How to Interpret Your Dreams

Since ancient times, the Greeks and Egyptians believed that some people had the power to draw meaning from dreams, and, as long ago as the second century, works were being created on how to interpret our dreams.^[1] In modern times, we understand better that the world of dreams is simply another reality with which we can interact, and yet, as we grow older, it can be all too easy to dismiss the value of dreaming. Nonetheless, dreaming deserves to hold a special place in our lives because it is an important part of who we are, providing us with signposts and differing perspectives on our waking problems, all offered to us nightly, free-of-charge, if we only care to stop and take note of them. Interpreting dreams is for everyone, not just those already attuned to spending time exploring the psychic and subconscious self - decoding dreams can enable you to gain access to a wealth of intuitive wisdom.

EditSteps

1. 1
   

    Consider why it is worth interpreting your dreams before proceeding.
   Consider why it is worth interpreting your dreams before proceeding. Even if you're already convinced of the value of interpreting dreams, it's a good idea to understand the importance of dreams in general, and why taking note of them and interpreting what they are telling you can help you in both practical and intuitive ways:
   • Dreams can help you in a very practical way. Sometimes Dreams can tell you the future so you should listen to them and change what you can in order to fulfil it. They are a means by which you can solve problems that have been dogging you throughout the day, week, or month, even where your worries are not conscious.^[2] If you're receptive to your dreams, answers are there for the finding. History is filled with the inventions begun in dreams, from scientists to fashionistas.^[3]
   • Dreams help you to learn as you process the day's experiences. They layer down the things you've learned during the day and smarten up your learning so that on awakening, you ought to be a little cleverer at whatever it was you learned the day before.^[4] Many studies by sleep researchers have shown that we perform tasks better after sleeping on them.^[5]
   • Dreams help to connect you with feelings that you're having now and feelings that you've had in the past, in similar circumstances.^[6]
   • Dreams can provide you with inspiration and insight. They can show you the doorway to greater fulfillment, happiness, and health if you're prepared to listen to them.^[7]Sigmund Freud said that dreams are "the royal road to the unconscious activities of the mind".^[8]
   • Dreams can heal and be cathartic, acting as your "internal therapist". They can serve as a way of closing a door on a very difficult part of your life, allowing you to move on from loss, hardship, and sorrow by releasing you to move to the next phase of your life. People who are able to dream, and recall those dreams, have been shown to heal better from traumatic experiences than those who seem to have no dreams.^[9]
   • Dreams can allow you to act out and dramatize. They allow us to be creative, insane,aggressive, strong, manipulative, etc., in ways that we might never dare be in waking life, and often we take the leading role.^[10] It is of interest that our pre-frontal cortex shuts down during dreaming (the cautious, organized part of us), to allow our emotional side to take over.^[11]
   • Dreams can diagnose something that is wrong with you. For example, depressed patients have a complete lack of activity in their dreams.^[12] And it is possible for health problems to be brought to your attention through dreams, such as a pain you've been ignoring being related to something that might be wrong with you and need of a check-up.^[13] Recurrent dreams are also a very good indicator that something underlying is wrong, often emotionally, with studies on recurrent dreamers revealing that they score lower on well-being scales.^[14]
   • 

      Dreams can warn you of threats.
     Dreams can warn you of threats. In caveman days, the threats were real and translated into a short lifespan. It's possible that dreams (which place you in a very vulnerable state) were not weeded out by evolution because they gave us insight into recognizing and dealing with threats.^[15] One study has shown that dreams tend to be more often about threats and negativity on the whole than "sweet dreams".^[16] Perhaps this implies that a deeply negative dream is either a prehistoric warning to "be ready", or just a way our minds clear out the worst of what's in there!
   • A few people believe dreams can be prophetic or precognitive.
2. 2
   

    Learn how to remember your dreams.
   Learn how to remember your dreams. Obviously dream interpretation requires that you remember your dreams. Things that can impact your ability to remember a dream include not focusing on remembering it, poor sleep habits, being so tired that you sleep deeply, alcohol or drugs, and being a new parent. These problems aside (all of which have their own remedies), it is possible to train yourself to remember your dreams:
   • Read wikiHow's article on How to remember your dreams.
   • Keep a dream journal next to your bed and write down everything you remember of your dreams on waking. Make this a daily morning ritual before doing anything else.
   • Write down everything, even if it doesn't make sense. The things that don't make sense or seem out of place may end up being the most valuable insights.
3. 3
   

