Design options
Yew trees allow a variety of design options, which can already be seen from the bizarre growth forms in nature. The wood adapts optimally to the environmental conditions, which promotes the wealth of shapes. Taxus baccata grows as a shrub with creeping shoots up to imposing trees.
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Cut
The species tolerates cutting back into the old wood without the crown area becoming bald. Yew trees sprout reliably and in this way forgive cutting errors. Cutting measures are possible all year round. Regular interventions during the entire growth phase are helpful so that more light falls into the interior of the crown and the formation of buds and branches is stimulated.
How to do it:
- Cut vertically growing shoots at the base
- Shorten horizontal branches by two thirds so that six to eight shoots remain
- to pluck old needles regularly
Wires
This method is only recommended for specimens that cannot be brought into the desired shape using techniques such as anchoring or cutting. Tense shoots retain their shape after two to three years, while wire forming leads to results a little faster.
Hints
Old branches are very hard and stiff, which makes them difficult to bend. Young twigs no older than one to two years 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 parts of the plant for a year. Maintenance cuts are then necessary so that the tree does not run wild.
Tips
If a shoot that strives vertically upwards does not have a negative effect on the overall picture, you can bring it horizontally with a wire.
Shaping dead wood
Conifers that grow in nature are characterized by parts with dead wood when they pass through Lightning strikes, Periods of drought, wind breakage or snow loads were affected. Deadwood fades in strong sunlight.
The art of bonsai uses this element to make the mini tree more interesting. Shari is the term used to describe exposed wood in the trunk area. Since this design option involves risks, you should test the technology on less valuable specimens.
How to design a shari
In order for such dead wood areas to develop, you have to cut through sap strips in a targeted manner. It is therefore important to carefully select the areas and mark them precisely. 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. Start by peeling off narrow strips of bark from the branch. Over the years, you can gradually widen this section.
