Bonsai Focus (English Edition) – July-August 2019

1

A

Fagus crenata

T

his field grown beech (Fagus
crenata) was further prepared
for bonsai in a simple bonsai
pot. It already has many fine
branches. We show you how
to give it its final shape by making some
corrections to refine the branch setting.

Beech has a natural tendency to be apical
dominant, meaning you have to prevent
it concentrating all its energy and growth
on the outer regions and top. The strong
branch on the left side is an example
of what happens when allowed to grow
free. It now competes with the top, so we
need to remove it, or reduce it in length
to bring the whole in balance. In this case
it would be spoiled if we cut that branch
completely, it has too much character.
Another branch grows right towards the
front. It blocks the space between the
trunk and the left side branch, so that will
be removed.

Wiring
Wiring the whole tree isn't necessary. In

The charm of the Japanese beech

Text and photography: Bonsai Focus Studio
The Japanese beech is always an exhibition eye catcher. Its smooth grey-white bark and muscled trunk give the tree
a most majestic appearance. Easy to work on, as seen in this example. With just a little pruning and wiring you can
already improve this little beech

Analysing the tree

Overall view of what has to be done. Red indicates

branches needing to be cut or completely removed.

The right area needs to have a counter balance

branch (A)

The beech before any work is done

Here it lacks a counter

balancing branch

Interesting branch. Can it

be useful in the design? Fine tapering trunk

This branch comes too far

to the front blocking the

view

Top is very vigorous and

has many thick branches

Cleaning the soil to reveal

the nebari

STEP BY STEP

The tree is sponsored by:

48 Bonsai Focus