Thuja Bonsai Trees - Pruning and Shaping Ideas 🌱

In this Bonsai video we are working on some Thuja Bonsai Trees. I'll be showing you some methods of approaching these trees through different pruning and shaping techniques for better ramification and taper.
The methods in which I prune/shape these trees are pretty straightforward so any beginner to Bonsai should be able to follow along!
We cover a variety of different trees both in different stages of development an styles of Bonsai. I cover the importance of removing moss from growing up the trunk, the tools used, how to create denser growth and taper through clip and grow, when not to prune a Bonsai and how to separate an air layer.
After potting the air layer, I apply an anti-transpirant to its foliage to reduce transpiration, which is the loss of water vapor from the leaves. This helps the recently separated plant retain moisture, lowering the risk of stress-induced water loss caused by root system disruption. This application promotes a smoother transition for the separated section as it establishes its own root system.
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00:00 - Intro.
00:24 - Why use Thuja for Bonsai?
01:23 - The Bonsai Tools Used.
01:55 - Formal Upright Thuja Bonsai.
02:49 - Removing Moss / Weeds.
04:07 - Pruning for Ramification and Taper.
07:27 - Cleaning Up a Cut and Applying Cut Putty.
08:17 - Pruning a Mame Thuja Bonsai.
10:30 - When Not To Prune a Bonsai.
11:32 - Twisty Trunk Thuja Prune.
12:00 - Separating an Air Layering Thuja.
14:55 - Potting The Tree.
16:23 - Adding Spaghnum Moss.
16:41 - Giving The Tree A Heavy Prune.
17:45 - Applying An Anti-Transpirant To Slow Transpiration.
19:15 - Watering /Beauty Shots.
20:01 - Outro.
#bonsai #bonsaitree #notionbonsai #thuja

[@user-zu6nd2bn6i]

Adam Thank you for the video, even though I have been creating Bonsai for nearly 40 years your videos have encouraged me to try new techniques. You never fail to astound me with your depth of knowledge ot the subject. Where did your gain such a depth of knowledge? Best wishes Keep them coming.

[@mangalajayasekera4249]

Awesome

[@user-rb8fb5mq4p]

Excellent

[@joegarland4885]

Hi Adam your getting rather good at your presentation explaining what you are trying to achieve, great to see your air layer proved successful and you have given all the trees some well needed pruning. Really enjoyable watch, thank you Adam.

[@notionbonsai]

Thanks very much Joe! 😊

[@JamisonSculptureStudio]

Wonderful Adam

[@notionbonsai]

Thanks Brendan!!

[@Rajatlingam]

Hi there...nice looking beginning Thuja bonsai there. Thanks for sharing young man!

[@natrjack965]

Great progress Adam watching your videos before work at 4.30 in the morning 😆 yes 4 30 am. Can I ask what brand of tools you use ..thanks for sharing your experience and knowledge

[@chrisswales1174]

Great to see this Adam. I’ve been wondering the best approach for some Thuja I bought early on in my bonsai journey to practice on and this was really helpful. Thanks. Keep em coming!

[@MrJeetro]

Your videos really motivate me to test out new stuff when it comes to bonsai. Thx for another great informative video, Adam

[@notionbonsai]

Thanks Mr Jeetro! 🤗 I think It's great to try new stuff and experiment in any Art - This is how we can truly push the boundaries of creativity and discover our own unique styles as artists. 🎨🎶📸✨

[@earthladyadventures5018]

thank you Adam, you RE A GRTe example and i love how you COVER DETA ❤❤

[@jokinramosperez]

Nice bonsai

[@harrietb2141]

Very nice little trees.Inspired me a lot.Thank you😍

[@DavesBonsai]

Great looking trees Adam! Great video. I like the variety of trees you worked on.

[@mikec3820]

thuja are so great. fast growing. easy to root from any most size cuttings too. mine i got off the sale rack as garden center stock a few years ago. its already getting a fluted trunk. i have not even done any root work on it yet. this is the 2nd or 3rd year ive had it. i think you made the right cuts on those lowers of the last tree btw

[@Iwoodlikethat]

Great video, I thought you made the right decisions on cutting the branches off the airlayed tree🎉

[@tnt891]

really educating video..i loved...i never thought from thuja tree so beautiful varieties of bonsai can be made

[@coffetime4977]

Thanks for tips brother 😊

[@lamvuondep]

Thanks for sharing

[@TheBonsaiGarden]

Superbly put together video Adam 👌

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

That was really interesting and nice and clear as always Adam. I love the decision you made trying that airlayer after a bad break and the result speaks for itself. Cracking stuff :)

[@notionbonsai]

Thanks Xavier! Yeah an accidental snap is never good! 😂 Air layering is a good way out in some cases!!

