The holey Trident bonsai

[@TheBonsaiZone]

The term "heavy rootbase" now has a new meaning!! Great work on the tree!

[@Dmoongurren]

Hey Nigel

[@TerryErasmusbonsai]

Ha ha Nigel, yes, very. Thanks for the compliment. I must admit that it was a bit like opening pandora's box. I am excited about seeing how it can develop over the next decade which is when I hope the callousing will be done and I will have a basic branch structure in place - if all goes well and I don't mess it up!

[@getintothewildwithjeffruma8777]

That tree was real potential. I hope you film updates on it. I think I would have left the hollowed out backside of the tree the way it was and made it the new front to tell the story of a very old tree that time had been taken it’s toll on for centuries.

[@TerryErasmusbonsai]

Jeff, you make a very good point! Thanks. Certainly, one could go that way for sure. I am influenced a lot by the manner in which the Japanese treat deciduous, namely to hide any scarring, so that was never going to be an option for me.

[@GrowingBonsai]

Hey Terry, is there a follow-up video? Could not find one. I would be keen to see this now!

[@TerryErasmusbonsai]

Thanks Jelle, no there isn’t. It’s covered in leaves and would make for very difficult viewing. I hope to update in autumn or winter (Southern hemisphere) thanks for asking though!

[@KennetDeBondt]

Anazing... inside, you could have used a balloon for the weight... Grts Kennet

[@TerryErasmusbonsai]

Interesting idea. You’ve done this before? What type of balloon?

[@BeigeFrequency]

You had a tree with incredible character and potential but decided to waste it all by filling it with cement...

[@TerryErasmusbonsai]

Thanks for your opinion. In my opinion I still have a tree with incredible character, filling it with cement was simply a means to an end.

[@BeigeFrequency]

​@@TerryErasmusbonsai It is your tree, so it's yours to do with what you will. I just don't understand why you would fill a tree that has that has so much interest with cement when then are ways to achieve something similar by other means, like wiring whips to a mesh cone.

[@TerryErasmusbonsai]

@@BeigeFrequency thank you for the suggestion. I have seen that technique once on the internet but I’ve never tried it nor have seen the result in person anywhere. However I’ve only ever seen it being used to create a completely new tree with, not “patch” a tree like this. Could you describe how you would use that technique in this case please?

[@BeigeFrequency]

@@TerryErasmusbonsai I was saying to leave this tree as it was, like an old hollowed out shell of a tree. And if you wanted to create a tree that was essentially an outer skin of a tremendously thick tree, just do the trick of fusing a bunch of whips around a frame.

[@TerryErasmusbonsai]

@@BeigeFrequency thanks. What was done was done out of necessity as I did not want to create a tree as you describe, as I believe that in the long term what I will create will be better. I do a lot of field growing, for many years now in fact, I’ve also posted some videos on this but I’ve never used the technique you describe although I have certainly fused multiple tree trunks to achieve certain objectives . Thanks for your views and for the chat though. I will shortly receive more of these from Japan and who knows, I might do something different with one of them.

[@liperosden4606]

I think you have a distorted image of a bonsai, you use some bonsai techniques but for me you are kind of a "cartoon sick, mad, crazy doctor evil, that experiment those trees" what you do is very far from what bonsai is meant to be...

[@TerryErasmusbonsai]

Interesting.

[@ValerieNew-v5c]

Hello Terry I have used the cement on my Field Maple and it looks great. I wish I can send you the photos of the Field Maple with the cement in the trunk. Thank you for your advice 😊

[@TerryErasmusbonsai]

Thanks so much Valerie. I don’t think you can pay a nicer compliment to someone than to follow a piece of advice given. I am sure it turned out great, thank you kindly for the feedback.

[@kurtkaiser7436]

Hi Terry, I didn’t catch what season you preformed this work, only that sap flow was slow. Thanks!!😁

[@TerryErasmusbonsai]

No worries. Probably late spring. I would usually have done this sort of work then.

