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Hi there! I got this olive tree from a family member and wondered if I could turn it into a bonsai:

I've seen techniques where a tree is cut off few inches above ground, does this work with olive trees? Or will it die if I just cut it down?
I'll also note that I haven't had a bonsai tree so far - is this safe to do as a beginner, or should I start with something else?

Generally I'd like to start with a tree that grows in my climate, I've been told that makes it easier for beginners. I've been thinking about buying one or two of the following:
- Corylus avellana contorta
- Ficus carica
- another olive tree, if this one is not a good idea
- Rosemary
- Almond tree
(- maybe Jasminum sambac, not really a local plant but can be kept in the garden)
Is either of those a really stupid idea, or should I just go ahead and buy whatever I like most?

I feel like I'm asking really basic questions that I should find the answers to on my own, but I've consumed lots of information in the last days and it's all a bit overwhelming. I'm glad about any pointers in the right direction, thanks

Hello, as far as I know you can hard prune olives back down, it just has to be done at the right time, right before the growing season. Late winter or early spring.

Thanks, that's good to know. The tree already has some tiny new shoots, so I suppose it's too late this year? I guess I'll shelve this project and gain some experience before revisiting it next winter. I bought a cheap small juniper tree yesterday to train on, and I feel more comfortable knowing the tree I might kill isn't already 10 years old.

Well, I think if it's just starting to bud, it would be a good moment, as the plant is producing the hormones for that (assuming you are on the north hemisphere)... But if you're not comfortable yet, don't do it, focus on careing it and learn a bit more. When in doubt you wait, and if you keep it healthy you'll have plenty of time to plan it...

Answering your other question, yes you can buy some young trees to train, and meanwhile also plant yours, it takes a bit more, but you can collect local seeds for example...
Yes it's good to choose native species, as they are more adequate to your environment and more resistent to local diseases... It's easier for them to thrive. which species is up to you...

I think it is a waste of a good tree to cut it. It has grown for years to look like that. Grow it as is and get better material for bonsai.

Maybe not what you expected in a bonsai forum.

Chop it low. Right now it is way to tall. Olives grow well from cuttings so you get more than one plant.

e.g.,

www.bonsaiempire.com/forum/progressions/...ive-that-got-smaller

Well Tropfrog, that would be understandable too, but it's not much different than a sacrifice branch that you let it grow up just to thicken the trunk, eventually you'll have to chop it, and it would also provide some cuttings as leatherback said, and if more planned, you can even air layer the top of it...

And I know that "wasted growth" feeling for a tree that got too tall that you're talking about, I have a similar case here, I'm planning to do an Air layering on it next year MAYBE, and I'm thinking about that for months, but I noticed it is thickening the trunk, so I'm just enjoying it right now, and watching it thrive...

I guess everybody that does bonsai and has reached a certain level understands that chopping back is part of the game. Else you are just growing trees.

Yes, I do agree about the possibility and the "you have to cut to be a bonsai" part. However this tree has been grown for a few years to look like that. All lower branches has been cut like that for a purpouse. In my opinion better to shoose a tree that has been grown for bonsai purpouse and keep this one as is.

Sure expected other opinion, after all this is a bonsai forum.

Thanks for the many replies, you've all been really helpful! (Weirdly, I didn't get any email notifications after the first reply :huh: )

Albas wrote: Well, I think if it's just starting to bud, it would be a good moment, as the plant is producing the hormones for that (assuming you are on the north hemisphere)... But if you're not comfortable yet, don't do it, focus on careing it and learn a bit more. When in doubt you wait, and if you keep it healthy you'll have plenty of time to plan it...

Ah, thanks for the clarification!

leatherback wrote: Chop it low. Right now it is way to tall. Olives grow well from cuttings so you get more than one plant.

You mean I should chop the crown into several cuttings and plant them? If I wanted to keep the entire top half as a new tree, I assume I would need air layering. I'm a bit confused by what the best timeline is - I understood that now would be a good time for a chop, but cuttings should better be taken in autumn(?)

On air layering: I have a bonsai book detailing how to do it, and I've seen some resources online, but didn't read anything about what the impact on the original root stock is - do I need to take precautions, so that the lower half still thrives afterwards? Or do I not need to worry? I assume air layering is also best started now, when the tree starts growing.