What to do with a tree-newbie question
- Bonsajka
-
Offline Topic Author
- New Member
-
- Posts: 13
- Thanks received: 1
Hello, I'm new here. I've got no experience with bonsai.
I'd like to ask what should I do with this tree that I got in January. Should I cut or wire it? I'm afraid that I will harm the tree in some way. On the other hand, bonsai should be styled and I want it to look nice.
Can you recommend what should a complete beginner do with this tree at this point, after having it for 4 months?
I would also be grateful for recommendation for sources and books.
Thank you
I'd like to ask what should I do with this tree that I got in January. Should I cut or wire it? I'm afraid that I will harm the tree in some way. On the other hand, bonsai should be styled and I want it to look nice.
Can you recommend what should a complete beginner do with this tree at this point, after having it for 4 months?
I would also be grateful for recommendation for sources and books.
Thank you

by Bonsajka
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- Bonsajka
-
Offline Topic Author
- New Member
-
- Posts: 13
- Thanks received: 1
Replied by Bonsajka on topic What to do with a tree-newbie question
Posted 8 years 11 months ago #20476
or should I just let the tree be for some time- months, years... and style it when it is of certain age/size? On the website it said it is 6 or 8 years old, I don't remember exactly.
I know that attending a bonsai club would be the best option, but the nearest one is like 5-6hrs by car from where I live.
I've watched videos about bonsai care before I bought it and I've recently purchased this book but I'm still afraid that I will do something wrong and the tree will die or be seriously harmed.
I know that attending a bonsai club would be the best option, but the nearest one is like 5-6hrs by car from where I live.
I've watched videos about bonsai care before I bought it and I've recently purchased this book but I'm still afraid that I will do something wrong and the tree will die or be seriously harmed.
Last Edit:8 years 11 months ago
by Bonsajka
Last edit: 8 years 11 months ago by Bonsajka. Reason: adding info
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- brkirkland22
-
Offline
- Platinum Member
-
- Posts: 320
- Thanks received: 128
Replied by brkirkland22 on topic What to do with a tree-newbie question
Posted 8 years 11 months ago #20486
I'd recommend just learning to keep it alive for now. It's a small tree, and could still use some growth. Give it a full year, learn to keep it going for all your seasons, & keep studying. The tree won't be hurt.
As for clubs/books/videos:
Go ahead & get in touch with the club that's far away. They may know people closer to you that could lend a hand. I live closer to bonsai people who are not in the club than I am to the club itself.
John Naka has two excellent books called 名媛直播 Techniques I & II - pricey, but a used copy won't break the bank. Some things have changed since his time, but you can learn quite a bit. There's another that really helped me out in the beginning, but I passed it on. Give me a bit, and I'll get back with you.
Videos abound on the net, & there are good websites, including this one. Search your questions before asking, they may have already been answered before.
Take your time & be patient; the tree will outlive you if taken care of correctly. Learn your tree, and good luck!
As for clubs/books/videos:
Go ahead & get in touch with the club that's far away. They may know people closer to you that could lend a hand. I live closer to bonsai people who are not in the club than I am to the club itself.
John Naka has two excellent books called 名媛直播 Techniques I & II - pricey, but a used copy won't break the bank. Some things have changed since his time, but you can learn quite a bit. There's another that really helped me out in the beginning, but I passed it on. Give me a bit, and I'll get back with you.
Videos abound on the net, & there are good websites, including this one. Search your questions before asking, they may have already been answered before.
Take your time & be patient; the tree will outlive you if taken care of correctly. Learn your tree, and good luck!
by brkirkland22
The following user(s) said Thank You: Bonsajka
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- Bonsajka
-
Offline Topic Author
- New Member
-
- Posts: 13
- Thanks received: 1
Replied by Bonsajka on topic What to do with a tree-newbie question
Posted 8 years 11 months ago #20501
Thank you, brkirkland22
I will let it be until next spring and study theory meantime
Thanks for book recommendation as well.
if anyone has any other suggestions or advice I'd be grateful
I will let it be until next spring and study theory meantime

Thanks for book recommendation as well.
if anyone has any other suggestions or advice I'd be grateful
by Bonsajka
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- simplysaid
-
Offline
- Elite Member
-
- Posts: 316
- Thanks received: 54
Replied by simplysaid on topic What to do with a tree-newbie question
Posted 8 years 11 months ago #20507
As a beginner myself, I have the 名媛直播 techniques I by John Naka. It's very in depth and I will grow into it as I mature in this hobby. But I have 2 other books that I enjoy for the simple guild lines and great photo instructions.
1- The 名媛直播 Workshop by Herb Gustafson
2- 名媛直播 Survival Manual: tree by tree guild to buying, maintaining, and problem solving
But hands on experience is by far the best for me. I'm about to move and there's a 名媛直播 club that meets every month. It will only be 15 minutes from my house!
I agree with brkirkland22... you'd be surprised at how many people there may be close to you. As you can tell, this hobby is not for the feint of heart.
1- The 名媛直播 Workshop by Herb Gustafson
2- 名媛直播 Survival Manual: tree by tree guild to buying, maintaining, and problem solving
But hands on experience is by far the best for me. I'm about to move and there's a 名媛直播 club that meets every month. It will only be 15 minutes from my house!
I agree with brkirkland22... you'd be surprised at how many people there may be close to you. As you can tell, this hobby is not for the feint of heart.
by simplysaid
The following user(s) said Thank You: brkirkland22
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- Auk
-
Offline
- Platinum Member
-
- Posts: 6097
- Thanks received: 1791
Bonsajka wrote: Can you recommend what should a complete beginner do with this tree at this point, after having it for 4 months?
I would also be grateful for recommendation for sources and books.
Looks healthy, so: continue what you're doing

by Auk
The following user(s) said Thank You: Bonsajka
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- brkirkland22
-
Offline
- Platinum Member
-
- Posts: 320
- Thanks received: 128
Replied by brkirkland22 on topic What to do with a tree-newbie question
Posted 8 years 11 months ago #20513simplysaid wrote:
1- The 名媛直播 Workshop by Herb Gustafson
That's the one I was thinking of. Good pictures & explanations of cutting where, when, why & how. The 'why' was very helpful.
Some books say 'Cut here.'
This book says 'Cut here, because...'
Of the multiple books I acquired in the beginning, this gave me a very good start. Then John Naka's increased my depth of understanding. Seemed the majority of others were pretty bonsai pictures, some history lessons, and basic techniques. In any case, you're learning. Perfect!
by brkirkland22
The following user(s) said Thank You: simplysaid
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.