[@razor2ts]

Excellent video as always, the Trident looks like Mount Fuji!

[@TerryErasmusbonsai]

Ha ha, thanks. Well I must admit I did not see Mt Fuji in it before, but I agree there is a resemblance. :)

[@bradleyc9538]

Awesome tree and very interesting techniques. Thanks for sharing Terry!

[@TerryErasmusbonsai]

Very welcome!

[@calvingodinho]

Thank you for the information on healing these big wounds. I am going to try it on a couple of old wounds that havent completely healed over. Also, what type of cement do you use to fill in the cavities?

[@TerryErasmusbonsai]

Thanks Calvin. Just normal building cement mix with fine sand and cement. I did use stone in here but I think I would use something like LECA (Hydroton) instead should I need to do something like this again due to the weight.

[@arlocartledge5095]

Just noticed how old the video is is there an update? I couldn’t find it in your playlists.

[@TerryErasmusbonsai]

No there was no update as the leaves completely cover the base. However I have been meaning to take some photos to post on the community page. I did plant it onto the ground to let get grow faster too. Thanks for asking, I will do that this week.

[@BASSCHALLENGESA]

Nice work Terry! I actually quite like the cavity, gives the tree some really good character, the cavity look is probably more for the lazy bonsai enthusiasts like me, unlike you!😅

[@TerryErasmusbonsai]

Not at all Hugo. It’s a personal preference. I have a traditional Japanese approach to bonsai in general and deciduous with deadwood does not feature, at least I’ve not seen it.

[@brianjanku4549]

Thank you for sharing all these secrets. I like to grow the trees more than refine them. There is not much about field growing trees on KZbin. Your videos help me.

[@TerryErasmusbonsai]

Thanks Brian. I love all aspects of the process of creating a bonsai, and for me field growing is critical to success. I am very glad to know you find my work educational. Thank you.

[@snejinka_in]

Hello Terry, great video, any update on this tree ?

[@TerryErasmusbonsai]

Thanks for asking. Coming soon, just waiting for autumn here - so a month or so.

[@sincere_reviews]

love ur content. its been some time, what is condition of the tree today.

[@TerryErasmusbonsai]

Thanks so much. It’s growing extremely strongly and I should be featuring it on the channel in a months time I guess, when we reach autumn.

[@1Mutton1]

Hope it doesn't become too heavy to move around.

[@TerryErasmusbonsai]

Good observation! Well the tree took 2 of us to carry before any work and it still takes 2, so I guess its manageable. It was never going to be a 1 man tree :)

[@arlocartledge5095]

Have you ever considered using anti-mildew expanding foam just a thought I have not used it and I’m not sure that it would hurt the tree. Just curious I’d rather try something lighter weight than concrete

[@TerryErasmusbonsai]

You have made a good point. Many others have also suggested various material alternatives. I’m sure many others will work including the foam you mentioned. However, I was taught to use cement in Japan, this does not make it the best of course but I am assuming there is a reason why. Perhaps if you ever get the opportunity to do something like this you could use the foam and let me know what the longer term results are. I’d appreciate it very much.

[@arlocartledge5095]

@@TerryErasmusbonsai if I ever do I will share my results

[@TerryErasmusbonsai]

Thanks so much!

[@OddBonsai]

You did a great job at cleaning the old wounds and overall paving the road for closing up all those cavities. I understand the benefits of filling up those large cavities but isn't there potential for the concrete to cause further problems? I never had to repair such extensive damage as you have here but from my experience of working with cement I know that it will absorb water (from the top if it's going to be rained on, from the bottom through its contact with the soil and potentially even from water vapors/ambient humidity). So humidity could, in theory, still reach the healthy wood inside the cavity through capillary action. As I said, I have absolutely no experience with sealing\covering such extensive damage but I would like to fully understand your thought process. Thank you for the great video!

