How To Develop Juniper Bonsai Branches PAD CREATION

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How To Develop Juniper Bonsai Branches
Welcome Back To Bonsai-En
In todays episode Josh explains the process behind how to develop Juniper Bonsai Branches so you can create Pads and Better branching on your Bonsai.
This video goes through the development process right through to the refinement stage of Juniper Bonsai Branch Creation.
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#juniperBonsai #BeginnerBonsai #Bonsai

[@BonsaiEn]

Something i would like to add to what i said in this video: When you move into the branch refinement stage you should also be moving the tree into full refinement at this point. So out of your growing container and into a Bonsai Pot with inorganic soils. This will help keep the growth tight and short out on the tips.

[@lukeagex]

Interesting, this clarified for me that I've made the mistake of moving my juniper into a bonsai pot with inorganic soil before having even developed and refined it! That would explain why it isn't as full and lively as I'd expect this Spring. Thanks!

[@gurkhasbonsai.7093]

Hey I like your vedo thankyou for sharing I am from Nepal 🇳🇵

[@featherozone]

How do you go about changing the soil on junipers who cannot be bare rooted?

[@dicky4005]

Nice job dude Nailed it on the simplicity of understanding how the structure Of bonsai is created thanks

[@ntotladze]

Probably the best videos i'v seen about juniper bonsai development.

[@thomasdale-lh1iz]

Your diagrams and explanation gave this beginner that wonderful flash of understanding. Sincere thanks !

[@user-te3rd9zl2y]

So, I have been wondering how to get the foliage pads so tight. I've watched other videos on creating tree pads. None of them, until this one, talked about creating a bonsai with proper pads by using the three steps to grow the tree, branches and pads. The additional comment below is important because you talked about when to put the tree into a bonsai pot and inorganic soil to keep the growth tight and short. I have never heard that before. Most of mine are in baskets of one sort or another for air pruning for trunk development, but I've never really known when the tree should go into a bonsai pot. This information is essential and I thank you so much for putting this out there. You did explain this very well, by the way.

[@Sayef_Li]

Thanks mate for sharing this amazing video. You actually showed the process of creating a Juniper bonsai, I was so confused before because most people on youtube just show an already grown 30,40,50 year old tree and they just chop branches and do some wiring to create pads and jins etc and there you go a finished bonsai. That's very stupid in my opinion ,they don't show the process just the fun parts to create a juniper bonsai. Thank you

[@xxjohnxx1224]

Very true mate

[@BonsaiEn]

Thanks for your kinds words mate, means a lot when people get value from out channel.

[@chrisellis9689]

Josh, this is the best information explaining it in the basic way of understanding and I appreciate it so much, it all makes perfect sense now watching this. Keep up this brilliant blogs mate 👌👌

[@BonsaiEn]

Thanks so much for watching, i appreciate it.

[@dricus7378]

The best. Clear and easy to understand .. ✌🏼

[@9svm]

im from canada, but this is my bonsai knowledge source. thanks josh and everyone at bonsai en

[@BonsaiEn]

Im glad you are getting some value from out channel!

[@maazansari6143]

Really liked this video! It actually explained how I can grow my nursery bought juniper for few yrs to get a bonsai material which I can finally work on, fortunately I saw this video before going straight towards wiring my juniper, now I know it ll take probably few yrs before they are ready for wiring

[@davidmorgan3508]

Aussie Dave here Josh, wow another awesome video on the fundamentals of bonsai 👍🤗. Line 2 on the white board (wirering) was fantastic. I wish I seen your video before I tried to wire my 1 year old jacarandas ... with my wirering I nearly tore off the Camballin layer of the trees . Even now after 2 years they are heavily scared 😪.. Again very well presented..

[@antonisanagnostopoulos4809]

Excellent tutorial! Thank you for spelling it out!

[@Tagger0325]

You're the only one who actaully explains the whole process.. Thank you .

