How To Create Bonsai from Regular Trees

Bonsai, the ancient Japanese art of growing miniature trees, can be a fascinating and rewarding hobby that allows you to create living sculptures. While often associated with exotic species, bonsai can actually be crafted from many common trees. 

In the video above, This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook explores the process of transforming a regular tree into a stunning bonsai with expert Michael Levin at Bonsai West in Littleton, Massachusetts. Below, we’ll take a look at what trees you can use for bonsai, how to create one, and how to care for your creation.

*Costs in this article reflect an average of prices that our team found from hardware stores like Lowes and Home Depot, and on Amazon.com.

Understanding Bonsai

Bonsai is not just about keeping plants small—it’s about creating a miniature representation of nature. The art form originated in Japan, where trees were collected from mountains and sculpted to mimic their natural, windswept forms in miniature. China, Vietnam, and Korea have similar practices, but the techniques and vocabulary of bonsai come from Japan.

What is Bonsai?

Bonsai, which means “tray planting,” is the practice of growing and shaping small trees in containers. It’s a living art form that combines horticultural techniques with aesthetic principles to create a harmonious representation of nature in miniature. 

Bonsai are not genetically dwarfed plants, but rather regular trees that are carefully pruned and trained to remain small. Many vendors sell small juniper cuttings as “instant” bonsai, but true bonsai require careful training and years of maintenance. If you want to invest in this art form, why not start from scratch yourself?

Types of Trees Suitable for Bonsai

Almost any tree species can be used to create bonsai, but some work better for indoor or outdoor cultivation. Some popular outdoor choices include:

• Japanese maple
• Pine
• Juniper
• Cedar
• Ginkgo
• Hornbeam

If you’d prefer an indoor bonsai, try one of the following species.

• Ficus
• Ming aralia
• Podocarpus
• Dwarf jade

While some species are more commonly used, the beauty of bonsai is that you can experiment with various trees, including those native to your area.

Getting Started with Bonsai

Creating a bonsai from a regular tree requires patience, skill, and the right tools. Here’s how to begin your bonsai journey.

Essential Bonsai Tools

To create and maintain bonsai, you’ll need several specialized tools:

• Concave cutter
• Bonsai shears
• Root rake
• Wire cutters
• Nippers
• Pruning shears
• Utility scissors

Levin notes that, in a pinch, you can get away with only bonsai shears.

Selecting Your Tree

In the video above, Levin demonstrates the process using a Japanese white pine, a popular choice for bonsai enthusiasts. However, species isn’t the only factor to take into consideration. When choosing a tree for bonsai, look for:

• Interesting trunk shape
• Good branch structure
• Healthy foliage
• Proportionate root system

The Bonsai Creation Process

Transforming a regular tree into a bonsai involves several key steps. Let’s explore each one in detail.

Finding the Front and Determining Height

The first step in creating a bonsai is identifying the tree’s most attractive side, which will become the front. Next, determine the ideal height for your bonsai. Leven explains that in bonsai, the tree’s height should be about six times the width of the trunk at its base. This proportion creates a visually pleasing and balanced appearance.

Pruning and Shaping

Pruning with careful, strategic cuts is the heart of this art form. Pruning isn’t just for aesthetics—it’s also vital for the tree’s health. Removing dead or diseased branches prevents the spread of any issues and allows the tree to focus its energy on healthy growth.

1. Remove the top of the tree to establish height.
2. Select primary branches, usually those closest to the base.
3. Thin out smaller branches to create the desired shape.
4. Pluck needles or leaves to prepare for wiring.

As you work, take care not to damage buds at the end of the branches.

Wiring the Tree

Wiring allows you to bend and position branches, training the tree to grow in accordance with bonsai aesthetics. Here’s how it’s done:

1. Start with the thickest wire at the base of the trunk.
2. Wrap the wire around the trunk in neat coils.
3. Use thinner wire for smaller branches.
4. Bend branches carefully to create the desired shape.

Levin advises leaving the wire on for about a year to allow the branches to set in their new positions.

Repotting and Root Work

Repotting in a shallow pot or tray is part of the bonsai aesthetic. Here’s how to do that while preserving the tree’s roots.

1. Carefully remove the tree from its original container.
2. Gently rake out and trim the roots.
3. Prepare a shallow bonsai container, covering the drainage holes with mesh and wiring the mesh in place.
4. Position the tree in the new pot about one-third of the pot’s length away from one end.
5. Secure the tree in place with more wire.
6. Add fresh bonsai soil.

Levin finishes this process by dunking the entire pot in water to shake out air bubbles and then planting moss around the base. These steps are optional, but may add to the health and appearance of your bonsai.

Applying the Art of Bonsai

Bonsai artists must have the vision to create art from living materials. This means envisioning the desired final form and then shaping the tree over time to achieve this vision. While it may seem daunting at first, beginners are encouraged to start with simpler trimming and shaping tasks, gradually working up to more complex designs. Here are some traditional bonsai principles to keep in mind.

