Do you have little space in your garden but don't want to miss out on 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.
How do I grow an oak tree as a bonsai?
To grow an oak tree as a bonsai, plant a young oak tree or sapling in a pot or garden soil and let it grow for two years. Then prune the roots, trunk and branches during the growing season between May and September to achieve the desired size and shape.
Growing oak as a bonsai
The art of growing a bonsai tree lies in pruning the roots, trunk and branches so 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.
This is what you need:
- A young oak tree
- Sunny spot in the garden or on the windowsill
- Alternatively a deep flower pot
- Bowl
Tips for growing bonsai
Pull the oak tree from an acorn or use a small seedling formed from an acorn in the forest.
Plant the seedling in a pot or garden soil and let it grow there for two years.
Pruning roots and branches
Start pruning when your bonsai oak tree has reached the desired size.
To do this you have to get the tree out of the ground and shorten the roots
The trunk is shortened to the desired height directly above one eye. The lower branches on the trunk are removed and the upper branches are shortened.
The best time for care 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 outdoor oak trees need winter protection as they tolerate frost more poorly than their big brothers.
Of course, an oak tree can also be pruned according to the Japanese bonsai rules. However, if you want to recreate the natural look of an oak tree, you should forego a traditional design and draw the tree according to its natural counterparts.
Tips & Tricks
Pruning a bonsai is an art in itself and requires constant care of the tree. Bonsai courses, which are offered in many cities, are helpful. You can also get help in appropriate forums if you want to train an oak tree into a bonsai.
