Pruning & Shaping a Japanese Black Pine (100 Years Old)

I have had this Japanese Black Pine since about 1974 and it is more like an old friend than a bonsai to me.
In this video I prune and shape this old tree. It is a work in progress as I don't like to do too much to the tree at any one time.
I do show you an alternative to wiring a branch in this session.
If you like my shirt you can purchase your own from www.hawaiianislandsparadise.com
Enjoy and please leave any comments below.
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[@BonsaiBear27]

Forget the bonsai Peter you should start designing your own "heron's Hawaiian shirt's" I'd buy one! Truly an amazing black pine! Thank you for sharing great video as always.

[@cor3944]

I love your being so down to earth and your communication right to the point. And always with dry humor. Thank you, Mr. Chan, for bringing people to bonsai in a accesible way.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you Peter, a wonderful tree and a really enjoyable video!

[@Merlin-wo1kj]

Peter, Nigel and Appalachian Bonsai are all great video content!

[@jamesa7506]

" It's like an old friend. " A profound statement and perfect way to describe your tree. Well done again, sir.

[@EnchantedwithPoodles]

Beautiful new shirt, beautiful old bonsai tree.

[@yoteslaya7296]

"This is a very special one" No Peter, youre a special one 👍

[@Kgoutdoor]

Hey Peter!! Thanks for always making us new videos! You’re great

[@sallyhumphreys2410]

I can see why this tree is one of your favourites. It's a keeper for sure. Loving the jin too. I think those branches were meant to die; it really makes it. Loving your work, Peter.

[@DanielThiele]

your style with the hawaii shirts is great.

[@peterchan3100]

I am still looking for a sponsor.

[@oaantonsen3275]

Beautiful tree and a nice story to go with it.

[@AndeeKiss]

Lovely video, thank you! (Nice pirouette at 8:38...!) 😊😉😁

[@peterchan3100]

I dance - did you not know?

[@NerdyShawn]

Number one bonsai'ist in Hawaiian shirts on youtube hands down! Thank you so much for spreading the knowledge and joy! :D

[@johnhierons1691]

What a lovely video. Thank you Peter. Those of us who lack your marvellous skills can only look on in wonder, and amazement. Beautiful tree! and the shirt is pretty good too.

[@jg-reis]

When Peter Chen starts pruning (or hacking at) the tree, I press 'Like' ;) He's so nonchalant about this... you'd think bonsai was a high-brow activity, but Peter makes it so approachable. Kudos!

[@KaarelMaaler]

It's amazing that tree this small is 100 years old

[@manxlucky]

No sir, thank you! Beautiful, thoughtful and obviously loving work.

[@johnfloydman7735]

Amazing old tree 🌲🌳 thanks for sharing ✌️🙏

[@stuartbaines2843]

Thankyou 👏 More words of wisdom. I need to give my trees a period of "rest" i think to help them grow. (Plastic milk bottles are a good source of protective plastic for wiring)

[@jacobytaylor3783]

I come back and rewatch some of your best video material and this tree is one my favorites; to watch you work is such an honor, thank you

[@t.regnerus301]

I appreciate your practicality towards bonsai in their growing, training, and care. It has given me the confidence to experiment more and to take things slow. Keep up the great work. Much appreciated from the USA.

[@kaneda4102]

So much wonderful content with these videos, keep it up!

[@karinmoonhawk3720]

Beautiful Old Friend Mr Chan 😊 thank you for sharing with us 👌💕

[@247ahmad]

Mr Chan. Def not a cheap shirt. Another very knowledgeable class. C u soon.

[@antonstroms407]

Wonderful old tree- I admire the bark ridges on the back especially. Thank you for the video.

[@jdww4998]

Very Very nice, Love the shirt and the tree. What a great pair!

[@abcertweld]

Yes I won't ever sell it either. It's like an old friend that gives you lots of joy, and great memories every time you look at it.

[@deploribusunum3894]

Love the shirt and the tree.