    Don't cry princess, it was only a dream!
   Begin interpreting with the right frame of mind. It is important to realize from the outset that your dreams are reflections of yourself and belong to you. Hence, while dream dictionaries and dream interpretation aids can be of some assistance in a very general way, the real nitty gritty of understanding what your dream means will always come down to you, your personal circumstances and the context of the dream and your waking life. Keep in mind too, that the sleep researchers can't agree with one another on the purpose, extent, or value of dreams,^[17] so you're not expected to get this perfect or even to find that every dream has a meaning!
   • Don't dismiss the worth of dream interpretation aids - they can be helpful on a general level, still taking in your personalized situation and the other contextual elements of the dream. Use your common sense and your intuition when seeking to draw in generalized dream interpretations of colors, objects, animals, nature, etc.
   • Be prepared to ask yourself questions, all the while trusting your intuition and being patient.^[18]
   • In each case, be sure to write down the answers in your dream journal. In doing so, always write down the first thing that comes to your mind. This will likely be the real situation in your life that is symbolized in the dream. If this is the same feeling represented in your dream, you're on the right track. When there is more than one part to your dream (more than one story line), that usually means your subconsciousis trying to tell you two or more things and each of these strands needs attention.
   • If some of the details don't make sense, keep practicing until it becomes much easier to decode your dreams. Write down the meanings you discover for each detail. Then you can put them all together to see the big picture.
4. 4
   

    Look for the obvious.
   Look for the obvious. Before delving any deeper, always analyze a dream at its most basic level first, and that is done by looking for the most obvious meanings. Some questions to ask of your dream include:
   • "What is this dream trying to tell me on a literal level?" - for example, you might have misplaced your car keys the night before and your dream shows you that you left them in a bowl on the umbrella stand instead of your usual hook on the wall. In this case, there is probably no need to wonder what keys, umbrellas, and bowls mean!
   • Reflect on what real life situation your dream reminds you of. Are there particular events going on in your daily life that have elements of concern, or that lack resolution for you? Even the most niggling of thoughts might be worth reconsidering in the light of your dream.
   • Have your had this experience or dream before?
   • When dreaming about something you have forgotten, it's a good idea to keep revisiting the dream because it is probably trying to tell you something that you need reminding of.^[19]
   • Be alert for distortions of unreality in your dreams. Sometimes we dream about a TV show, or something we've read online or in a book, and our subconscious is bringing it to life in technicolor (basically, a free show!). The meaning behind this is probably simple entertainment as your mind sorts through the daily chaff.
5. 5
   

    Look for representations of your feelings and emotions.
   Look for representations of your feelings and emotions. Dreams often come to us by way ofmetaphor, like a puzzle awaiting us to piece it together. When looking for this level of a dream, the questions to ask yourself include:
   • "How did this dream leave me feeling?"
   • "What are the principal emotions arising out this dream?"
   • It is likely that your emotions in the dream are replaying emotions already impacting you during your waking hours, such as being angry with somebody, or feeling down about not meeting a deadline, or feeling happy that a good friend is coming to visit.^[20] This means that it is important again to check on what is happening in your waking life.
6. 6
   

    If you have analyzed your dream from both the obvious and emotional perspectives but you still don't think it's telling you much, consider looking for deeper, hidden meanings in a dream.
   If you have analyzed your dream from both the obvious and emotional perspectives but you still don't think it's telling you much, consider looking for deeper, hidden meanings in a dream.^[21] These can actually be very commonplace dreams shared among many of us, and that have fairly standard interpretations available but also still very much depend on your own self and context. For example, regardless of culture or gender, commonplace dream themes include teeth falling out, flying unaided, the first day of school, falling, being chased, and a cheating spouse.^[22] Interpretations of these commonplace dreams many of us experience could range from a deep-seated fear of not being attractive enough, or simply that you have a dental appointment that day, to the fact that you watched a TV show the night before about a cheating spouse. You will need to consider your waking reality to work out what the most applicable interpretation is.
   • Look for key images that stand out in your dream. For example, if you dreamed about a red alligator swinging off your boss's lamp and leering at you, a dream dictionary might tell you that red is the color of anger ("seeing red"), that an alligator is about ferocity or stealth (those teeth!), and that your boss' lamp is a source of light or exposure (or just your boss' lamp!). You might conclude that you are angry that your boss has taken the limelight and is crowing about your work as his own. Or, you might see this as your boss being angry with you for not throwing light on something ugly that has reared its head at the workplace. Or, you might have a morbid fear of the red alligator figurine on your boss' desk because the only time you're ever in your boss' office is when you're in trouble, staring at that darned thing to avoid his gaze! While the "symbols" of the dream can be fairly broadly interpreted from the nature or type of those symbols, you still need to fill in the details.
7. 7
   

