#44 Peter Tea Part 1: Ramification Japanese Maples

Episode #44 & upcoming #45 is a two-part conversation with Peter Tea of PTBonsai.com. In Part 1, we dig into one of the biggest challenges in deciduous bonsai: building fine ramification when internode length isn't cooperating, with a particular focus on Japanese maples. Peter shares the techniques, thought process, and long-term strategies that have helped him become one of the country's most accomplished deciduous bonsai artists.

We recorded this one over a pour of scotch and a slice of what we both agreed might be the nation's best pie, so the conversation is relaxed, wide-ranging, and full of practical takeaways. In Part 2, Peter returns to answer listener-submitted questions in a dedicated Q&A.

Chapters

• (00:00:00) - Whiskey for Kids: Shield Egg
• (00:01:30) - The Best Pie in the Country
• (00:04:38) - Pecan Pie With Whiskey
• (00:07:49) - Peter Barton on Starting a Bonsai Business
• (00:10:49) - Oh yeah, Japan
• (00:11:10) - Insecticide and fungicides
• (00:16:15) - Bonsai instructor talks about life
• (00:17:07) - How do I get more branches on my bonsai tree?
• (00:21:34) - 6 Different Pillars of Bonsai Craft
• (00:27:07) - How to shade your yard with a 50% cloth
• (00:28:00) - How to grow a Japanese maemon
• (00:31:19) - How to get Japanese maples shorter
• (00:32:31) - Cutting a Japanese Maple
• (00:36:14) - How to Get Your Maple Shorter
• (00:41:44) - How to Pinching a tree during spring growth
• (00:44:59) - What are sacrifice branches in Japanese maples?
• (00:49:51) - Bonsai: Cutting Branches to Slow the Tree
• (00:54:04) - Have Too Many Branches For Bonsai?
• (01:00:40) - How do you get more ramification or short internals in your
• (01:04:20) - How to Get Out of Your Own Way
• (01:07:53) - Do Conifers Need More Branches? vs Deciduous
• (01:14:00) - How to fix a deciduous tree branch
• (01:14:51) - Japanese Maples vs Black Pine
• (01:20:44) - Learning Bonsai Through Reading
• (01:23:02) - Ramon on Ramification
• (01:23:17) - People Try Their Pie