Dude this was great. I can see a few clubs booking you to do something talks next year. Maybe autumn or spring when things open up you'll be helping bring the newbies and next generation of enthusiasts into bonsai, teachers are a valuable resource. Awesome..
@@grobonsai I think you've got a good chance as many members of local clubs are retired and there's a need for younger people to be involved. Aim high..
Darren you’re the man. Thanks Gro Bro. Thanks so much for your detailed experience, information and options. You clearly have a oneness with our hobby. Thanks so much for addressing my specific issue, which I’m sure many of your subscribers share. Keep on growing. Thanks again. Matt
I only have small trees, but would always cut off to the lowest possible position if it makes sense. It only requires time to build up on it, but that is essentially how bonsai trees are made. Your tree looks like a baseball bat, so I would definitely cut it down to give it character.
Yeah the issue I forgot to mention is the long internode after the first branch - maples won’t bud between nodes, so there will always be that gap if you see what I mean. You could graft but it’s risk vs reward. Cutting back to the first branches is a good option and what I would do in your case
Wish that I could like this video twice! This is just what a lot of us, in Matt's position, needed. Thank You! For me, although I have done a lot of my own research as well as watching many videos like yours, I still just can't see what style some of my starter trees want to be!
I think ive used all three of those options at some point hahahh. but i think trying to ask the long term questions will definitely help any one out along. 👍
Smashed that like button even before the video was over. When is the release date of your book? You got to bring those thoughts on paper! You made me rethink some of my choices for the future of at least three of four of my trees, thank you!
My Grandpa was the president of bonsai in Taree, NSW, Austraila. He had approximately 150 bonsai, the oldest one was 65 years old. My grandpa bought me my first bonsai a few weeks ago which is a fig not sure what kind though. He took me to a workshop that happens one a month. Unfortunately my grandpa just passed away so suddenly, I am devastated that we didn’t have more time together and to learn from him. My fig is doing very well and is growing a lot of leaf but i’m clueless on the root systems, Grandpa cut a few small hairy roots and left a couple alone along with the structural roots but now he’s gone and I’m clueless. Also could you talk about green grass moss and designs with figurines.
Hi, I'm sorry I didn't reply sooner! The best time to work on Ficus is when it is hot, and they really like humidity. I'm afraid it's hard to provide specific advice without seeing the tree. Although I have setup a Patreon to provide help and guidance 1-2-1, questions are quiet at the moment, so if you'd like to send photo's of the tree either on instagram or email (details in the description of the video) I will have a look. I'm sorry to hear you have lost your Grandpa, it's inspiring to read your story and that you are continuing the journey you started together.
i have a Hornbeam absolutely ditto for yours, maybe slightly thicker trunk and slightly thicker leader, I don't think I could bend the leader with wire, my plan was to use several "v" shaped cuts to do what you did with your leader, I've practiced on scrap twigs to try to get some experience, hoping to bend it this spring? Any advice would be much appreciated. I'm only started about 15/16 months, 35 trees 🤪
Hi, the technique you refer to is wedge cut. It is not suitable for deciduous species such as hornbeam, die-back will occur below the cut. Despite advice I have tried it! If it’s not bendable the best approach is to grow a new section of leader by inducing backbuds (hopefully) a few centimetres along the current leader, then cutting back. It may look awkward with 90 degree angles to begin, but the transitions smooth out with age and thickening
@@grobonsaithank you so much, I was convinced that was the answer to my problem, I already have back budding on that section, thanks again, you've just saved me a lot of grief, 😘
I tried to tag you on a photo on my community tab but it didn’t work. Here it is on Instagram instagram.com/p/CPidDU2Dv_G/? Since the flowers fell, it is now growing very strongly and will be pruned in the few weeks
Nice explanation and very friendly vibe as always. You should all go and support this guy on Patreon if you can :)
Thanks 🙏
Dude this was great. I can see a few clubs booking you to do something talks next year. Maybe autumn or spring when things open up you'll be helping bring the newbies and next generation of enthusiasts into bonsai, teachers are a valuable resource. Awesome..
Maybe one day! Thanks for the encouraging feedback
@@grobonsai I think you've got a good chance as many members of local clubs are retired and there's a need for younger people to be involved. Aim high..
Darren you’re the man. Thanks Gro Bro.