[@briankavanagh7191]

Peter another great tree.

[@isaiahayers121]

Love the shirt

[@hobbyscape4433]

Thanks for the tutorial. Beautiful tree and nice shirt

[@daleandrews3552]

I bought one of these from a nursery in Shreveport, LA and brought it to my house in Lake Charles, LA where it replanted it. I since sold the house and honestly haven't seen its growth in around 10 years. I planted it at the corner of my house to give it "character" and curbside appeal. I'm sure it's doing fine in it's new home.

[@chinookwind8535]

You have to be bold ran thru my head as I worked on my boxwoods this last week I liked the results thanks Peter

[@purpleAiPEy]

Nice. Thanks for a pine video.

[@lefebvre1988]

2 shirts for the price of one video!👌 😉

[@martnhu8170]

Thanks for making all those videos and providing your knowledge to us. and btw, very nice shirt 🤙🏼!

[@MidniteSan]

I'd also put the health of the tree first rather than impatiently shape it to look good. Thx for sharing Peter, can see why u are reluctant to let that beautiful specimen go..nice shirt too 😁. can u show us the ginko biloba that u have in the green house please ? Thx

[@bonsaibob8253]

Great shirt! Beautiful tree, thanks once again Peter, I learned something new today.

[@angie3504]

Great lesson and that shirt definitely suits you. These black pines are everywhere here in Japan. Makes me want to buy more when I get back home to Australia.

[@peterchan3100]

They grow very easily from seed

[@Rob1337]

Beautiful tree Peter 👌

[@isaiahayers121]

Love the shirt

[@joannevandyke5112]

Looking good! Both you and the tree!

[@stephenlay9580]

Love your work amazing trees buddy 👍 great shirt mate 😁😁😁

[@nancyfahey7518]

I'm hoping your camera guy is saving your bloopers. You have a great smile.

[@aidatakizawa9944]

Peter as always a great video and shirt

[@milesryan6321]

Beautiful black pine and would be shame to sell your old friend keep it forever mate 👌

[@sharonpaterson1281]

I would adore and treasure one of those really old trees but I just can’t seem to keep any of my bonsai alive for too long I loved watching this thank you

[@pansepot1490]

Bonsai murderer! 😱😁

[@stephenlay9580]

Watch Peter's vlogs he has amazing knowledge, I'm learning from him as I go. there is more advice in our bonsia community on KZbin and on line Nigel Saunders of bonsai zone for example. Knowledge is key and these great people are willing to help

[@sharonpaterson1281]

Pat Pezzi more like bonsai slaughter as I don’t mean to do it lol

[@sharonpaterson1281]

Stephen Lay thank you very much really appreciate your help 😊

[@peterchan3100]

Just be patient and figure out where you are going wrong. All experience is valuable - learning from mistakes is one of the best ways to move forward.

[@ashwarirai]

awsome tree and u look good in that shirt sir thank u.😊

[@ahmnisse6611]

Amazing 😍

[@dannymarroquin3495]

The shirt banter 😂 I love it

[@benbishop1131]

Amazing tree.

[@wandererinthedust276]

Peter dies and goes to heaven. The angel in-charge of showing him around says: "So, how do you like the trees in here?" Peter: "They're vigorous. SO VIGOROUS!"

[@mandrei99]

And dense.

[@nazarzadeh]

Look at the lovely roots!

[@jaimethiessen]

How can I give this comment a thumbs up more than once?

[@freedomdividend1077]

Mine will be awesome like that in 99 more years.

[@mikeowens8483]

Love the tree. Good job Peter.

[@2211slim]

Aloha, nice videos, love the shirt 👚

[@karel-josefstary7880]

I love the shirt!

[@WR3ND]

This was great to watch, and I'm glad that you cut some of the branches off that I thought would be good to cut as well. Good to know I'm on the right path or at least a similar one now and then.