[@dicky4005]

Dude thanks so much for making this easy to understand vid Nobody does like you Kept them coming Big Fan

[@balesjo]

Great explanation on pad development. I got a late start into bonsai, and my trees are still "young" pre-bonsai junipers. I have had to temper my desire to jump in prematurely and start clipping, cutting, and bending and simply spend the time allowing the tree to gain size, branching, and thickness. I did repot as the soil they came in was quite questionable, put them into training pots that allow great drainage and air flow, and have been feeding with fish emulsion and liquid kelp. They're already looking bushier and I hope to begin seeing additional branch development.

[@LuisRamos-lx9ri]

you did a perfect job explaining it!!!Love your videos!

[@pyro-millie5533]

This was really helpful. My first juniper ever is in development right now, and I am going to prune it for the first time soon. You’re videos have let me know how to clean the tree in the summer, but also what to aim for in future years as it develops. Thanks!

[@Blaydrnnnr]

Again, great detailed info. I've been trying for almost 2 decades, and as I've stated in other posts, my collection is a monument to my mistakes, year after year, and a showing of how little information I had. Your explanations are spot on and great knowledge base for people trying to achieve results. My only problem was in your explantions of cutting the branches to create the desired ramification on Junipers, it would be helpful to maybe have an actual branch to show where the ideal cut should be made. Other then that, I've learned something today. After almost 20 years of trying. Thanks mate!!! Looking forward to more!

[@tomm9264]

Amazing video as usual, thank you for your time and sharing your knowledge!

[@8GTI3]

Makes totally sense!!! You did a perfect job Josh!! Keep on doing those videos; enjoying those sooo much! 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@BonsaiEn]

I will add The Whiteboard Videos into the regular rotation.

[@shauno812]

Awesome content. This is actual teaching. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@BASSCHALLENGESA]

Absolutely brilliant!!! Thanks so much! Will have to rework my juniper in the coming spring. And also move two of my junipers in to plant pots to help growth. Wouldn't have done this, if I didn't watch your videos!

[@charlessmith6964]

Such a compact and informational video, super helpful 👍👍

[@jacktaylor6190]

Great explanation! Easy to understand.

[@glennwilkinson534]

Great job Josh, really bringing clarity to the art of Bonsai. Enjoying your videos.

[@BonsaiEn]

Im glad the videos are easy to understand, thats our mission here.

[@frankmcdermott3467]

SPOT ON!!

[@coreywatson4553]

Awesome thank you now it’s starting to make sense 👍

[@brucekelsch5080]

You answered all my questions on pad developement thank you

[@adamheyrend9987]

I've been a fan of your Modern Bonsai podcast, thanks for making videos to help explain these topics. We see a lot of reporting videos going from nursery pot to bonsai pot, one suggestion I would have is making a video about going between, or back to, nursery pots. :)

[@rongiveans7215]

Very informative without all the technical language. Thanks.

[@LeisureLizard]

Wow, this really clarified some things I was confused about. Thanks

[@wfjr997]

Excellent, thank you ❤

[@TheHenre]

great explaination and clear logical structure to the video. I have a much clearer understanding of juniper branch development. thank you for the videos

[@brucekelsch5080]

Very well explained. Thank you

[@JungleScene]

This video was great. I love when you do this kind of content man. Id love a similar video for pine development!

[@BonsaiEn]

Im in the middle of writing my dot points on the white board now and will hopefully get it all filmed today, scheduled release should be Sunday. All though its not a development specific video it is going to cover a large amount of care points for Japanese Black Pine. This one will probably be a big one.

[@nerdie77]

Amazing video, thank you. Your videos are super informative

[@brucejeffcott1104]

Thanks. This is really helpful.

[@samhoskins8706]

Excellent video. I shared it with my bonsai club.

[@johnpereira9594]

Great video. Very helpful Love the white board.

[@ckinlaw67]

Your video's are great man! it really helps to see the steps to take and also the visual part in creating/developing your bonsai. I understand it better than just watching someone cut their tree!

