Video: Styling a Sabina juniper

Published on 6 November 2025 at 22:43

In this video, I explain my thought process when I'm pruning, wiring and styling a yamadori juniper. I go through the entire process of styling a bonsai for the first time. Some key points are: 

  • Evaluating the health of the tree
  • Choosing the best front and planting angle
  • Cleaning deadwood or shari and jin
  • Choosing a style that matches the raw material
  • Wiring and protecting heavy branches while bending

 

Enjoy the video and let me know what you think!

Sabina juniper, before styling. 

Sabina juniper (juniperus sabina) after styling, just starting its life as a bonsai.

The same tree, after the first styling. It still has a long way to go before you can call it a true bonsai! Note the deadwood is now cleaned up and treated with lime sulphur. The contrast between the live vein and shari (deadwood on the trunk) is now clearly visible. The first branch accentuates the movement of the trunk, creating a balanced image. 

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