• Asymmetry: Place your bonsai off-center in its pot and choose a clear “front” for the tree’s presentation.
• Curvature: Some bonsai artists achieve a heavy, weathered look by encouraging the trunk or branches to grow in curves.
• Gravitas: The overall look of the bonsai should be one of maturity, dignity, and weight. Think of an old, windswept tree that has weathered many difficult seasons.
• Leaf reduction: This is one goal of pruning. You may allow leaves to grow during some parts of the year and prune them just before you present your bonsai.
• Lignification: Though it will depend on tree species, traditional bonsai were encouraged to have dark, rough, weathered-looking exposed bark. Lignification literally means “woodiness”—bark should be a visual focus.
• Miniaturization: There’s no maximum height, but the essence of bonsai is creating a mature-looking tree on a much smaller scale.
• Nebari: This Japanese word for “buttressing” means that bonsai often have exposed roots at the base of the trunk above the soil line. You can expose roots when the tree is established and you re-pot.
• No trace of the artist: Traditionally, artists didn’t present their bonsai until wires could be removed. Essentially, the shape of the tree should look as natural as possible.
• Ramification: Branches and twigs should split as they near the tip. This can be encouraged through pruning and leaf reduction.
• Visual balance: Even without symmetry, the tree should look proportional, mimicking the look of a full-grown tree.

We recommend reading up on traditional bonsai aesthetics to determine which shape you want and the right techniques to achieve it. You can pick one of a number of traditional shapes that suit your tree species, or you can choose your own. Even the traditional rules allowed for flexibility and could be broken in the name of artistic vision.

Caring for Your Bonsai

Proper care is essential to keep your bonsai healthy and thriving.

Watering and Fertilizing

Bonsai trees have unique watering needs due to their small containers. Water thoroughly when the top layer of soil feels dry. Levin recommends using a soft-nozzle hose for regular watering. The small containers can dry out quickly, so consistent moisture is important.

Fertilization also plays a key role. Depending on the tree species, a balanced, slow-release fertilizer may be appropriate. It’s best applied during the growing season, ensuring the tree gets the necessary nutrients.

Seasonal Care

Different seasons require different care routines. Specifics will depend on your tree species, but here are some general guidelines.

• Spring: Increase watering and fertilizing as growth resumes. This is the time for more active pruning and shaping as well. Watch for any signs of pests or diseases, and address them promptly.
• Summer: Protect from extreme heat and maintain consistent moisture. Trees might need more frequent watering in the summer. Providing some shade during peak sun hours can help prevent leaf burn.
• Fall: Reduce watering and fertilizing as growth slows. This is also a good time to start preparing your bonsai for winter, transitioning it gradually to a dormant state.
• Winter: Protect from freezing temperatures, especially for non-native species. Bonsai species that are not frost-hardy should be moved indoors or to a protected area. Even hardy trees can benefit from frost protection or mulch to guard against extreme cold.

Ongoing Maintenance

Consistent maintenance ensures the longevity and health of your bonsai. Regular maintenance tasks include:

• Pruning to maintain shape
• Rewiring as needed
• Repotting every few years
• Monitoring for pests and diseases
• Thinning leaves to improve light penetration

Common Bonsai Mistakes

Starting with bonsai can come with a learning curve. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:

1. Over or underwatering: Finding the right balance is key. Regularly check soil moisture levels.
2. Ignoring pests: Regular inspection can prevent infestations and diseases. Use natural pesticides as needed.
3. Over-pruning: While pruning is essential, excessive pruning can weaken your tree. Always prune with purpose, keeping bonsai principles in mind.
4. Skipping repotting: Even if bonsai takes up minimal space, roots need room to grow. Regular repotting promotes healthy growth and permits you to refine the aesthetics of your tree.

Beyond the Tree

The aesthetics of bonsai involve more than just the tree itself. The selection of pots, arrangement of rocks, and incorporation of other elements like moss contribute to the overall composition. In traditional bonsai, pots included no vegetation other than moss. If you choose to incorporate other plants, make sure they won’t steal water or nutrients from the tree.

Bonsai pots should complement the tree without overshadowing it. Levin suggests using irregularly-shaped rocks in the soil to create a natural appearance and adding moss to give the bonsai a mature, well-established look.

Our Conclusion

Creating bonsai from regular trees can be a rewarding art form that combines horticultural skill with artistic vision. However, it takes time. The initial potting, pruning, and wiring only takes a few hours, but creating a mature bonsai tree requires years of care. The good news is you’ve got plenty of time to decide what shape you want your tree to take. With patience, practice, and proper care, you can transform ordinary trees into extraordinary living sculptures that bring a piece of nature’s beauty into your home.

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