DIY: Making a Spruce Bonsai tree

Learn how to make a bonsai tree from cheap nursery stock material! The tree we work on is a Spruce (Picea abies), purchased at a local garden center for about 10 USD. Today's work is step one in the process of this tree towards a Bonsai - subscribe to our channel to see future updates of this tree!
Bonsai Empire is dedicated to share the living art of Bonsai - we created this video as a DIY tutorial to help and motivate beginners. The video is part of the online courses that we offer, for more free videos go to:
www.bonsaiempire.com/courses
Bonsai techniques explained:
- Pruning: www.bonsaiempire.com/basics/s...
- Tools: www.bonsaiempire.com/basics/g...
- Wiring: www.bonsaiempire.com/basics/s...
- Repotting: www.bonsaiempire.com/basics/b...
- Substrate: www.bonsaiempire.com/basics/b...
- Bonsai care: www.bonsaiempire.com/basics/b...
We like to thank:
Clingendael (Japanese garden) and Bob Ruitenbeek (Technical supervision).
Serious about growing your own Bonsai trees? Then consider enrolling in one of our online Bonsai Courses, taught by expert teachers. For the curriculums and free lectures, go to:
www.bonsaiempire.com/courses

[@GalenKiser]

I forgot how much I love this stuff!

[@notionbonsai]

Nice video and great work on this tree 😊🪴🪴

[@bonsaiempire]

Thanks!

[@Tjescoo]

I always recognise that Japanese Garden in The Hague where your videos are made. I love coming there, too bad my dog isn't really allowed to come with so I don't walk there as often anymore :(

[@donncha-fv7ne]

Thanks I never knew where that was

[@egoebonsai37]

I See you making Spruce Bonsai tree.
Good job Sir.
I am from Indonesia, apretiate your actifity Sir.

[@bonsaiempire]

Thanks for following us!

[@fermin_bonsai]

Great job. Greetings from Spain 🇪🇸

[@bonsaiempire]

Thanks!

[@henzobonsai]

Nice sharing...👍👍👍

[@Armagan01.12]

Sizi takdir ediyoruz 🙏

[@carlmcclain6934]

Wonderful teacher! I’m so inspired...I’m going to Lowe’s right now! Lol.

[@bonsaiempire]

Please do!

[@-martintheengineer-7465]

👍

[@transcyberism1459]

I recently got a Picea glauca "Conica" from Home Depot that was on sale after Christmas. I have started using your new bonsai care app for another tree, but when I added the spruce I was dismayed to see you recommend against that species for bonsai. Can you tell me what challenges I may encounter if I work on this tree?

[@bonsaiempire]

I dont think we ever tell you to not use a spruce? Spruces are great, perhaps a little challenging, but great! Perhaps the app told you not to keep it indoors - which is correct. Let me know - also feel free to email the bonsai care app team!

[@transcyberism1459]

@@bonsaiempire It is in the care guide section for Spruce, under "General". The section describes several different Picea species and their features, and then states, "Picea glauca 'Conica' (Alberta spruce) however is often tried but rarely makes good bonsai." I mostly just was curious why that is.

[@bonsaiempire]

Ah you are right! I think that is a personal opinion, not a general truth :) They are hard to shape though as the branches dont stay in the shape after wiring, plus random branches sometimes die off. But hey, give it a try!

[@catalinapanait2769]

Hello. Was this filmed in autumn? Are these operations good to be done in autumn? Thank you.

[@bonsaiempire]

Yes exactly, fall is a good time. Dont do too much work in one go, spread out work over years time.

[@brucedeacon28]

👍👌👌🙂

[@A_Simple_Life_]

hi what kind of plant is this?😮

[@bonsaiempire]

Perhaps check the description?