Thanks so much for your detailed experience, information and options. You clearly have a oneness with our hobby. Thanks so much for addressing my specific issue, which I’m sure many of your subscribers share. Keep on growing. Thanks again. Matt
I only have small trees, but would always cut off to the lowest possible position if it makes sense.
It only requires time to build up on it, but that is essentially how bonsai trees are made.
Your tree looks like a baseball bat, so I would definitely cut it down to give it character.
Yeah the issue I forgot to mention is the long internode after the first branch - maples won’t bud between nodes, so there will always be that gap if you see what I mean. You could graft but it’s risk vs reward. Cutting back to the first branches is a good option and what I would do in your case
What would be the best time of year to cut down to the lowest branches? Thanks
@@mattbrennan647 If you wait until tomorrow, it will take one more day to heal 😜
So, an early summer trunk chop is safe? Thanks
Very nicely explained and reasoned through. 👍 Another top job Darren.
Thanks Jason 👍
Wish that I could like this video twice! This is just what a lot of us, in Matt's position, needed. Thank You!
For me, although I have done a lot of my own research as well as watching many videos like yours, I still just can't see what style some of my starter trees want to be!
I always said if a video helps or entertains even just one person - then it was worth the effort 😊 thank you
Great video again 👍 I'm a beginner and each video is a great help
Glad to help
I didn't know bar branches would cause inverse taper. Very good explanation. Thanks for that! You have a new subscriber.
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for the sub
Your explanation on different issues and your opinions are valued here also. Great video, thanks!
Awesome, thank you!
That was a big help thank you for this video 🍁
Glad it was helpful! 🙏
I've got a similar problem with a few of my developing trees. This is a great help. Thank you
Glad it helps
I think ive used all three of those options at some point hahahh. but i think trying to ask the long term questions will definitely help any one out along. 👍
Cheers Ian
Very nice bonsai tree
Thanks Darren
Smashed that like button even before the video was over. When is the release date of your book? You got to bring those thoughts on paper! You made me rethink some of my choices for the future of at least three of four of my trees, thank you!
Thanks for the great feedback- I’m glad the video helped!
Nice video. Good explaining.
Thanks for watching
love this
Thanks Adam
My Grandpa was the president of bonsai in Taree, NSW, Austraila. He had approximately 150 bonsai, the oldest one was 65 years old. My grandpa bought me my first bonsai a few weeks ago which is a fig not sure what kind though. He took me to a workshop that happens one a month. Unfortunately my grandpa just passed away so suddenly, I am devastated that we didn’t have more time together and to learn from him. My fig is doing very well and is growing a lot of leaf but i’m clueless on the root systems, Grandpa cut a few small hairy roots and left a couple alone along with the structural roots but now he’s gone and I’m clueless. Also could you talk about green grass moss and designs with figurines.
Hi, I'm sorry I didn't reply sooner! The best time to work on Ficus is when it is hot, and they really like humidity. I'm afraid it's hard to provide specific advice without seeing the tree. Although I have setup a Patreon to provide help and guidance 1-2-1, questions are quiet at the moment, so if you'd like to send photo's of the tree either on instagram or email (details in the description of the video) I will have a look. I'm sorry to hear you have lost your Grandpa, it's inspiring to read your story and that you are continuing the journey you started together.
Also have you come across either Hugh Grant of Tree Makers, or Josh of bonsai-en? Both based in Australia so have a similar climate.
Super
i have a Hornbeam absolutely ditto for yours, maybe slightly thicker trunk and slightly thicker leader, I don't think I could bend the leader with wire, my plan was to use several "v" shaped cuts to do what you did with your leader, I've practiced on scrap twigs to try to get some experience, hoping to bend it this spring? Any advice would be much appreciated. I'm only started about 15/16 months, 35 trees 🤪
Hi, the technique you refer to is wedge cut. It is not suitable for deciduous species such as hornbeam, die-back will occur below the cut. Despite advice I have tried it! If it’s not bendable the best approach is to grow a new section of leader by inducing backbuds (hopefully) a few centimetres along the current leader, then cutting back. It may look awkward with 90 degree angles to begin, but the transitions smooth out with age and thickening
@@grobonsaithank you so much, I was convinced that was the answer to my problem, I already have back budding on that section, thanks again, you've just saved me a lot of grief, 😘
How is your very old cotoneaster ?
I tried to tag you on a photo on my community tab but it didn’t work. Here it is on Instagram instagram.com/p/CPidDU2Dv_G/?
Since the flowers fell, it is now growing very strongly and will be pruned in the few weeks