[@BonsaiEn]

I appreciate that!

[@angusg1998]

Thanks Josh.

[@nerinat8371]

Excellent presentation, this has helped immensely. Thanks

[@BiancaMinutello]

Omg omg omg - I wish I’d seen this video before I ever started Bonsai 😅 - It explains why I can’t get my desired shapes etc. Thank you so much…

[@jmtwhitley]

This helped tremendously !! Would love a video on predicting final tree structure and dead wood

[@gerritdevos4707]

You did a grwat job. Thanks a lot.

[@pochobailey]

You did an amazing job explaining. Saved to watch later videos so I can come back anytime. Thanks for sharing. Cheers from Barcelona

[@BonsaiEn]

Awesome mate!

[@patriciareynoso3609]

I loved this! This illustration is great.

[@BonsaiEn]

Hi Patricia, we have a whole beginners course which is taught in this format at www.thebonsaidojo.com we find people pick up fundamental techniques quicker this way.

[@nwilliams1540]

Josh this information was very detailed and very helpful. Could you do similar detail on how to create the apex on several species?

[@santiagoromero3475]

This was very easy to understand, thank you! It answered some questions I had about ramification and pruning on junipers so thank you! The drawing and white board help a lot as well! If you could do any more videos about pruning junipers and development that would be great! Some deciduous trees refinement and ramification process videos would be great too

[@mikoajbielawny226]

Great Video!

[@liew9574]

Thanks for doing this !

[@BonsaiEn]

My pleasure!

[@arnopienaar8111]

Bravo ,from Bloemfontein ,South Africa

[@joehop3191]

Excellent video!!

[@BonsaiEn]

Thank You

[@kilthsenarc]

Great video ,easy too understand thanks

[@BonsaiEn]

You're welcome!

[@williamgoodwin9667]

Oh keep up the awesome work. Need more people from down under doing this.

[@BonsaiEn]

Thanks, will do!

[@frederickmcmillan3840]

Nice for growth ✨️

[@sharonfenton227]

Excellent video. Really informative.

[@BonsaiEn]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@CrypticChills666]

So helpful

[@williamgoodwin9667]

Omg it all makes sense now

[@waterlover]

Interesting video

[@user-dx2mu7sq7c]

Thank you for a very useful video. I wonder if you can use a 3D discrition such as use the wire to simulate a pad, that would be great.

[@guillaumetaramarcaz69]

good job ty

[@matthewshipp3949]

Thanks for the great information and demystifying junipers. I am wondering if you or anyone can clarify regarding getting branches on those outside bends? Do those new branches come from individual needles you leave on? I guess I am wondering if in the drawing those are individual needles you refer to as foliage to either leave on or remove?

[@AmputatedToddler]

I just rewatched your video on how to get bigger thicker trunks and I had a question on the part where you said you could chop off the top portion of the tree (around 24:10 in that other video) after it was done being used for development. Would it be possible to air layer it as to not waste that part of the tree? And if you could when would be the best time to do so? Thanks btw😁

[@anastaway230]

thanks man you helped me a lot.. i still a beginner. i wish i found you video a little bit sooner because i already cut all the foilage and only left the foilage at the end of the trunk.. 😔 btw can you explain about the fertilizer for 2 seasons country and what fertilizer are best for asian 2 seasons country.. 🙇🏾‍♂️🙇🏾‍♂️

[@Matt6644]

It would be really good to see a pad creation video where you demonstrate it as I'm still a little confused as to how the structure should be wired.

[@BonsaiEn]

ill put that in mind for a future video!

[@OneChartguitarlessons]

@@BonsaiEn please do! Hanging out for that!

[@jeffcharnstrom4004]

Very informative

[@BonsaiEn]

Cheers Jeff

[@Caseydog3]

Nice explanation would I do the same if I want a very small tree?

