Bonsaify | Developing a Japanese Maple Bonsai with Big Stub Cuts!

Eric revisits an older Japanese Maple that he first shared in a January 2021 video    • Видео  . In that video, he discussed how he planned to cut the tree back and his plan to regrow specific branches and create a fresh design. Today you will see how his vision has progressed and watch him put his branch cutter to work making some big stub cuts!

00:00:50 While the tree didn't bud everywhere that Eric hoped, there has been some budding. He begins with shoot and leaf reduction to better see the trunk and branch structure.

00:01:23 Near the base of the tree, Eric had been hoping for budding but opts instead to cut off stubs. His rationale is that the sooner he makes the cuts, the sooner the wounds will heal on the trunk, which will sooner allow for further development.

00:03:17 More stubs higher up the trunk that need removal.

00:04:24 Close-up of dead tissue and how Eric is trying to help the tree heal from previous damage.

00:05:28 [Now you know what it sounds like when the Bonsaify house gets ready for school in the morning!]

00:05:32 Strong shoots at the top; cutting some of them back will help encourage more of the lower branching to take off.

00:06:11 More of a controlled feeling and bonsai shape.

00:06:35 Wiring of tender shoots to give them some movement. Advice on wiring tender shoots, to ensure they don't break, and why Eric chose bright aluminum wire.

00:08:33 Eric shares his plan for weak buds on one side of the trunk that currently lacks branching.

00:09:06 Which bud Eric choses to keep on a middle branch and why.

00:10:20 Wiring near the apex.

00:10:40 Eric summarizes the work he's done - wiring, thinning buds - and analyzes the trunk and bark.

00:12:02 Even with its many flaws, by redeveloping the tree, almost all of them can be overcome.

How many big stub cuts did you count Eric making during the video? What experiences have you had redeveloping older bonsai? Please let us know in the comments! Share and like this video, and subscribe to our channel!