by Rocky Mountain Bonsai Society member Stefan Rausch

This style is employed for trees with extensive, fine branching. The trunk is straight and upright with
noticeable taper from nebari to apex. It branches out in all directions about 1/3 of the way up the entire
height of the tree. Branching continues to get finer as it gets to the exterior of the tree.

Advantages of Hokidachi

Are that they are easy on the viewers eyes. It is very inviting as an onlooker to see a bonsai that almost immediately brings you to nature or somewhere familiar. Most of us can imagine a park that you grew up playing in where there was a huge old tree you would climb and hide behind. This is the exact image we are trying to replicate in Hokidachi Style, an old uninhibited tree with vast amounts of light and space with vigorous growth.

Disadvantages of Hokidachi

Is the amount of time needed to create this image and feel comfortable about putting it in a show. There is a lot of access and available stock for broom style bonsai, it is just the amount of effort and time we are willing to put into it. Then from there following pruning guidelines cutting back to form the Y into Y branching structure. It takes patience but the finished products of Broom style are one of the most appealing we can create in bonsai.

Suitable Species

The most common application is to Japanese Zelkova’s but it can be done with any type of Elm. Most common trees for this style bonsai are:

• English Elm (Ulmus procera)
• Siberian Elm (Ulmus pumila)
• Chinese Elm (Ulmus parvifolia)
• Japanese Zelkova (Zelkova sp.)
• Brush Cherry (Syzygium paniculatum)
• Beech (Fagus sp.)
• Crab Apple (Malus sp.)
• Pomegranate (Punica granatum)
• Olive (Olea)

 

Stefan Rausch was born and raised in Colorado, growing up hiking, hunting and fishing dominated most of his time ingraining his love for the Rocky Mountains. He started working with all types of plant material at an early age working his way up to a full time position in horticulture at one of Colorado’s most premier country clubs. His brother saw this interest and soon invited him to a local bonsai show, this is where for the first time he saw the possibilities and artistic expression of bonsai and what could be done with local Rocky Mountain material. He is truly passionate about the progression and future of Bonsai as an art form, especially here in the United States. Stefan has been lucky enough to learn first hand from some of the best Yamadori collectors and Bonsai Artists such as Larry Jackel and Harold Sasaki.