[@TerryErasmusbonsai]

Thank you for your comment and for the great question. My goal is to hide/cover the damage (which for me is also the most extensive I’ve ever had to deal with and was a big surprise to me when I began to remove the rot). I know the only way to get callous is to provide a sound surface, and the only material I know that works is cement based on fairly extensive use in my field growing activities. This certainly does not mean it’s the best solution or the only one for sure. Have you tried anything else perhaps? Apparently urethane or polyurethane foams are being recommended by arborists to fill garden trees with cavities. However I’ve no experience with that and I’d be keen to see how trees treated in that manner heal, if they do at all. However it certainly does mean less weight and potentially eliminates the capillary action of the water as you suggest. However I would venture that once the cement has does it’s work, and callous has formed there is no further need of it. Heartwood is for structural support, which in bonsai is not really needed so if new wood now, becomes old wood one day and does slowly rot what problems can you envisage? You know, when I started this video I did not anticipate the rot to be so extreme (I worked on some of the other trees for my customers and the rot was not this advanced). I usually only like to present videos on topics I can clearly predict the outcome of based on extensive prior experience, so I know I’m giving sound advice. I seriously contemplated not releasing this video due to the unknown future, but in the end decided that if nothing else, as I will certainly work on this tree documenting and releasing content on the process in the future, the information might be of value to someone. Thanks again for your comments, got me second guessing myself thinking if there was any way I could have done it differently or better. What suggestions could you make?

[@OddBonsai]

Thank you very much for your detailed answer. First of all I want to make it clear that I'm still a novice regarding horticultural aspects of growing bonsai and that my question was purely out of the desire to learn more about this practice and not a critique of your technique. So to answer your first question, I haven't worked with trees that needed filling up large holes. If the rot would only affect the old wood I think it should be ok as you say. Maybe my real problem here is in understanding what are the chances of rot extending from heart wood to sap wood and affecting living tissue. I think it was a good idea making this video as it contains a lot of valuable information. It not only shows the process of filling up the hole with cement, but also covers the cleanup part, examples of what can happen if the job is not done right and contains some good ideas on what to do for covering the holes faster. I for one will be looking forward to future updates on this tree. My intention was not to make you second guess your work and I'm really not in the position to make suggestions. From my point of view applying an approach that has worked for you many times in the past was a good choice. Thank you again for the time you took to answer my question!

[@maplejapanese9375]

I understand that quick cement is waterproof, so there would be no moisture problems as user odd bonsai suggests; Even so, if necessary, some acrylic-based waterproofing product could be added to the cement mixture.

[@Andsabe]

I like bonsai

[@TerryErasmusbonsai]

me too!

[@newzealandgreen9299]

Thank you for the knowledge your techniques are very practical and problem solving please show us the progress of your feild grown and harvested trident maple one day, also your tanuki's, love to see around you garden aswell, fans from New Zealand

[@TerryErasmusbonsai]

Thanks so much for your comment and your suggestions. I certainly will do so, I think it is very important to show the progress - whether it works or not, so that viewers can learn along with me from my errors! :) Amazing country New Zealand, I'd love to visit one day.

[@jawoend]

waaaw, i like it cool man😎😎😎😎

[@TerryErasmusbonsai]

I'm glad you like it :)

[@ValerieNew-v5c]

Hello Terry is it possible to see a follow up video on this trident Maple as I would like to do it myself but I am afraid that it will harm my Maple as the cement has got lime in it. If not this tree another tree you have used cement please. 👍

[@TerryErasmusbonsai]

Thanks Valerie. When I studied in Japan this is the exact method we used. However, I intend doing a follow up shortly. Needed to wait for it to drop its leaves, but until then I can reassure you that the tree is growing very well.

[@ValerieNew-v5c]

Thank you I will go ahead and try it, but I don't want to lose my tree 👍

[@TerryErasmusbonsai]

@ValerieNew-v5c you won’t, at least not due to using cement anyways.

[@jamesmoore5815]

Looking forward to see the progression of this tree!

[@TerryErasmusbonsai]

Me too! Its an exciting project.

