How to Create Drastic Bends on a Bonsai Trunk

[@TheBonsaiGarden]

Always superbly edited. There are two kinds of bonsai KZbin channel: 1. Those who point and shoot. 2. Those who try to produce beautiful content. Thank you for being in the second group and keep up the great work Adam. 👍

[@notionbonsai]

Thanks for the kind words Jason 🤗

[@watsup6084]

So well presented and edited. Your joy about the trees is infectious.

[@notionbonsai]

Hey thanks very much! There will be lots more videos to come! 😀

[@viktorsbonsai]

Yo! Sup man? Just wanted to point out to everyone who’s whatching this video that thuja is an amazining species. Everyone talks about flexibility in pines and junipers but i find juniper aren’t quite as flexible, you have to force them into shape. While thuja is SUPER FLEXIBLE. Landscape thuja with even ~7 cm can actually be slighty twisted. Awesome species.

[@notionbonsai]

Hey! I definitely agree on that! Thanks for watching 😁

[@raymondplodzien7459]

Best descriptive bonsai videos around! Thank You!

[@notionbonsai]

Thank you very much Raymond! 😀 There will be lots more videos to come!

[@mirnacintron7660]

I love how you teach people, you are very professional, even though you look young. Who ever your master is or was taught you very well! Tks. for all you do!

[@notionbonsai]

Hey thank you so much! I love to teach!

[@brianbower5320]

Brilliant video, I’m going to watch all your others now

[@notionbonsai]

Hey thanks very much Brian! Hope you like em! 🤗

[@howardmckeown7187]

love your videos, your accent makes it very easy for me to understand, n ireland newbie, thanks

[@notionbonsai]

I'm glad my accent is easy to understand haha! Thanks very much Howard 😄

[@iamshredder3587]

Agreed about the accent and im not even irish. )) Well, ethnically i am least in part. Half Irish half german and dual citizen american and Australian and honorary Armenian with stunningly beautuful and amazing Armenian Fiancee (with an ancient armenian bloodline traced back thousands of years through royalty and all. Til i come along and interupted it ha) I actually wasnt sure if it was irish ot scottish though. Q

[@ArkansasBikernet]

Dude (a friendly dude)... Can I share a criticism of your channel. You are so good at this (not that's not the criticism), keep up the great work. My criticism is that you have been silent for awhile and your content is very well done and explained in an easy to understand and clear way. THANK you for that...and I look forward to your next video. Seriously though...you're really good at this. Don't stop.

[@notionbonsai]

Hi Wally. Thank you so much 😀 I have lots more videos in the making!

[@ArkansasBikernet]

@@notionbonsai That really is great news. Keep'em coming. Good info.

[@AR-bd2oj]

Awesome!! Soo many tips and tricks packed into this video!! Thank you very much!!

[@notionbonsai]

Hey thanks Alan 😀 There will be lots more videos to come!

[@ronmercado3404]

You make bonsai making very easy to understand and more interesting..Going now into your next video! :)

[@notionbonsai]

Thank you Ron! I try to speak as clearly as I can as sometimes my accent can be difficult to understand

[@carolholt416]

You are such an amazing teacher! Wonderful explanations of everything you are doing. Loved this video and all your others! Can't wait to see the next one. Thanks from 🇨🇦.

[@notionbonsai]

Thanks you so much Carol! 😇 There is lots more videos in the making!

[@conspiraterry7393]

"In bonsai things will look worse before they get better"........ Just like in our world, lol! Great video!

[@notionbonsai]

🤗🤗

[@bonsaisn]

Hello, bonsai enthusiasts are a wonderful art form. When I connect the lines, I feel happy. Thank you for sharing this great video.

[@Handless_handle]

Mate keep up the content!! Your videos are brilliant!!

[@notionbonsai]

Hey! Thanks for watching my video 😃There is lots more videos to come!

[@scotthogbin613]

Your Japanese Larch looks amazing Adam, you have such a huge future ahead of you mate.. i say LOOKOUT Nigel Saunders here comes Adam... stay humble and keep growing my friend 😊

[@notionbonsai]

Thank you Scott! I know Nigel 🤗 He featured in my Bonsai Documentary! I wish you the best of luck with all of your trees also! There will be more videos to come in the future!