    Find your way out of the maze of self-deception
   Practice honesty. Not only do you need to be willing to put in the effort to try and interpret your dreams, but you also need to be honest about your feelings and emotions. In reality, your dreams will hardly ever tell you something that you don't already know on some level – it's just more likely that you have been repressing or pushing something aside.^[23]
8. 8
   

    What does the burning laptop in your dream symbolize?
   Consider some possible dream scenarios as ways of learning how you might go about interpreting your own dreams. While dream interpretation is fairly intuitive and self-directed in nature, it can be helpful to have some generalized examples to guide you in ways that people choose to interpret their dreams. Some examples to give you an idea are provided next:
   • Let's say you're stranded on a desert island in your dream. If you've recently broken up with your partner, this could easily make sense. Maybe you feel guilty about the break-up and think it's partly your fault. Or maybe you're still angry about it. Sometimes the feelings you have as you're drifting off to sleep spill over into your dreams.
   • You have a dream in which all of your hair falls out and you are walking into town naked. In real life, you've just left your boyfriend of 4 years, and nabbed yourself an amazing new job. The symbols in the dream in this context could very well mean that you are shedding the old ways and are ready to expose yourself fully to what's ahead of you, and you're not afraid of anybody holding you back now. It may be that you've had some unresolved feelings of guilt or uncertainty about the path ahead but your dream is telling you to go for it. Alternatively, it could mean that your hair has started falling out at the stress of both good and bad things all happening at once, that you need to book a hair appointment fast and get some rest before starting your new job or you'll be vulnerable to not keeping up with everyone else because you're already worn down.
   • You dream you're back at school again trying to pass exams that in real life, you passed ages ago. And no matter how hard you try to pass them, the pencil keeps snapping, or the exam paper flies out the window, or you're just stumped for answers. Swing back to everyday life and you're doing really well, successful at all you have undertaken. A dream like this can simply be telling you that you don't need to worry about something that's worrying you right now because you got over that hurdle in the past; alternatively, it could be warning you that you're skating on thin ice and can't rely on winging it this time, and that you need to stick your head in the books and learn something new - and fast!
9. 9
   

    Know when your dream interpretation is correct.
   Know when your dream interpretation is correct. The key thing to remember is that there are no rules to dream interpretation and so there are no rights or wrongs to the interpretation process. It's all down to your self-honesty, self-knowledge and willingness to apply your dream knowledge to your waking life situations. A successful dream interpretation really comes down to the following elements:^[24]
   • Your interpretation resonates with you and the path you're following in life.
   • Interpreting your dreams adds something positive to your personal growth and emotional or spiritual fulfillment.
   • You enjoy working dream interpretation into your daily activities. There isn't much point continuing with it if you're not but if you are, it is a sign that you're growing more and more aware of your inner self through dream interpretation.
   • Interpreting your dreams improves your day, your activities, your life in general. It's an activity that brings you personal satisfaction.
   • You are able to find your own interpretations rather than simply accepting someone else's interpretation of dream symbols at face value, and you only rely on generalized interpretations as a building block on which you do most of the work.
   • Acting upon your dreams is not only becoming second nature, but is giving you good, positive results.
   • If it's not working for you, are you allowing yourself to get over the initial hurdles of confusion or skepticism before finally tossing in the towel on using dream interpretation as a means of self awareness?
10. 10
    Keep in mind, dreams are a subjective thing; murky at best, but always entertaining.

EditVideo

A very broad coverage on ways that you might interpret several of the most commonly shared dreams.

