Welcome to our blog where we explore the fascinating art of bonsai. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of yews – one of the most popular trees for bonsai enthusiasts. We’ll take a closer look at how to grow and harvest yews for bonsai and share some tips on how to care for them. Whether you’re an experienced bonsai grower or just starting out, this guide will provide some valuable insights on how to create stunning yew bonsai. So, let’s get started!
Introduction
Bonsai is a Japanese art form that involves cultivating miniaturized trees in small containers. It is an ancient technique that has been practiced for over a thousand years. The key to bonsai is to grow small trees that resemble full-sized trees as closely as possible. One of the most popular trees used in bonsai is the yew tree. In this article, we will explore how yews are grown and harvested for bonsai, along with some useful tips.
Growing Yews for Bonsai
Yews are hardy conifers that grow well in most climates. They are easy to maintain and can grow for hundreds of years. It is important to select yews that have been trained for bonsai purposes. At Herons Bonsai, for example, they have a vast selection of bonsai trees, such as pre-bonsai yews.
Pruning the Hedge
To acquire good yew specimens for bonsai, Herons grow them as hedges for 15-20 years. Yews that have eight-inch diameter trunks will be selected for bonsai purposes. The stock fence will be removed to prune the hedge before digging them up, and the greenery will have to be left on the tree for maximum survival rate.
Cutting the Branches
After digging the yew up, the experienced bonsai artist will cut back some of the branches while leaving green shoots intact. They will make use of mini chainsaws to cut the branches.
Harvesting Yews for Bonsai
When harvesting the yews, it is important to follow some guidelines to ensure the health of the tree.
Leave Some Greenery
It is important to leave greenery on the tree to avoid harming it. When leaves are removed, they can no longer produce food, reducing the tree’s overall health.
Use Mini Chainsaw
Traditional pruning tools may not be sufficient to cut through the thick branches of yew trees. As such, a mini chainsaw may be necessary to make the cuts.
Bonsai Products On Sale
At Herons, they offer a wide variety of bonsai products for enthusiasts of all levels. From starter kits to more advanced tools, the website has everything you need to begin growing bonsai trees.
Herons Branded Clothing
For those looking to show off their love for bonsai, Herons offers branded clothing through Teemill. The clothing is made from organic cotton, so buyers can ensure they are getting a quality product.
Social Media Presence
Herons has a presence on various social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. They have a large following, and it is a great place for enthusiasts to connect and share their passion for bonsai.
Conclusion
In conclusion, growing and harvesting yews for bonsai is a time-consuming but rewarding experience. The key to successful bonsai is in selecting quality trees and applying proper techniques to ensure they thrive. Utilizing useful tools like mini chainsaws and taking care to leave greenery intact upon harvesting can help ensure the health of the tree.
FAQs
- Can yews be grown indoors as bonsai?
- Yes, yews can be grown indoors as bonsai; however, they do require particular lighting requirements and humidity levels.
- How long do yew trees live?
- Yew trees can live for hundreds of years.
- Are there different varieties of yew trees available for bonsai?
- Yes, several yew tree varieties are available for bonsai, including pre-bonsai yews.
- Can traditional pruning tools be used to cut yew branches?
- While traditional pruning tools may be sufficient for some branches, a mini chainsaw may be necessary to cut through the thick branches of yew trees.
- Is it essential to leave some greenery on the tree when harvesting yews for bonsai?
- Yes, it is essential to leave some greenery on the tree when harvesting yews for bonsai to ensure the health of the tree.
