Taxus baccata is a native woody species that develops interesting shapes in nature. This makes them a coveted object for bonsai art. Yews can be shaped using pruning techniques and wiring, with guying being a variation. Deadwood lots are also possible.
The yew is a typical bonsai
design options
Yew trees allow a wide range of design options, which can be seen from the bizarre growth forms in nature. The wood adapts optimally to the environmental conditions, which promotes the variety of forms. Taxus baccata grows as a shrub with creeping shoots to imposing trees.
To cut
The species tolerates pruning back into the old wood without the crown area becoming bare. Yews sprout reliably and forgive pruning mistakes in this way. Pruning measures are possible all year round. Regular interventions throughout the growth phase are helpful to allow more light to enter the interior of the crown and stimulate bud and branch formation.
How to proceed:
- Cut off vertically growing shoots at the base
- Shorten horizontal branches by two thirds so that six to eight shoots remain
- pick off old needles regularly
wire
This method is only recommended for specimens that cannot be formed into the desired shape using techniques such as rigging or cutting. Tightened shoots retain their shape after two to three years, while wire shaping produces results a little faster.
Hints
Old branches are very hard and stiff, making them difficult to bend. Young twigs no more than a year or two are good for shaping with wires. This design measure is possible at any time of the year. Since the bonsai grows slowly, you have to leave the aluminum wire on the plant parts for a year. Maintenance cuts are then necessary so that the sapling does not run wild.
tips
If a shoot that strives vertically upwards does not have a negative effect on the overall picture, you can use wire to make it horizontal.
forming deadwood
Coniferous trees that grow in nature are characterized by sections with dead wood if they have been affected by lightning strikes, periods of drought, wind damage or snow loads. Deadwood fades in strong sunlight.
Bonsai art uses this element to make the mini tree more interesting. Exposed wood in the trunk area is called Shari. Since this design option involves risks, you should test the technique on less valuable specimens.
How to design a Shari
In order for such deadwood areas to develop, you have to cut through sap lanes in a targeted manner. It is therefore important to select the areas carefully and to mark them accurately. Otherwise there is a risk that important branches in the upper area will no longer receive any nutrients and the tree will be damaged. Draw the shari area with chalk. Begin by peeling narrow strips of bark from the branch. Over the years, you can gradually widen this section.