EditTips

• Practice is key. Each time you do this, you will get better at it.
• Try not to focus on what actually happened during the dream too much, focus more on what it symbolizes. As an example, if you dream about something like being raped, it doesn't always literally mean that you are worried about being raped. It most likely represents the feeling that you have lost control over something.
• Trust your instincts! If something seems important, it probably is. Try not to let your logical side take over.
• Sometimes dreams really don't have deep meanings, they could just be about something that happened recently. If you have dreams about going to school or college during the summer and nothing unusual happens, for example, then your brain may just be getting used to not going to school or college every day.
• Read the experts and understand their many varied approaches to dream analysis and interpreting strategies. Jungian analysts, in particular, have published a lot on dreamwork. Especially recommended are the works of Marie-Louise von Franz (see 'The Way of the Dream', 1988). It is important not to get too caught up in one way over another, however, as the jury is still out on what dreaming is all about. Which really means, that you're free to develop your own methods, theories and preferences!
• Professor William Domhoff has been keeping an online database of dreams, which you might like to browse through to peek into what other people are dreaming about.^[25]

EditWarnings

• Do not use this technique if you'd rather remain uninformed about what's going on in your subconscious mind. Some people prefer it that way, and that's a choice as valid as any other.
• Trying to live in a dreamworld is very different from trying to live out a dream. When you act upon your dreams after interpreting them, you do so consciously, and with determination, purpose, and a clear head. On the other hand, living in a dreamworld is pretty much giving yourself over to imaginings, and waiting for something to happen instead of instigating it yourself. That's a sure recipe for letting life pass you by and you definitely need to wake up!

• How to Remember Dreams

  1. Make a conscious decision to remember your dreams. You’ve got a better chance of remembering your dreams if you really want to remember them. Assuming you do want to, tell yourself that you’re going to remember your dreams and conscientiously follow the steps to make your desire to remember your dreams come true.^[1]
     
     
     
  2. 2
     Put a pad and pen or pencil within easy reach of your bed. It’s best if it just has plain paper with no designs or other distractions. Use this pad only for recording your dreams. Before you go to sleep, make sure it is open to the next page on which you can write so you don’t have to search for a blank page when you wake up. Always put the pen in the same spot so that you don't have to search for that, either. An alternative to writing your dreams is to keep a tape recorder near your bed or under your pillow so that you can verbally recount what happened in your dream.
     
     
     
  3. 3
     Place your alarm clock close to your bed. When you wake up you want to be able to focus on remembering your dreams before you perform any other activities. If you can wake up without an alarm clock, you won’t have to worry about turning it off, but if you do need an alarm, make sure you can turn it off quickly and easily, preferably without even moving in bed. Don’t use a radio alarm clock, as the ads or chatter on the morning show will likely distract you from your task.
     
     
     
     • If possible, try using a gentler way of waking up. Wake up on your own, ask someone to wake you gently and without talking to you, or hook up a timer to the lights in your room. Many people find that they are able to better recall dreams if they don’t use an alarm clock.
  4. 4
     Place a post-it note on the alarm clock, with the words "What did you dream?" or similar in large letters, so that it's the first thing you see when you open your eyes (and turn the alarm clock off).
     
     
     
  5. 5
     Get to bed early enough to get adequate sleep on a consistent basis. If you wake up too tired to think, you’ll find it hard to recall your dreams. Too little sleep will also limit the number of dreams you have. People who sleep less than six hours have a hard time remembering dreams. ^[2]
     
     
     
  6. 6
     Think about a major problem or emotional concern right before you fall asleep (nothing that will spark too much of a negative feeling). Think deeply about the situation without pressing for solutions or coming to conclusions. Just thinking about the problem "opens the door", in a sense, to more vividly remembered dreams, and the dreams may even offer more insights regarding the problem at hand. ^[3]
     
     
     
  7. 7
     Concentrate on recalling your dream as soon as you wake up. Typically you can remember only the last dream you had before waking. Don’t move and don’t do anything. Stay in the same position as the one in which you awoke and try to remember as much about your dream as possible before you think about anything else.
     
     
     
     • Focus your gaze on the first object you see as you open your eyes. Look at the object; focus on it. That object will most often take the vague recollection of your dream to a place mark in memory where it is easier to recall details. A doorknob, a light bulb, or a nail in the wall, for example, will quell your urge to begin your day, and will help you to settle into memories of what you had experienced while sleeping.
       