[@duncansgardengarage3473]

My favorite part was removing the wire. Great video!

[@jimirvine1807]

I really appreciate your explanations as you work. I’m not new to bonsai and I’ve watched a lot of KZbin videos, but I find your presentations much more informative than others. I’m a fan.

[@notionbonsai]

Hey thanks Jim! 😀 There will be lots more videos to come!

[@natrjack965]

Truly a fantastic video you have a great amount of knowledge for someone so young 👍

[@notionbonsai]

Much appreciated Michael! I have studied the Art of Bonsai in great detail! There is always more to learn though 😃

[@RolandWampers]

That was seriously instructive. Thank you.

[@christinabuffington4257]

Great job! You are such a natural teacher. Sooo inspiring. Thank you!! 😊

[@notionbonsai]

Hey thank you Christina! 😊😊There will be lots more videos to come!

[@elementalbonsai]

Nice job on those trees ! 👌

[@notionbonsai]

Thanks Angry Bonsai! 🤗

[@Bowman11111]

Brilliant videos on this site with some good pointer and brilliant ideas. Outstanding site

[@notionbonsai]

Hey thank you so much!!

[@dshevack1]

Will definitely be a champion

[@sherylingram6166]

Very informative video! I've watched lots of Bonsai tutorials and you made it very clear and explained how to bend the bonsai I am a novice at bonsai, I have a few that I'm working on. I will implement your techniques for sure!!

[@coffetime4977]

Top! Top ! Top! What else hope I can see one day your lovely garden 😊

[@ThomasBarbarick]

Always a great view. Very informative. Be great to see how it looks when you remove the wire.

[@JonHowardPhotos]

Very nicely done. Great editing. Great content.

[@jeffwilken6560]

Adorable little tree...great job...let's see it in a year! Love your videos!!!,,👍

[@notionbonsai]

Hey thanks Jeff!

[@williamgibbs8062]

Nicely done. Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge.

[@notionbonsai]

Thanks William 🤗

[@mattjohnson9226]

Nice bends , I’ve been training some branches on one of my ficuses with some gradual s bends, in spring I am going to air layer them and start new trees that are already bent. .. myan I love Bonsai !! 🎊 😂🎉

[@notionbonsai]

Thanks Matt! That's such a good way of getting a new tree with already existing interest on it! I love air layering!

[@mattjohnson9226]

@@notionbonsai I was intimidated to try it . I have two that I started last month. They haven’t shown any signs of being sad. I’m hoping next summer to do a lot more outdoors and really grow my collection.

[@stevevaughn2040]

Reminds me of a pine tree I found maaaany years ago that had a knot tied in it. Someone tied a knot in a seedling and the tree was about 15 inch in diameter fifty years ago

[@notionbonsai]

Oh nice thats pretty cool! I'd assume the sap flow would be cut off and the tree would strangle itself. I'm supprised the tree didn't die after all that time! Maybe it slowly grafted itself and created new sap pathways around the knot as it fused!

[@stevevaughn2040]

@@notionbonsai Look up Gilroy Gardens Circus Trees. They were made by a man in Santa's Village in Santa Cruz Mountains. The heir to a market chain here was an expert at giant tree moving and rescues the circus trees. They will inspire you, if anyone can figure how to duplicate the work.

[@davidstokes925]

Really nice video on bending. Thanks!

[@notionbonsai]

Thanks David! There will be lots more videos to come!

[@mandyhernon2238]

Great video as usual, I learn something new from you every time. I now have a bent fork rake, and know that raffia is palm leaf, I didn't know that before, thank you. Where do you get your interest for bonsai?

