How to Turn a 3-Year-Old Tree to 25-Year-Old Bonsai
Today, I'm going to show you the first steps to turning a 3-year-old Trident Maple tree into a 25-year-old bonsai with a thick trunk using the clip-and-grow method!
0:00 Introduction
0:38 Tools
2:06 Root work
3:48 Analyzing the tree
5:09 More root work
5:40 Orienting the tree
6:06 Two ways
6:30 Making drastic cuts
8:12 Wiring
8:50 More pruning
9:22 Comparison
10:15 Summary of techniques
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This has got to be one of the most rewarding hobbies in the world.
It is!
They don't just give it to ya.
I recently got my son a bonsai that we care for together on his 9th birthday! It's not too late to start and surprisingly it's not a massive cost either. We got our 3 year old Rock Juniper for 30 dollars :)
I suspect the main trick is waiting about 22 years.
😂i have been trying the last 15 years!
I think the California sun helps, too. I have dozens of trident maples in the ground in washington state. They aren't that big, other than. The ones I didn't prune. It's been 20 years!
That's exactly what I got from it! That and I should have known I wanted to make tiny trees when I was around 3 yrs old. 🤦🏻♀️
I mean, it’s exaclty what he says. This is just the start.
Being 50, the prospect of having a specimen like Milton has is slim lol. Unless I drop 20k. I do wish mame weren't so hard to keep. You can have magnificent mame trident maples in 5 years. But man they are a pain in thr butt to care for!
I am 66 now. When I was 40 I started with few Japanese maples, I had like 15 small bonsais. I had a Japanese maple that was 15 years a beautiful pine etc. During my divorce at 50 , I left my trees in the house with the sprinklers connected like always. I couldn’t no get to the house for 3 weeks. Finally I got there to pick up my trees and moved and I was devastated. My ex husband disconnected the water and my trees were all dead. I cried in front of them for a while. My heart was broken. Then during the pandemic I started again, I started with a nursery plant of a small cypress and seedlings of my big Japanese maple. I have 9 big Japanese trees taller than me in 5 to 6 years in big pots and beautiful young bonsais maybe 30 now that I care for them. I enjoy every minute. On the pots do really grow very fast and I fertilize every month.
I am 41 and I’m learning all I can about bonsai. It’s encouraging to hear your story and how you picked up your broken pieces and started again. Thanks for sharing that story. Wish you the best
That's very sad. I'm glad you were able to start over and have a lot of success
You are a determined. Good for you! Keep that up! you have more years ahead of you…and a lot can happen to make your trees heirloom.
Je dobre se nevzdat sveho hobby. Za 40 let pestovani jsem prisla vlastnimi chybami o dost bonsaji, dokonce mi zlodej ukradl 7 bonsaji, presto pokracuji. Jsem 70+. Zdravim z Ceske rebubliky🙂😂
Just after 3 weeks???!!!
I’m 23 and I just started my Bonsai journey with two rescues from the grocery store, thank you for sharing your knowledge I’m excited to see where this hobby takes me
That sounds like a great start! Please let me know if you have any questions.
You will be surprised how time flies. It will be nice to have a bonsai making the journey with you ❤
what did you get from the grocery store?
@@andrewrobert5019 I’m not 100% sure, they are both just labeled as ‘bonsai’ though they look rather different. One is bright green with a light coloured trunk, leaves with three almost tooth like rounded edges at the ends and it makes little green flowers. The other is darker in all respects with fully rounded leaves that remind me of a shoehorn in shape. They both like lots of light and moderate water
@@MegaElectriceyes The one with the little green flowers sounds like a tea tree (maybe fuiken, or something like that?). The other could be a Ginseg Ficus. It is very common in grocery stores. Does it have somewhat bulbous looking trunk and branches?
This is the best Bonsai channel I've found! Very educational, useful information without all the unnecessary diatribe most KZheadrs force me to endure. Thank you!
Glad you like my videos! Have fun with your bonsai!
I think it’s beautiful and sad at the same time that you and many other bonsai artists know that the time it takes to create a master bonsai may extend your own life span. I really hope you live longer than 100 so you can see your new tree develop into another master bonsai! Good job and thanks for sharing. I am now 41 and it encourages me to be more patient and make better decisions moving forward with my life and new hobby.
I am an eternal optimist😊
Not sad...it is good that we leave something good behind for other people to enjoy. For sure can't take it with us.
