Thicken trunks for bonsai. 3 Ways to grown trunks out.

When you have a young plant, you need to develop the trunk. How do you get from a seedling to a thick trunk? In this video I will share 3 ways of growing thick trunk!

Please do let me know in the comments what you miss, where you would like to explain things in more detail. I will in my next video spend some time!

0:00 Which is the better bonsai?
4:47 The fastest way to a big trunk: chop
6:02 The intermediate fast route to big bonsai trunks: Sacrifice branches
8:08 The high quality route for bonsai trunks: Grow and trim and grow bonsai development

[tommy]

The idea of each branch contributing to the trunk was a real 'light bulb' moment for me!

[doctorrockso]

Thank you. My trunk got thicker just watching this video 👍

[jasonhartsell]

By far the best explanation of trunk thickening that I've heard. I understand it so much more now! Thank you!

[jonathanthomas]

Tony Hawk doing bonsai now!? Amazing! Great info mate 😅

[marthinedybvikvage]

This was so helpful, i have been struggeling with understanding how to properly trim my bonsai to get it nice and thick but now i feel like i have a much better idea on how to do it

[patchmota]

Jelle explains completely and has answered many of my questions simply by watching his videos. I can see that time and consideration were used in editing. Thank you, Jelle!

[dhruv_bhardwaj_]

Just love the simplicity and rawness of the video. Very informative and it actually felt like someone physically present here is trying to explain it.

[Chiq]

I'm a beginner, struggling to know where to start with pruning my bonsai. This is such an excellent explanation and very clear, and has changed my whole idea of how to prune and grow my bonsai. Thank you so much Jelle, I'll be keen to watch more of your videos ❤

[ericcuti]

Great job explaining the three methods. Patience is a key ingredient in all of these methods. Thanks and keep up the good work!

[XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

You just keep getting better and better with your explanations of important stuff. One of the biggest challenges I face is stopping myself from forming a bonsai 'before' I have waited long enough for a decent sized trunk!! It is so frustrating making myself wait sometimes. After seeing this video I am going to force myself to rethink some of my intended pruning decisions on my younger maples.

[Sorraiamustang]

I’ve always wondered how to grow a thicker trunk .
I have a few Banyon in need .
The information is greatly appreciated.
Many Thanks 😊

[jamielawrie]

Very helpful and informative, 1 year deep so far and feeling alot more confident how to proceed. Thank you

[audreytennant]

Wonderlyfully helpful.. Especially appreciated the examples you showed. I have an old bonsai that I gave my mom on her last birthday. It is very special to me. This video has helped me immensely....as has your others.

[tylerjamesnewton]

Thank you for imparting wisdom — this puts into perspective shaping trunks in general, but especially for me as a beginner, shaping trunks of collected bonsai from the wild.
I will use these tips to both shape collected bonsai and grow young trees.
Bonsai is more important than videos 😉 Keep it coming tho!!

[carolynmcmahon]

THANK YOU for such a concise yet comprehensive overview... It has given me a better understanding of trunk to limb reduction (for trunk taper) ... And also of planned scaring & the healing process

I'm a newbie on the bonsai scene but luckily have access to an old garden to be remodeled
... So I am in the process taking aerial layers from mature plants ( wisteria, jap maple, crab apple, cotoneaster & crepe myrtle thus far)

I was planning to transfer them to large pond baskets once rooted (for root development)
...in the meantime, this video has directed me towards LIMBS for trunk reduction - so BEFORE I cut out upper growth I'll graft new buds IN (as required ) & THEN cut to the newly established branchlets
... Should have some "fair" training specimens in 5 years or so & a lovely bonsai collection in 10

... Again, Thankyou for a brilliant overview of some key developmental stages I'll need to look at

[GrowingBonsai]

Are you growing out bonsai trunks? Have you heard anything new in this video?
Please do let me know in the comments what you miss, where you would like to explain things in more detail. I will in my next video spend some time!

What can I do to make these more interesting for you, what should I skip? Any suggestion, please let me know how you experience this video.

[jimbothesailor]

Man, this video is great. I've ben growing bonsai for about 8 years and this is the best video on this topic that I've seen. Lots of great advise for any level imo.

[Gowalkabout]

Concepts I’ve studied before, but your fine repetition of common ideas was such a huge help.

[AsylumArtifacts]

Finally a video from what I can start making decisions... Thanks 🤘😎👍

[user]

I’m just an amateur bonsai grower. My thickest bonsai trunk is a Japanese maple that I was growing and chopped off the top when it looked like it was dying in my clay soil.
I dug it up, plopped it into a container with compost and potting soil and it survived.
That was many years ago. It is still in its planter pot and the trunk is quite thick and aged.
All my other bonsai attempts are young and have nice little trunks. I like the little trunks too.
I also have several Japanese maple trees thriving in my little backyard and giving lots of shade during the summer months.