[@tobywilson4876]

Hi Josh thanks for the video I found it very helpful! I have a formal upright Chinese Juniper and wondered if you still need to wire the branches in a twisting shape as you did on this vid? The branches on mine come out straight and horizontal from the trunk and now might be too thick to bend, but I'm concerned that I won't be able to achieve well-shaped pads if I can't correct this. Many thanks

[@BonsaiEn]

Your Branches will look better if they can be wired down and with some movement in them, there are options to do this which can be in the form of using raffia over the branch to bend it or if the branch is too thick to be physically bent you can use branch splitter to split the branch on the underside to help give it some flex. Although the last method is an advanced technique and you may need someone to help you. Raffia is a simple process though. Check out our video on juniper maintenance and raffia application.

[@alexisnogueras9400]

Good job detailing....even my wife agreed!🤣👏👏

[@bulebonsaibatam1758]

I have a few Juniper horisontalis would you recommend the same branch structure method?

[@TheOG_Bonsai_Guy]

We have here in the states the izelli nursery and they put it out pre material. Is it possible to do a video on a coiled Black pine. And how to develop its branches

[@joshwolf6512]

Did great bro turns out I’ve been doing it way off .. hopefully see you again at bonsai world soon

[@BonsaiEn]

hopefully i can get back down there soon!

[@brettstevens6592]

what variety of juniper do you do this to as other videos show you shaping pads on cascades

[@martifish]

Cheers for the video bro been a great help would love to see a similar video for pines. Also one on rafts would be great there are videos out there but none have much depth to them.

[@BonsaiEn]

Hi Martin, we have a black pine crash course on our channel which is in a similar format.

[@carlosrocha750]

Thanks for this great video, i have a nice tick juniper but im kind of affraid to begin with ramification. This would help me out. Thanks

[@BonsaiEn]

Hopefully this will be your step forward with your tree.

[@davidramirez8205]

Would this work on any species of tree?

[@OneChartguitarlessons]

THanks Josh, great stuff again. Would like to see more on the pad creation end of things. Maybe with some real trees, if drawing them is a bit of a challenge? 😀

[@BonsaiEn]

Hi there, this video exists! It's our How To Create A Juniper Pad Video.

[@OneChartguitarlessons]

@@BonsaiEn awesome, thanks mate. Also wanted to say thanks for your podcast. I went up to Bonsai World on the weekend and spent way too much $. But now I have some really inspiring trees to work on, including a casuarina. Have you done any vids on those? Also, I'd love to ask your advice on my junipers if I could? I'm kinda stuck with the 2 that I have and need some good advice re: shaping. Cheers, Matt.

[@aravisbutterfly]

The white board is great but I also think you should use an actual tree to show what you mean afterwards. I think it would help the people starting out, understand easier. Just an idea anyways... either way, your videos are awesome and I thank you for doing them!

[@jarrenp6396]

Josh that was a great video mate. Super clear to understand. Thanks for sharing! Can you possibly share what fertiliser/s you use? I'm in Aus so can source the same. If you have a video or link on this please share it Thanks

[@BonsaiEn]

Thanks for the feedback mate. When it comes to fertiliser it is on a use by use basis, i cant give you 1 cover all fertiliser. You need to learn what each component of the fertiliser does for a tree then decide what to use based on the goals you are trying to achieve. im usually mixing my own fertilisers for specific results. maybe i need to do a fertiliser specific video in the same kind of format.

[@jarrenp6396]

@@BonsaiEn that would be really helpful. Be mindful however that if you make anything too difficult then most people won't do it. I'd your target is professional bonsai people then maybe. But, anyone like me who is an amateur, I'm never going to mix my own. Unless I can easily get the 3-4 ingredients and it's an easy mix. I'd guess majority of people want a simple solution that will get them most of the way there. 80:20 rule. My bonsai aren't going to shows, I just want them to be healthy and grow well. Hope that makes sense.