I’m 34 and just starting my bonsai journey. Your videos are so helpful and inspiring. Thank you 🙏🏼
I'm happy you're getting into bonsai! Feel free to let me know if you have any questions!
im glad i started this hobby as early as i am. ill be 26 next month so hopefully ill have some nice trees in many years time
Amazing! You are going to make some magnificent bonsai heirlooms :-)
An hour ago I decided to make a raised bed salsa garden... I saw this video and now I need to add "start to make Bonsai" to my list for this summer. Thanks!
Have fun!
Thank you so much. I want to grow 4 trees to give to my sons when I die. I appreciate all your teachings.
I'm sure you will create wonderful bonsai heirlooms for them!
I am glad I am starting at 33 (34 this year) as I will have a couple of nice trees by the time I am 50 :)
Presne v tom.veku jsem.ored 40 lety zacala. Chce to trpelivost, vytrvalost a co nejmene cestovat. Bonsaje musite obhlednout, pripadne zalevat kazdy den😊. Hidne stest a uspechu
Yo I'm 33 (34 in July) and I wana start too! Not sure what trees tho?? I definitely wana do exotic trees since I'm gana spend the time doing it I suppose
@mikeg1032 exotic plants go for exotic mistakes and exotic results, you shoud start with more resistent and more easy an manageable trees
How to turn 3 year old tree to 25 year old bonsai => wait for 22 years
😂
Beautiful tree! I am amazed by the patience and dedication that goes into this art. I started my Bonsai journey last year. I ordered a 3 year old Chinese Elm, and I dug up a Crepe Myrtle and a Eastern Redbud and put them in pots. Hopefully I can keep everything alive for years to come so I can create something this beautiful!
I dug up a small Wisteria vine from across the street as well, since those make beautiful Bonsai. It is extremely invasive here, so it's not difficult to find!
Im starting my bonsai journey and came across your channel. With all the channels out there, I find myself coming back to this one the most. Thank you for sharing your wisdom!
Glad that you like it.
I have a maple tree in a pot that is 3 years old and about 3 feet tall. I cut it back last year and thought I cut it back too much but now I see I could have cut it more. Thanks for the tips.
Thank for you sharing your secerts and keeping reninforcing your 3 foundations and metnioning them again. Loving watching these videos, they are peaceful and informing
Thank you kindly!
I thank you for your genuine nature and expertise. I began bonsai as stress therapy in my teens and now in my late-thirties, I have a full yard and many larger plants I refuse to throw out. Your video encouraged me to not only pick up a hobby I missed so much, but helped me realise I have an endless supply right in my own backyard.
Sounds like you have some great material to work with! :)
I am excited to see the update video when I’m retired.
Sir, I really hope you reach hundred and more years, so we can admire your skills and knowledge which result in such a magnificent trees! Warmest greetings!
Mini's are also a great way to do bonsai. Especially for those with limited space. They are fun to work with and keeps your imagination going as to what you can make. No matter what your age, they are fun to work with. Something easy, a geranium. Cheap and easy to do and fast growing and overwinters just fine. I have one that is 3 years old. Great showing the way you do your small tree to make it into a specimen. Excellent!
Yes...I will strive for a balance program. I just did a mini forest.
I'm just getting started in Bonsai. Thank you for the videos.
Awesome video - I just learned so much I've been wondering about my trees forever! Thank you!
This is how you shape it… completely cuts it off…. See it’s straight now, you can’t see the curve. 😂😂😂 👌 love it
This guy is a treasure!
Your Bonsai tree looks incredible, and you're very informative. Thank you for your time and wisdom. I hope you continue to make bonsai videos for 100 more years.
Thank you for your support!
This was amazing, always wanted to learn about growing bonsai's. The idea intrigued me and the discipline to transform something living into a piece of art over the course of many years seems like an amazing form of personal spiritual reflection.
Thank you! Best wishes to you and your bonsai!
Absolutely, thank you so much for sharing!
That was nothing short of amazing. Thank you.
I really appreciate all the advice shared!! I was gifted an assortment of 100 maples seeds, Osakazuki, acer palmatum, and assorted. Stratifying them in the fridge for this spring and looking forward to the journey! I'll definitely have to plant some in the ground. And I'll be looking to rescue any landscaping rejects I find to get a jump start on an older tree. 😊
I chose Ozakasuki as my anchor tree for my garden, along with Chinese Hackberry. They have beautiful red color when the weather condition is right. You have good taste
Great demonstration of your technique Milton. Thanks for sharing your secrets!
