Do you have little space in the garden, but don't want to do without your own oak tree? Grow them as bonsai. Then it takes up little space and, depending on its size, can even be kept in the room.

Grow oak as bonsai

The art of growing a bonsai tree lies in pruning the roots, trunk and branches in such a way that the tree remains very small.

The original shape should not suffer from the pruning.

Caution is advised when shortening the taproot. If it is pruned too much, the tree will die 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

Bonsai training tips

Grow 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 has reached the desired size.

To do this, you have to get the tree out of the ground and cut the roots

The trunk is shortened at the desired height just above an eye. The lower branches on the trunk are removed and the upper branches are shortened.

The best time for maintenance work

The pruning takes place during the time when the tree is in its growth phase, i.e. from May to September.

In winter, the small oak trees outdoors need winter protection, as they tolerate 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 replicate the natural look of an oak tree, you should forego a traditional design and grow the tree based on its natural models.

tips and tricks

Pruning a bonsai is an art in itself and requires constant maintenance of the tree. Bonsai courses, which are offered in many cities, are helpful. You can also get help in the appropriate forums if you want to grow an oak tree into a bonsai.

Category:

Trees