Bonsaify | Two Techniques to Create an Ideal Zelkova Broom Bonsai

Trying to get closer to making the ideal broom-style Zelkova, Eric experiments with a new technique he discovered in a Japanese bonsai book.

00:00:39 There are two substyles of Zelkova broom - the first is all branches come out from a central place, and the second still has a leader but there's rapid tapering and dividing.

00:01:17 Eric shares an example of the second technique with finer branching but not the shaping Eric hopes to create.

00:02:46 Examples two and three have similar issues.

00:03:42 Example 4 looks better (likely because it has leaves on it!) but suffers from the same issue as the others.

00:04:11 Before beginning to experiment with the first technique, Eric explains how he enabled a larger trunk to grow.

00:05:22 Let the experimenting begin! The technique is to avoid reverse taper - drilling a hole in the center of the cut, about 1/3 of the diameter of the cut. Then cut a wedge along the center.

00:05:58 Next, tie the two leaders with raffia to force inward healing.

00:06:46 Where Eric wants the most buds to come from and a few more examples of this technique.

00:07:44 One tree that Eric does not drill but does wrap.

What do you think of these techniques? Have you had success with either? Share your experiences with us in the comments below. Thank you for watching! Please give this video a like and share it with your bonsai friends. And please subscribe to our channel!