Grow oak as a bonsai
The art of growing a bonsai tree is to prune the roots, trunk and branches so that the tree remains very small.
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- Growing an oak for the garden
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The original shape should not suffer from the cut back.
Care should be taken when shortening the taproot. If it is pruned too much, the tree dies within a short time.
What you need:
- A young oak tree
- Sunny place in the garden or on the windowsill
- Alternatively, a deep flower pot
- Bowl
Tips for raising bonsai
Pull the oak from an acorn or use a small seedling that has formed from an acorn in the forest.
Plant the seedling in a pot or in garden soil and let it grow there for two years.
Prune roots and branches
Start pruning when your bonsai oak is the size you want.
To do this, you have to get the sapling out of the ground and shorten the roots
The trunk is cut to the desired height just above one eye. The lower branches on the trunk are removed and the upper branches shortened.
The best time for maintenance work
The pruning takes place when the tree is in its growth phase, i.e. from May to September.
In winter, the small oaks need winter protection outdoors, as they can withstand frost less than their big brothers.
Of course, an oak can also be pruned according to the Japanese bonsai rules. However, if you want to recreate the natural look of an oak, you should forego a traditional design and draw the tree according to its natural models.
Tips & Tricks
Pruning a bonsai is an art in itself and requires constant maintenance of the tree. Bonsai courses that are offered in many cities are helpful. You can also get help in appropriate forums if you want to turn an oak tree into a bonsai.