[@wetbutts]

Just got a juniper mallsai a few weeks ago, thanks for the informative videos, they've helped me keep it alive and happy! When you say cut back the top foliage, how much should we be cutting? Why not let it all grow

[@BonsaiEn]

The reason we cut the top foliage back is to stop the top portion of the tree thickening. At the point of branch development you should have already grown the trunk which is where we would leave all growth on to power the tree, when it comes time to concentrate on the branches we need to keep a taper in the tree. This means the bottom branches are the thickest and the top branches are the thinnest. with this theory we need to keep the top branches trimmed to slow their growth while we let the bottom branches run. Its basically energy distribution.

[@wetbutts]

@@BonsaiEn tysm you are the best!!

[@RockSolidStudios]

Hello! Any recommendations if we have long lignified branches without interior foliage to cut back to? Whats the best way to generate backbuds, let it grow and fertilize heavy? Or I guess grafting would be another option?

[@AP-ul4zj]

I'm not sure, but I think to produce badbuds, the tree needs to have more root than foliage. The tree will produce backbud to create a balance and photosynthesise the excess amount of energy coming from the roots. Do you have a big pot? It also needs light. Buds wont develop if the branch is in the shade surrounded by foliage and the tree may neglect lower branches to focus on vertical growth, in search of best light.

[@AP-ul4zj]

*backbuds

[@stephenfalkenberg9925]

One question I'm hoping you can clarify for me: When we're working on creating taper on the major branches, you said to let a branch grow to its desired thickness and then cut it back (6:36 in the video). Do I understand correctly that this cut should be made to significantly shorten the major branch, and then emerging growth from one of the new resulting buds eventually "becomes the branch" and will recreate branch length as it grows out? Hope that question makes sense. Thanks so much for the high quality content - your channel is a tremendous resource!

[@BonsaiEn]

That is correct, you grow the branch out long until the thickness at the base of the branch is reached, then you can cut the branch back and grow on from new buds to create taper.

[@nicorosa3443]

Great video thanks, exactly what I needed to know to help develop my juniper. Just one slip up , you said we could use liquid nitrogen hahahh I dont think that would end well hahaha but I knew what you were meaning i just thought it was funny

[@BonsaiEn]

You can Actually Buy Nitrogen Fertiliser as a Liquid Fertiliser. It makes the nitrogen immediately available to the tree as oppose to waiting for organic fertiliser to break down.

[@JSam1]

Amazing info...but what's up with the saliva swallowin🥺❤️🌳

[@malervitelmalervitel2058]

🙋‍♂️👍

[@Ollieslife101]

So u saying people can't just have a Bonsai in a month or so? This takes years and years?...the GenZ kids or w.e. are screwed they can't wait for their phones to load lol.. Great video man I loved it and learned alot

[@BonsaiEn]

We live in an age of instant gratification and Bonsai teaches us a harsh lesson all about patience. You can see it in the quality of the trees of those who don't understand that concept though. Thanks for Watching!

[@chriskennedy8514]

Dumb newbie question: how am I supposed to put movement in the trunk if it hasn’t ever been pruned because I’m trying to let it grow so the trunk gets bigger?

[@BonsaiEn]

Hi Chris, it's important to have trunk movement put in when the tree is young. Once a tree gets too thick it's hard to fix a straight trunk. This is why bonsai material is more expensive the regular nursery plants as they have had lots of work done since a young age. If a tree already has a thick trunk you will need to style the tree around that straight trunk, so maybe a slanting design or a formal upright.

[@chriskennedy8514]

@@BonsaiEn I have 4 small trees growing that haven’t been wired at all. I’ve pruned 2 of them but am unsure how much to prune on the other 2 (different species). Should I shape the trunk with wire now or let them grow out so the trunk gets bigger 1st?

[@maxmartinez8374]

do you suggest bending the trunk while it’s young

[@BonsaiEn]

Keep an eye out for our next Q&A releases. Your question will be answered on an up coming episode.