[@janeplatt8254]

Looks great peter love it , and love your shirt❤️😊🌲

[@ashakuldip1657]

Sir, thanks for another video on Bonsai. Your tree is very beautiful!

[@Gerdzeca]

You look very cool with that shirt sifu

[@herbertzurcher6927]

Nice Shirt 😉 and Pine.

[@zub305]

Absolutely fantastic shirt peter!

[@mykorizzo6579]

Love seeing your Hawaiian shirts Peter. Great video!

[@PatriciaAnnGriggs]

It is a Beautiful tree

[@darktonio377]

Never sell it if it is an old friend ! Nice emotional video indeed.

[@Merlin-wo1kj]

Never sell it Peter. Money will never buy what that tree has given you. Leave it to someone that will care for it like you did, it should easily live 100's of years..

[@kitzsumcio376]

100 years old verry slow grower, amazing

[@emme4478]

I love this tree :)

[@komorebibonsaigarden6324]

This Black Pine is beautiful and your shirt is super festive. When is the best time to cut the top off your Black Pine as it is in training and growing?

[@peterchan3100]

Mid summer

[@leonardfrittenburg971]

thank you for the guidance

[@Gbhmagic]

Can you make a video about the difference in handling growth /back budding on black pine vs white pine.

[@brentjenkinsdesigns]

This year will make that beautiful specimen 48 yrs that you've had it, if you acquired it in 74. Because in June I turn 48. 🙃

[@schnauzerranch9048]

Thank you

[@desertfugu]

I would like to ask if you can work with fresh sphagnum moss or if it has to be dried. I also think to recall seeing you potting a plant only in sphagnum - no soil. Is this true & why did you do it? Thank you and please keep up the great videos!

[@jan-willembriede340]

Like all your videos ... great. A quick question, when you put them in the box and let them grow, is the box larger than the original pot? And when you put them back in the container, does that mean you have to do some extensive root pruning or do you pot them up?

[@anniescolourfullife]

A beautiful tree 🌳😍 and your shirt is fantastic 😎👍. If I cut a ficus retusa right down to a shorter trunk, will branches re grow?

[@peterchan3100]

Yes it will - all Ficus are extremely vigorous.

[@anniescolourfullife]

@@peterchan3100 That's great 👍 to know. Many thanks Peter ☺️

[@Dzbaneeek]

nice!

[@creightonfreeman8059]

I have not had good luck with Japanese Black Pine here in Ohio (USA). One of the founders of the Columbus Bonsai Society always said he preferred to work with Scots Pine because it does better in our climate and has similar stylistic character to the Black Pine. I have a Japanese White Pine that I have had for more than 30 years that is doing OK here though. One would think the Japanese White and Black Pines would have similar climatic and growing preferences but my experience has made me wonder. Do you have any thoughts on this Peter? I imagine your climate in the UK is wetter and cooler in the Summer and warmer in the Winter than ours here.....which should make it more similar to the Islands of Japan.

[@peterchan3100]

Japanese White Pines struggle in the UK and I dare say in Western Europe. They are very temperamental - they lose branches for no rhyme or reason.

[@creightonfreeman8059]

@@peterchan3100 I think I have only had one branch die back on my Japanese White Pine in the 30 years I have had it, but it does grow very slowly. I thought it was from being in a pot, but it will go for 10 years before appearing even a little root bound, and the trunk has only increased maybe 1/4 inch in diameter since I obtained it. Reasonable fertilization seems to not accelerate growth very much.

[@aircampilot8025]

absolutely beautiful tree thank you for sharing curious I'm new to bonsai what would be the price tag on that tree if you were to sell it ??

[@peterchan3100]

Price is what a client is prepared to pay and if the seller wants to sell. It will be expensive - I dont discuss prices on media if you dont mind.

[@aircampilot8025]

Beautiful piece of art I understand why you find it priceless

[@jimtorode9330]

Peter, another wonderful video! Would you advise planting the cut candles to generate new trees?