[@bobmccarlie382]

In Canada that aluminum tape is called furnace tape because it’s used to seal joints in the ducting on furnaces and the various ducts to conduct the air flows. Would you ever use epoxy instead of cement for filling voids in a tree.

[@TerryErasmusbonsai]

Thanks Bob. Yes I guess epoxy would be perfect too, can't think of a reason why not. I've never worked with it though so I guess I revert to what I know :)

[@mrlucas338]

Please do an update on this tree

[@TerryErasmusbonsai]

It’s coming. In autumn when leaves are falling.

[@ScottTheExperimentalist]

This is amazing! Thank you

[@TerryErasmusbonsai]

Thanks Scott. Appreciate it. 🙇🏼‍♂️

[@TOMSAI]

Wow that is a massiv Trunk ! 😮 thx for showing us this technic to help the Trunk to survive . 👌👍 i have do the same at a Hornbeam. And i Hope the tree will over heal it . I wish you all the Best . And please Show us your results 👌👍 by

[@TerryErasmusbonsai]

Thanks so much! Yes I will do a follow up but the tree is covered in leaves so I will need to wait till dormancy. Thanks for the request though.

[@keithjarvis7196]

Give an update!

[@TerryErasmusbonsai]

Ha ha. It’s in the ground now. I took loads of cuttings and will be using them to graft onto the tree. When I do that I will do an update so please subscribe.

[@garlanddavidson6845]

That awesome!

[@TerryErasmusbonsai]

Glad you liked it!

[@fonsmatic]

Hi there Terry, great channel you have got going on, I am loving it. About this particular video which I found very interesting I was expecting a brief view of your future expectations for the tree's form and style. Thank you for the detailed explanation of the work.

[@TerryErasmusbonsai]

Thank you Fonsousa! You're 100% correct, I did not comment on the future much did I! Sorry about that. Its defintely headed to be an informal upright style. The focus for the next 10 years, perhaps less, will be healing over the wounds. I took several hundred cuttings in spring from this and 4 more trees like it to use as approach grafting material. I am not sure when i will get a chance to do the work but hopefully in the coming weeks. I have planted this tree in the ground now to boost the growth to maximum.

[@jptruyol]

Great job by this enormous Burgerian. It would be very interesting if you could show its progress soon. Thanks for your videos

[@TerryErasmusbonsai]

Definitely plan to. It’s growing on the ground now with hundreds of approach grafts. Will do an update in autumn.

[@koholohan3478]

This tree would look nice with hollows, an old spooky tree. Like one of Graham Potter's projects here on KZbin.

[@TerryErasmusbonsai]

Thanks for your comment and observation. One of the joys of bonsai is that no two artists would treat the same tree precisely the same as the other. Neither is wrong or right, it just is that artists vision for the material in front of them. Bonsai enthusiasts should be able to appreciate every bonsai work on its own merit, and not compare one to the other in terms of "this is better than that."

[@BONSAIenCORTO]

Me ha dejado francamente impresionado este video. Gracias.

[@TerryErasmusbonsai]

Muchas gracias. Eres muy amable.

[@johnlindell5024]

Can we see the result one year later?😊 happy new year🎉

[@TerryErasmusbonsai]

Happy new year John! I have planted it onto the ground and it is growing very strongly - healing over the scars and fusing all the approach grafts I’ve performed on it. I hope to feature it again in the future. Thanks for asking.

[@johnlindell5024]

@@TerryErasmusbonsai Thank you for the answer! I’m looking forward to see it I the future!🌳

[@TerryErasmusbonsai]

@johnlindell5024 thanks!

[@Martin-jt3zu]

Very interesting Terry! ..... Wonder if similar techniques can be used on a Boabab with a cavity in trunk?

[@TerryErasmusbonsai]

Possibly! Cement fill can be used in any species for that matter. However you need to consider what it will look like, that is to say whether the tree will cover it or not. If not, then can you disguise it by attached bark over the cement in a way to conceal it until callous does cover it. If not then I'd probably not do it as it will not add but detract from the appearance of the tree.