Thanks!
thank you milton. love these progression videos. makes the big beautiful bonsai tree making "magic" easy to understand for people that are newer to the hobby
You can do it!
Thank you for a great video!!! Staying tuned for the finished product! I learned so much and was recently given a dying pine bonsai tree, currently trying to revive
You can do it!
Great lesson, this is awesome! looking forward to more videos. Thank you!
I stumbled upon this video, and I wasn't more than 2 minutes into it before I hit the subscribe button...I have always wanted to learn how to nurture a Bonsai after seeing some gorgeous Jade plants at my local nursery, some of which are over 60 years old. I'm 56 now, so I am going to get a move on...thank you for the wonderful video, and I'm looking forward to watching more of them!
Thank you for the support! If you have any questions, please feel free to ask!
Thank you for sharing your knowledge.
Hi sir fantastic work god has blessed you with this amazing talent and patience
Thank you very much... I got into gardening last year and I suddenly had a peek of intrigue for Bonsai! Thank you for the informative video! :)
Wonderful! I'm so glad more people are getting into bonsai!
Great video! I just got into Bonsai and this is exactly what I wanted to see!
What a fantastic tree thanks for all the trees that you have that you shared with us and the information on how you got the seedling from seed to them being that spectacular
Just take time to mkae incremental improvements. Thanks!
Yes I like and agree. But here is where I am in life and my hobby. I can creat long term projects but at 62 I want to creat trees that come to state of beauty in 5 to 10 years at this point in my life. I’m working with trees and bushes that grow fast, I have older trees and bushes that I bought but I enjoy the process of doing the work myself. I currently have about 150 trees and bushes in my collection. Everything from hot pepper plants, weeds that grow in the yard, to very old Cedar Elms that have been stunted by deer nibbling on them for 20 years. So I ask if you can do some shows that are about bring out ideas for making a per-say finished bonsai in a year. I do enjoy your videos. Thank you.
I am 66 myself. I check one guy from England. My bonsais are 5 to 6 years. I started during the pandemic. I understand what you said we have to enjoy now.
Thanks for sharing! I will try to come up with some ideas!
thank you so much for the lesson. so helpful
Thank you so much, I love your videos, I am new to the hobby and still learning, your videos are such a joy to watch and very informative!!
Great! You will make great bonsai!
Very informative how to. Gives you a great perspective into the art of bonsai. Thanks so much!
Glad you enjoyed it!
What a good explanation! Now I also dare to cut!
Thank you for sharing your techniques, doc.
Someday you will share with others! Propagation!
Glad you like them!
Very insightful. Thank you for taking the time to share with all of us.
Glad you enjoyed it!
You always give me so many ideas for my garden trees. Amazing works as always my friend!
Thank you!
You´re a master, thank you for sharing your knowledge with the world. I wish you many more years full of happiness and health.
Thank you very much!
Thanks for another great video. I appreciate your demonstrations on how you are able to produce such nice trees.
Thanks! Now you can do the same!
awesome, thanks for sharing your knowledge
I love your videos! Thank you. I have sent a couple of emails to you this morning. I will be in your area tomorrow
Thanks so much for the sharing❤ great way to start a bonsai program🙏☕🌳
Was given a few trident maple seedlings a couple years ago. Been thinking about how I was going to shape them. Looks like at least 2 are getting the chop. Thank you for the informative video. Getting the like and subscribe.
They will turn out great!
I liked the video at the first "handy dandy" and subscribed at the second one. Thanks for this great video!
This was very helpful thank you
Thank you for sharing 😊❤
THANK YOU, VERY MUCH, FOR THIS DEMONSTRATION. I'D LIKE TO TRY DOING THIS WITH SOME OF MY MANY VOLUNTEER REDBUD TREES, AND, RED OAK TREES, BUR OAKS, BLACK OAKS, AND, HACKBERRY, BOX ELDER, AND APPLE TREES...