[@notionbonsai]

Hey! I'm glad I can share new things with you Mandy! I became very interested in gardening and horticulture during lockdown and stumbled accross Bonsai here on KZbin! 😀

[@thetruthchannel7073]

Hi there great vid very interesting. ..have a question..I've got a ficus retusa growing really well atm....it got 3 bends on it and wondering can I bend it more on the upper taper part of the tree/branch...it's 18mm wide..without snapping it...also what size wire would you recommend too..to try to bend it...that's a buitifull bend you did on your tree...love it Thanks

[@notionbonsai]

Hey! Thanks for asking! With ficus i'd advise the clip and grow method - I personally prefer how ficus look when grown that way. However if you wish to wire it, i'd suggest you give it a slight curve instead of a drastic bend like I done in this video, just to start with. then maybe the following year wire it a little further. Ficus are usually quite flexible but they do have their limits also so be very careful with how you bend!

[@thetruthchannel7073]

Big thanks for reply..advice taken on board. I think like you say bit at a time...thanks

[@psychopenguin3821]

Awesome work

[@notionbonsai]

Hey thanks!

[@rsa420]

Loved that video and your style very interesting. Saw you on todays Peter video noticed the hair come into frame and thought hey thats a different camera person lol. Thanks for sharing and look forward to seeing more

[@notionbonsai]

Hey welcome to the channel! Thanks very much!

[@rsa420]

@@notionbonsai going through your other vids 👍

[@vertigoone-one-722]

The larch that you styled looks fantastic! Maybe you could do like a short video with the last view off it from this video and some new shots of it now to give us a update 😅😁

[@notionbonsai]

Thanks very much Vertigo! I have a short video out unwinding the one I wired in this one 😀 I'll have an update on the Larch one also!

[@Akatsuki-En]

😂Shari maker is the new name for all box cutters from now on

[@andrewmontero1079]

looks great

[@notionbonsai]

Thanks 🙂

[@TersDeKock]

Great video. May I ask if u can help showing us how to bend a trunk thats about 3 times thicker and about 30 years old of a thorn tree. It was discovered by a friend in a back yard and neglected. Straight trunk about 1.5 mtrs with no bends. Any advice will help. Thanks. Ters

[@gubukbonsaitulungagung6467]

Gerak dasar e apik luurr 👍👍👍❤️☕

[@notionbonsai]

😊

[@anngelacervera2595]

Yes, leave in footage of cleaning trunks!

[@notionbonsai]

Thanks for the feedback Anngela 😊

[@rsa420]

Agreed

[@apaknya7170]

Hi... I just found your video. Thanks for sharing how to make bending a bonsai trunk... Do it work for a San Juan juniperus which has very hard trunk?

[@notionbonsai]

Hey Apaknya. Certainly! Bending the trunk of a San Juan Juniper can be achieved with careful consideration. The optimal time for trunk bending is during the active growing season in late spring or early summer when the tree is more flexible. Given the tree's hardness, a gradual approach is recommended to prevent damage. Start by applying raffia to protect the bark, then use guy wires or other bending techniques to slowly and gently shape the trunk over time. Be patient during this process to allow the juniper to adapt to its new form. With care and persistence, you can successfully bend the trunk of your San Juan! Hope this helps!

[@pokefiasco]

Hi there, I am getting into bonsai and niwaki and I was wondering if you could recommend the 3 best trees for bonsai? I will 100% get a larch! Great video!

[@notionbonsai]

Larch is a great one! I would say to get trees that are native to where you live as they will do best there! The most common for Bonsai are Junipers, Pines and Maples!

[@calmdymon]

What time of the year you did wire that larch ? Doesn't have to be before budding?

[@Tuscan2]

Where do you get your large rolls of wire from

[@vivvz89]

I once saw a large hibiscus that had a twisted, upright trunk, and ever since I've been slightly obsessed with creating one of my own, but I'm not entirely sure about how to go about it as I would ideally have the plant grow larger and the trunk thicker.. Do you have any tips or tricks?

[@notionbonsai]

Ohh nice!! As with any tree, id recommend wiring them young to get more dramatic bends!

[@vivvz89]

@@notionbonsai Alright, thanks! Would you make the bends looser/wider to decrease the risk of it becoming a big blob as the trunk thickens?