[@adamlavail]

Is there no concern with the alkalinity of the cement? In the US, cement cannot directly contact wood in construction projects.

[@TerryErasmusbonsai]

Hi Adam, that's a great question. I cannot tell you why its not a problem but cement has been used for as long as I can remember for this sort of application. I was first taught the use thereof in Japan, so I would reckon it must be ok. Perhaps, just perhaps, the acidifying effect of fertilization counteracts the pH....but this is an absolute guess on my part.

[@joelhiggins6156]

Thank you for the video! What an amazing piece of stock, do you have any idea how hold it is?

[@TerryErasmusbonsai]

No idea. I have tried through my agents in Japan to get information but the grower is retired now and I dont think he was much of a record keeper. Based on my own experience with field growing, I would estimate the age to be 25 - 30 years.

[@cduff4505]

Fascinating work! Thank you for sharing, i’m Looking forward to seeing updates!

[@TerryErasmusbonsai]

Thanks! I am certain this tree will be the subject of many future videos and be an opportunity to demonstrate a number of useful techniques.

[@eltanoadrian]

Muy interesante...pero los próximos lo podrían traducir en Español..gracias

[@TerryErasmusbonsai]

Gracias por ver. No sé cómo traducir al español. Lo siento mucho.

[@PutuBonsai]

those holes can give the impression of an old tree?

[@TerryErasmusbonsai]

Yes they could. There are two schools of thought on treating a tree like this. Keep the holes and make it part of the story. Or, get it to callous over and hide the wounds. I preferred the latter for this tree. Others may feel different about it, which is fine and certainly not wrong.

[@PutuBonsai]

@@TerryErasmusbonsai new lesson for me, making holes in trees part of the story. or hide the wound. Thank you sir

[@davidbeck6342]

I guess you have to look at it in a positive way: it is half full, not half empty.

[@TerryErasmusbonsai]

Thanks David, yes I am a glass half full sort of person for sure! Thank you for your positive comment.

[@jessestrong7269]

I see a lot of people use cement but always hear it fails. I’ve been using plumbers cement and it’s been wonderful.

[@TerryErasmusbonsai]

Thanks Jesse. What happens that you deem the cement a fail please? What is plumbers cement and how is it an improvement?

[@angry9901]

In Australia plumbers cement is a PVC used to join and seal pipes.

[@minibonsailovers983]

thank you sir.. nice tree.

[@TerryErasmusbonsai]

So nice of you to say, thanks.

[@calvingodinho]

your videos are really helpful with advanced level horticulture techniques used in bonsai. absolutely loving your channel

[@TerryErasmusbonsai]

So nice of you Calvin! I hope to keep the helpful videos coming.

[@helloww_]

very interesting video

[@TerryErasmusbonsai]

Glad you think so!

[@OjaiBonsai]

Beautiful sumo trees

[@TerryErasmusbonsai]

Yes they are. I think the dramatic taper provides a lot of visual interest for the viewer, you agree Jason?

[@chrisrigoni]

very cool!!

[@TerryErasmusbonsai]

Thanks so much!

[@dragaumchineis5070]

Bom dia, Flor do dia!

[@TerryErasmusbonsai]

Thank you, but I am not sure i understand what you mean.

[@BonsaiLearner]

Just wow

[@andrewt1176]

That is unreal! Great work with the tree. Can’t wait to see the other 5.

[@angry9901]

Me too.🌳

[@TerryErasmusbonsai]

Thanks Andrew. I imported 4 originally, customers chose theirs and this was the last one. The next 4 should be here next week but most likely will sell at some stage. However if I keep any I am sure they/it will make it onto the channel. Next spring, I might have a number of them coming out the field myself though.

[@andrewt1176]

@@TerryErasmusbonsai Great! I can’t wait. Large field grown tridents are my favorite