regular potting soil. It is not good for bonsai purposes because roots need air, not only moisture and nutrients. Regular potting soil quickly gets compact to a point where very little air gets in, and we risk root rot. The mix he is using is standard for bonsai purposes, and although it is not suitable for all tree species, it allows for a good balance of moisture and aeration, which is what tree roots need the most. Bonsai trees are regularly (weekly or biweekly) fertilised, so the lack of nutrients found in potting soil is not an issue.

[@Lorelaeyn]

@@MrSmartComment Thank you for the informative reply!

[@jinxneo]

I never thought I would say this, but the trees are so cute ☺

[@guppy9161]

Like a dolls tree

[@masr0t]

My left ear sure enjoyed this

[@missourimongoose8858]

I have some naturally bonsai trees on some rock outcropping on my property love how they look and a few years ago one died so we had a guy count the rings and this little blackjack oak was around 130 years old and about 3 and a half feet tall

[@lovingatlanta]

👍Amazing. I appreciate this on so many levels. 💝 I just buy a new Bonsai. I can’t even grow a cactus. 😂

[@eddiesanchez2293]

Relaxing video, thank you🤗

[@BeeeShoe]

Idk why I'm watching this, but this is very calming and makes me wanna adapt this hobby, but again I'm afraid I'll hurt the being.

[@charmsurprise]

loved this, thanks for sharing.

[@robinc3385]

Thanks for the informative vid esp to juxtapose the before and after pics. Oii, that is one gorgeous looking tree!...will also alternate using the sharpened bamboo chopstick and my faithful ice pick! am surprised that there is no soil after layering the three mixture of akadama etc.

[@svenlauke1190]

weirdly, the thing I struggle most with in bonsai is soil. the available "bonsai soil" in local plant shops seems to be entirely different from what I see professionals use. needless to say, my bonsai aren't actually bonsai yet.

[@poisonmusic8354]

This was so interesting. Thr before and after was so nice.

[@snnr2138]

“Cut away any roots that are clearly not needed” *nodding my head* yes yes I can clearly see which roots aren’t needed

[@jazung]

Absolutely fascinating!

[@christinaweinhaus5267]

Wonderful job! The tree looks so much better!

[@_MrLee]

I wonder if Bonsai trees are used as scale models in movies

[@GoofyCOD]

It's fake trees then

[@_MrLee]

@@GoofyCOD then what a waste

[@GoofyCOD]

Yup

[@Eralen00]

It's probably been done before, but I don't think bonsai and movie making are a great match. A good scale modeler can make incredibly realistic looking trees. Shooting movies requires long hours, hot studio lights, etc. bonsai trees require a lot of maintenance and care, i don't think most people would let their trees that they've taken care of for years, be used in such harsh conditions

[@johnfran3218]

When things were at their very worst: 2 Suns, Cross in the sky, 2 comets will collide = don`t be afraid - repent, accept Lord`s Hand of Mercy. Scientists will say it was a global illusion. Beware - Jesus will never walk in flesh again. After WW3 - rise of the “ man of peace“ from the East = Antichrist - the most powerful, popular, charismatic and influential leader of all time. Many miracles will be attributed to him. He will imitate Jesus in every conceivable way. Don`t trust „pope“ Francis = the False Prophet - will seem to rise from the dead - will unite all Christian Churches and all Religions as one. One World Religion = the seat of the Antichrist. Benedict XVI is the last true pope - will be accused of a crime of which he is totally innocent. "Arab uprising will spark global unrest - Italy will trigger fall out" "The time for the schism in the Church is almost here and you must get prepared now" The Book of Truth.

[@robdobson5056]

Amazing transformation

[@animeman6649]

I really appreciate people like you bc I would never have the patience to do any of that and thanks for taking care of a beautiful plant

[@unknowncreature-0069]

It's beautiful! I've always loved bonsai trees, I've even tried to keep a few myself. I'm not very good with plants though..

[@Fickets]

*man stabbing at roots of a plant* Subtitles: [gentle music]

[@tasteewheat393]

It's like I'm watching a painting of something beautifully made 💜

[@NY_7]

3:30am KZbin: Hey! Wanna watch a video about repotting a bonsai tree? Me: Ummm ok, I guess so.

[@MLG_Kitten]

Having a bonsai tree would give me hella animal crossing vibes. I can't wait to afford to take care of one.

[@malecadam8182]

Me too. I would love to be able to be confident enough to get one

[@krazed0451]

How costly is bonsai?

[@richellebarone5778]

Expensive for one that is older, but also you only have to repot every 2 years or so-

[@oigitsuckit]

It’s not expensive to get into it, start small!

[@yauker]

hella? stay ghetto lady ♡

[@chuschusco]

¿Podrías mostrar esa herramienta de cortar raíces en un próximo vídeo y explicar todas sus funciones? ¡Muchas gracias! ¡Salud!

[@artisticanna5275]

This is just a feel good video ❤️ I want to see more of him

[@whyparkjiminnotridejimin]

The before and after is amazing!