[@anamarisol1984]

What would be your plant/tree of choice for a very new beginner? I know gardening and indie plant care but I want to take a dab at learning bonsai

[@notionbonsai]

Hey Ana! Bonsai is easy once you know how!! 🙂 I would recommend starting with a tree species that is forgiving and easy to care for. Some good options include Ficus, Juniper, Chinese Elm, and Jade. These species are relatively hardy, can tolerate a wide range of lighting and watering conditions, and are forgiving of mistakes. When selecting a bonsai tree, it's important to choose a healthy specimen with a good root system, attractive trunk, and good branch structure. You should also consider the size of the tree and whether it's suitable for the space you have available. Once you have selected your tree, it's important to learn the basics of bonsai care, such as proper watering, fertilization, and pruning techniques. As you gain experience, you can then move on to more advanced techniques such as wiring and shaping. Good luck on your Bonsai journey!

[@tomuon1915]

❤❤❤

[@Johnny87Au]

hey man, what is the white material you used to wrap around the older tree which you soaked in water??

[@notionbonsai]

Hey! It is called Raffia. Raffia is a fibrous material derived from the leaves of the raffia palm tree. It's commonly used in bonsai to secure branches or trunks during styling or wiring 🤗 In modern Bonsai practices, some people prefer using vet tape as an alternative to traditional materials like raffia. Vet tape is a self-adhesive, stretchy tape that provides a secure hold while being gentle on the tree. It's convenient to use and doesn't require soaking in water like raffia. 😊

[@garrycarter8485]

HI. FIRST I WANT TO SAY I ENJOY YOUR VIDEOS. I AM JUST STARTING ON BONSAI'S. I WANT TO KNOW HOW LONG DO YOU LEAVE THE WIRE ON FOR IT TO TAKE THE SHAPE BEFORE REMOVING THE WIRE. PLEASE LET ME KNOW. THANK YOU.

[@notionbonsai]

Hi Garry! When it comes to wiring a Bonsai, the duration for leaving the wire on can vary depending on the growth rate and flexibility of the tree's branches. As a general guideline, it's recommended to leave the wire on for several months to allow the branches to set into the desired shape. 😊🪴 It's crucial to regularly check the tree to ensure that the wire does not start cutting into the bark as the branches thicken. If you notice any signs of wire biting into the branches, it's important to remove the wire immediately to prevent damage. Keep in mind that different species have different growth rates and response to wiring. Some trees may require shorter durations of wiring, while others may need longer periods. It's always best to monitor the tree closely and make adjustments accordingly. I hope this helps, and I wish you the best in your bonsai journey!

[@garrycarter8485]

@@notionbonsai THANK YOU FOR RESPONDING TO MY QUESTION. IT IS NICE TO HAVE SOMEONE LIKE YOU THAT IS WILLING TO HELP BEGINNERS. I CAN'T GO TOO BONSAI CRAZY BECAUSE I LIVE IN AN APARTMENT. TAKE CARE.

[@Елена-щ5ъ2ж]

❤

[@notionbonsai]

🙂

[@antoinequestiaux417]

I am afraid to break the roots when bending my Thuja. I tried today to bend it with my hands just to see and its moving a lot

[@cgagamer1]

Nice vid but when I did this the tree did stay in place when I was bending it

[@Akatsuki-En]

100th comment let’s go

[@brucedeacon28]

👍🫤🙂

[@iamshredder3587]

Nice work dude. And i like your enthusiasm. )) Fyi the man i first learnt off way back when wouldve gave me an earful for unwrapping the wire like that instead of cutting it off. He'd be like "this is not the time to get stingy and risk damage to the tree rah rah rah!" (Paraphrased haha) Cause wire was hard to get then and there so I'd try and save and reuse it, aka being stingy. :)) But hed say it's always best to cut it off over unwrapping. Particularly with thicker wire and heavier bends.

[@notionbonsai]

Thanks for the feedback! It's always interesting to hear about different approaches and the wisdom passed down from mentors. I totally understand the importance of being cautious with wire removal, especially when it comes to preserving the health of the tree. Cutting off the wire rather than unwrapping it can indeed reduce the risk of damaging the branches, particularly with thicker wire and heavy bends. It's all about finding the balance between resourcefulness and ensuring the well-being of our Bonsai. Appreciate you sharing your experience! 🌿👍

[@Akatsuki-En]

😂Shari maker is the new name for all box cutters from now on