Nice video, thanks, plants and trees are life ✨
I just discovered you on Instagram, leading me here. I really enjoy your videos, so informative and so helpful. I’ve only gotten serious about bonsai just in the last few years, and I truly enjoy learning all I can. I’m only looking to be a well informed hobbyist, not a professional, but I still want my trees to look respectable. This video answered some major questions for me, and I can’t wait to try to put this knowledge into practice. Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom and experience. I’ll have to make the time to watch all of your videos. 🙏🏻
I'm glad you're enjoying bonsai! It really is a wonderful hobby. If you ever have any questions, please feel free to ask them and I will do my best to help.
Thank you for sharing your secrets
thank you very much sir, im very new to this hobby but i feel like i get like the best preparation i can possibly get
Best of luck!
Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I'm ready to start a bonsai
Best of luck!
Hello, thanks very much for sharing the knowledge. I really apriciate it. It is fascinating art
I think your a badass and seriously the only person i watch concerning this topic. I am nearing 50 and just picked up this hobby, though I do have high hopes. One of them is cultivating mesquite and pecan bonsai trees. Those being the most populous in this area of Texas, and maybe a scrub or live oak or two lol. Live long and prosper my friend.💪
Thank you, James!
Good videos like always Milton!! It would be nice to see you repoting this tree, and many other too.
Will do!
Very nice and very informative Thanks!
Thank you master. Really helpful
You are most welcome!
This was a great video and I learnt more about bonsais, cutting entire branches off to keep it growing in the shape and area you want is kinda nuts to get a result like what you have :) Thanks for your bonsai secrets haha
Glad you enjoyed it!
That is awesome. Thank you sir.
Großartige Vorführung! Viele Grüße, Christian
Thanks that's a good idea that grow into ground to make small tree into big tree ,
Step one of the bonsai-process: cut away anything that looks alive 😂
Ha ha! Thx More!
That is one patient man!!!
Thank you for another great video. I wish you many more years of health and happiness so that you may see this bonsai fulfill your vision!
Ihope to do so 🙂
Thank you for the information!
Excellent work, beautiful plants.
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." - John 3:16. Jesus of Nazareth, The Messiah, died for the remission of sin, including yours, was buried and rose from the dead on the third day, and whoever believes on him has everlasting life in heaven. "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:" -John 1:12
Thanks for the demo👌🏾
Any time!
Nice program bonsai,thank you for sharing IM here to support good luck Mr
I love you! 😍❤️ Thanks so much!
Great video, thank you!
Thank you so much 🙏 this helped me a lot
Glad it helped!
Thank you for sharing your secrets with us!
My pleasure!
Thank you. Hope you will show us more videos for more than 5 years..
I promise...eternal optimist!
Ok. Im convinced. Time to find the right tree.
Thank you Sir!!
25 years! That is a commitment!
I always wonder how they made them this was interesting and good video nice job
I got in trouble by my wife last time I trimmed our plants, I told her I’m bonsaing it she was like “what!” So I had to explain and she wasn’t getting it so for now on I’m going to use only certain plants that she approves of. Lol Thanks for the content!
Haha!
Thank you!
Agree, bonsai is decades of journey. The art of bonsai is the progress and will always keep learning from other. Got some trees that are purposely being ground for better root spread and bigger trunks (normally wider root spread = bigger trunk and heavy leaf), while some that are supposed to create drastic curve move in trunk being in bigger pot (can create mixture of compose and manure proportionally for better healing enviroment). Also agree about the root, unlike the trunk that can be change anytime, the root for bonsai still can be tuned before 5 year, after 5 year, just hope that you will got the result you want. That is why most of the nursery have their preferable method to grow the root for the bonsai
You are correct…and leaves will reduce in size (like elm) with increased ramification as you train.
Hi I'm new hear. I enjoy learning about plants of all kinds. Thank you for sharing 😊😊😊
Thanks for visiting!
Appreciate these vids a lot, thanks
Thanks for watching!
Thanks very much, really useful tips!
Thanks for watching!
Staying tuned.
Thanks...I will do my best not to disappoint
@@MiltonChang-ee6rq You are never disappointing on your videos.
Thank you so much
My issue with starting bonsai a couple weeks ago from cuttings is patience. I always want to see it grow faster :)
The more trees you have the less you'll smother each tree with too much attention!
Excellent video and lesson.
Thanks!
You are good at it.
Thank you kindly!
Thanks for sharing your secrets with us, but I still can't do it as beautifully 👍👋as you do.
You can do it!
this is so cool. ty. subbed