[@stuartboxall7297]

Yeah, its amazing what a bit of green paint can do.

[@ericheagan3624]

What about using water pressure to remove the soil off the roots? I've done it plenty of times with normal plant up-potting.

[@ApoorvPadhye]

That may risk damaging the delicate feeder roots of the tree. When clearing out old soil, usually bonsai practitioners and artists also take care to untangle and prune off roots which are not growing in the desirable direction as root structure is just as important aesthetically and horticulturally as the trunk and branch structure of a tree.

[@stubromac2711]

Thank you for the lesson. I have an acacia forest of fifteen year olds in south africa

[@Readasaur]

I was looking for this exact kind of video!

[@Lee_21]

I recently saw a youtube shorts about this guy saving the tree, made by well this guy, and 4 months later i saw this, a big success the tree is in fact saved

[@cosmic2716]

Why is this so satisfying

[@aidil4214]

This is so calm

[@nancywillaert5129]

I’m wondering I have a larger wisteriaplant Bleu one in my garden if I could take a cut of and grow it to a bonsai.

[@Lochamp]

Yes, but keep it evenly wet and water daily as it will dry out quickly.

[@nancywillaert5129]

@@Lochamp thank you for the advice, I’ll try it. I hear often put the cuttings in a little vase or jar in water too. But I often get disappointed of how it didn’t work out with other plants. I have also a cherry tree and it’s said it can be done with them too. So I’ll know what to try out this fall.

[@michaelsorensen7567]

@@nancywillaert5129 you may try "air layering" too if cuttings don't propagate well

[@nancywillaert5129]

@@michaelsorensen7567 thank you for the advice, hope I’ll get it done love wisteria so much

[@jimmybell9571]

So many life lessons can be learned by this video.

[@mattbrennan647]

👍🏻👍🏻GroBro. Just as good the second time around. Thanks, keep growing

[@immyownperson1375]

Okay, one restoration I was actually not expecting to exist

[@akshayjose6555]

This is valuable info 👌

[@ter8901]

Awesome! I was gifted a very old juniper bonsai and 2 giant 4 ft tall jade plants from an mansion estate i helped cleab out. I think im gonna do a slight root trim. Does anyone know the value of jade plants?

[@oneandonlyjaybee]

Depends on a lot of variables. Age, style, movement, nebari, ramification, root health, location of first branch, thickness and taper of trunk, leaf size to name just a few

[@bluedragon4244]

Can’t believe he got on insider I watch him and heroes bonsai Peter Chan all the time

[@erickvarela2777]

I love your videos Darren!!!!!!

[@bjgojo8750]

I used to have a bonsai tree and it died because I didn’t take care of it as much

[@kui3113]

Insider sure is making my left ear enjoying this.

[@imtisanenlaimchen6135]

Exceptional keep the good work

[@eyelessjack_]

My dad love his bonsai like his own children

[@erikadowdy686]

I love these videos❣️ty

[@irimac1806]

Wow thanks for the info :D

[@kamrankazemi]

That was really great.... 👌👌👌👌👌👍👍👍👍👍

[@bassman4201000]

Low pressure water jet would do a nice job removing soil from roots I bet.

[@kylecosper6766]

I was thinking just a air compressor.

[@aaronpeterson7185]

You normally have to wait for a tree to dry out before repotting.

[@JessHull]

Thats what I do to remove soil from my densified roots. Then let it dry out for a few hours before repotting.

[@JessHull]

@@kylecosper6766 Its too messy and dangerous. I tried it once years ago.

[@pritishanuragmohanty2180]

High pressure water jet would do a better job removing soil from roots.

[@mitchoconnell6944]

Bonsai is so beautiful!

[@waltermigueljimenez7232]

AMAZING¡¡ love it

[@beryltheamstaff1098]

So impressive!

[@outlawmusic23]

Dude gotta whole Christmas tree in there

[@RubyvuBonsai]

The tree look great!!

[@Heritagepostfarms]

He had almost no soil in that pot. Figured the tree would die

[@laneatkinson6441]

I tried to grow a bonsai, I got two saplings to grow to about 4-5 inches tall but then they both died. 😭 I'm gonna try again!

[@user-rx7lc1od7w]

stop killing trees

[@veeasaurus]

@@user-rx7lc1od7w bestie calm down

[@MrJcalvino]

If you want to do real bonsai purchase a mature tree otherwise you end up with a stick in a pot that you can do nothing with it.

[@zaakirmiraj8876]

get proffesional help or don't try

[@laneatkinson6441]

@@zaakirmiraj8876 I'm going to do more research before trying again. I live in Michigan so it's a little hard to grow things, so initially I picked a species of pine & thought it would be suited to our climate. For reasons unknown to me, they shriveled up and died after a few months of healthy growth.

[@minussoup9183]

This was more interesting than I expected.

[@retsub3]

I feel much much better now 👏🙌