[@peterchan3100]

They dont grow from cuttings but you can graft them onto other pines species. Grafting is best done in early Spring eg Feb in UK

[@jimtorode9330]

@@peterchan3100 Very good. I will attempt some grafts this early Spring...we experience similar weather patterns in the Memphis, TN area. :)

[@rafa1212]

Hello Peter. I am searching of plastic boxes likes the tree is plants. Can you please tell me where do you have bought them.

[@MrClarkeGaber]

Those are just some milk crates. Peter will use anything free he can get his hands on.

[@rafa1212]

@@MrClarkeGaber thanks for the answer 👍

[@peterchan3100]

These are in fact plant carrying trays - not milk crates. They are sold to commercial nurseries in Europe.

[@MrClarkeGaber]

@@peterchan3100 Interesting. Plant carrying trays here in the states come with individual cells. These r sold as milk crates and are quite pricey online. After seeing you use them to pot trees, I picked a few up from a supermarket for free.

[@pnwgrown_360]

Nice aloha tee shirt

[@유지태-l9s]

how long is length between the new needle and 1year old needle? I'm curious how 100year old are so small because pine grow new branch every year I know there is short leave method, decandling. but what is the length of the gap between node when you used the method

[@PghFlip]

Old friends. Old friends. Sat on their pot bench like bookends. The candles that were grown for their strength Giving their life for posterity Continued relations Of the old friends Can you imagine us years from today? Sharing a garden quietly? How terribly lovely and heavenly. A time it was, and what a time it was, it was A time of wiring A time of root pruning. Long ago it must be I have a photograph Preserve your memories They're all that's left you With apologies to Simon & Garfunkel

[@peterchan3100]

Lovely lyrics - thanks for sharing it.

[@PghFlip]

@@peterchan3100 What can I say, you inspire me. Thank you for all that you do.

[@empiricwisdom7902]

Good lord, that would be worth well over 100 thousand Euros... Why don't I have the money to have such nice things? :(

[@peterchan3100]

May not be as much as that. In Japan there are many many specimens like this and better of course but this tree is special to me, so price doesn't really come into it.

[@serendipity5874]

Amazing sir, what are your views on ficus bonsai's and portulaca Africans species?

[@peterchan3100]

Both are very good for bonsai - when I used to go to India to demo - most of the material are these two species and I produce some stunning bonsai from them.

[@serendipity5874]

@@peterchan3100 thank you sir!

[@kimberlyhale5396]

I would love to send you a picture of my black pine bonsai I purchased so you could give me some insight on what I need to do to it, I’m new at this and could use some feedback

[@Candymn100]

I love your videos, thank you so much for sharing your knowledge. What do you call the container that the Black Pine is growing in? I would like to find a source of what i could purchase soon.

[@serenas639]

Can the black pine be propagated by cuttings?

[@C1tyground5155]

Is it planted in moss alone.

[@mujtabaahmadi7960]

How much sunshine do pines need?

[@HavocVulture21]

What is the shortest amount of time that one can leave the wires on a tree?

[@peterchan3100]

Depends on how flexible the branch is - how thick and how you have wired. but it would be at least a year -

[@aarondlancaster]

Do a video on wiring for exhibition?

[@mucho02]

Is there ever a time of year or particular age of the tree that you shouldn't use wire to guide the branches ???

[@vmc1645]

Hi. I have not seen it mentioned as yet, but with regards to the length of the needles, if they are cut shorter to better represent the scale of the tree, will the health of the tree be affected?

[@DiamondCutter423]

How much would a tree such as this be worth in dollars? Could you do a short video about how a bonsai is priced?

[@TheOne-234]

Where is this tree now?

[@jimbersmcimbers]

Advert: Peter Chan - Will exchange Bonsai wisdom for badass shirts

[@peterchan3100]

Sure buddy

[@emijuman1397]

It looks like an elegant female shape

[@GoogleUser-yj1wy]

Second 😁

[@brianespiritu9371]

😮