[@andoionutdan9670]

I like it

[@joycefleming4986]

I really enjoyed this video Adam. I have a couple of little Thuja that are at about the same stage as these.

[@notionbonsai]

Ah nice one Joyce!

[@brendancahill3376]

Great video Adam and i was wondering what brand of Bonsai tools do you use,

[@lenggongsunardi5065]

Pohon tuja bagus

[@Warriori2i]

great films !! ...does the anti-transpirant wash off over a period of time/waterings ?? tks

[@jackthefarmer08]

Nice examples for a beginner. Your mixture of soil seems to be working well, but we don't have akadama here where I live. What can I substitute akadama with?

[@KennetDeBondt]

Nice work Adam. The 3rd one might like a bigger pot... Grts Kennet

[@notionbonsai]

Good idea!

[@Bonsaicrazy]

Missed it 😩 Watching now dude

[@notionbonsai]

🤗

[@cynrich1]

Hi Adam, I've been watching a lot of your videos, and this one made me ask: I have a leftover small thuja Christmas tree (a free surprise from our big box home store) and want to make my first bonsai with it,. It's about 18' tall from the top of the 6" pot it's in, and today is December 29, and I'm in Connecticut. What do I do with my little tree to make it survive the cold of our winter?

[@susanbigler3014]

Your knowledge of plants in general, and specific to Bonsai, is incredible. Is this a line of study for you? I have so enjoyed watching your growth from your 1st video until now! You are a very talented instructor😊 🌳🌱✂️☘️🥢🤗

[@notionbonsai]

Hey thanks so much Susan!! 😊🤗 I hope to always keep learning!

[@brucedeacon28]

👍👌🙂

[@notionbonsai]

😊😊

[@chaiwatpotichanid]

🥰🥰👍

[@notionbonsai]

😄😄

[@coffetime4977]

I’m use piece of paper to cover blind any branches before removed 😊hope that help u to decide have nice day

[@notionbonsai]

Great tip!!

[@Vaasth]

nice vid, I would consider slip potting the one tree that you are trying to thicken into bigger pot are you keeping the rest of the tree that you took the airlayer off to see if it pushes some buds?

[@notionbonsai]

I am keeping it for sure! Great idea on the slip potting! I may just do that!!

[@mandyhernon2238]

Nice to see an in depth video on Thuja, I think an underrated species. Yes agree with decision on last tree but felt it could have done with wiring the branches apart. Keep growing.xx

[@notionbonsai]

Thats another option for sure Mandy! 😊

[@tototest4157]

1/ this summer I lost quite a few trees planted in these plastic pots. When under the sun they get so hot you can hardly touch them. 2/ would’nt a plastic bag be more efficient than anti-transpirant?

[@notionbonsai]

Hey, Sorry to hear that. It doesn't get that hot where I am so its always good to use what works for you in your conditions. The plastic bag would also work but remember to open it every few days to air it out or you may get fungal problems! 😊

[@catieheffner2852]

You're voice😊 oyvey mama mia 😂

[@Bonsaicrazy]

Great video Adam That last bit was super interesting. Antitranspirant Wow What’s it called mate ? The stuff you use, Would you do me a massive favour Adam Would you possibly give me a mention in one of your videos fella 😊😊 Really struggling with subs at mo. 😊 Great video mate the trees look cool. I almost bought a thuja the other day I wish I had now. Congratulations again on the 30,000 milestone fella so cool mate 👍👍👍👍👍

[@notionbonsai]

Hey thanks Andy!! The Anti-transpirant I used is called Wiltpruf 😊

[@Bonsaicrazy]

@@notionbonsai thanks loads Adam I’ll get my trees some deodorant if they need them 😂😂😂😂😂😂 Thanks for the shout the other day. Your a star ⭐️ Anything I can do for you mate just let me know fella 👍👍👍👍👍anything except murder 🤪😂😂😂

[@blindsidets]

Would this work for thuja occidentallis ?

[@notionbonsai]

Yes! I think this is what was used in this video 😁😁

[@blindsidets]

@@notionbonsai awesome. I love your videos. Thank you 🙏

[@deus5185]

[@notionbonsai]

😂🌳✂

[@czaczaja]

Thugga😂😂😂

[@notionbonsai]

🌳🌳