       
       
  8. 8
     Record your dream in your dream journal. Jot down as much as possible about your dream, starting with a basic sketch that includes such things as the location of the dream, the basic plot, the characters, the overall emotion of the dream (i.e. were you scared or happy in the dream?), and any prominent images you can recall. If you can remember any dialogue, you may want to write it down first, as words in dreams are easily forgotten. Record everything you can, even if you can only remember one image. As you get the basics down, more of the dream may come to you.
     
     
     
     • If you can’t remember anything about your dream, write down the first thing that comes into your mind upon waking. It may be related to the dream in some way, and it might trigger recollections. Also write down how you’re feeling when you wake up. The emotions you experience in a dream typically remain, at least for a brief period, when you awake, so if you wake up anxious or elated, ask yourself why.
       
       
       
  9. 9
     Increase the number of dreams you can remember by writing in your dream journal every time you wake up throughout the night. You dream several times while you're sleeping, so if you only record the last dream you had before you get up in the morning, there are more dreams you might not be remembering. It’s always tempting to go right back to sleep when you wake up in the middle of the night, but take the opportunity to remember what you were dreaming before you do—in all likelihood you will not remember it in the morning.
     
     
     
     • Since you usually only remember the last dream you had, you can remember more dreams by waking up several times during the night. We go through a complete sleep cycle approximately every 90 minutes, so you may find it productive to set your alarm to wake you at some multiple of 90 minutes (such as 4.5, 6, or 7.5 hours) after you expect to go to sleep. Dreams in the later half of the night are typically longer than those you dream soon after going to sleep, so you probably want to wait until at least the 4.5 hour mark to intentionally wake yourself.
     • This is only recommended for people who get adequate sleep and who can fall back asleep easily. Otherwise, skip this step.
  10. 10
      Keep a notepad or voice recorder with you throughout the day. Often something you see or hear later in the day will trigger a memory of a dream from the night before. Note these recollections without delay, and think about them to see if you can remember how they fit into the rest of the dream. It also helps to continually think about your dreams throughout the day.
      
      
      

  
  

  EditTips

  • Record exactly what happened without necessarily trying to make sense of it yourself, either. For example, if your dream starts inside a house and you then find yourself in a forest, avoid the temptation to assume you walked out of the house. Dreams that are foreign to everyday experience could be lost by trying to apply waking logic to the events.
  • When recording dreams, remember that the recording is personal. Don't write it to make sense for others because you may find yourself altering things to make it easier for outsiders to understand. Always write what you believe to be true, not what would make sense.
  • If you have the same dream the next day, or next week, jot that down also. A dream that repeats itself is a dream upon which we should all concentrate. It might have a special meaning.
  • After you have managed to remember a few dreams think of them before going to sleep, It can help spark recall.
  • When recording the dream, it may be easier to remember if you write (or speak) it in present tense (i.e. "I am going to" instead of "I went to").
  • Some songs actually make the dream stick in your head for a little while longer. Try listening to some music before you hit the hay, and see what happens!
  • If you have already dreamed a dream and want to remember it, don't worry. When you're dreaming, you are in an entirely different set of mind. Try lucid dreaming. When you are in this set of mind and you are lucid dreaming, sometimes you have the ability to recall your past dreams! Think of it like if you had a part of your brain that stores dreams that you have, and you can only access it by dreaming.
  • Keep a table lamp on your nightstand. If you wake up in the middle of the night, you’ll need to turn on a light in order to record your dreams in your dream journal. As with the alarm clock, you want to be able to reach your lamp with as little movement as possible.
  • Better yet, don't use any light at all, as it can make it harder to remember your dreams. Just have your pen and paper where you can reach them easily, and you won't even have to open your eyes (be careful not to fall back asleep though). With practice you'll get better at writing without seeing the paper.
  • If you have a computer or mobile device nearby, try logging onto a dream publishing website like Uprophecy or Dream Moods that you can use to log your dreams and keep a record of them.
  • As an alternative, you can also use a small flashlight solely for recording dreams at night. Cover the lens with three layers of masking tape so you can still easily see your journal at night, but it's not so bright that it makes you want to close your eyes.
  • Take a vitamin B6 pill before bed. It will make your dreams more vivid.
  • Some people keep a small voice recorder by the bed and talk into it instead of writing down the dream. It's easier to remember when you're only half-awake!
  • After you've remembered most of your dream, try and put it into the right order. This will help, because it's easier to memorize things if you know what happened first, and always write that down first.
  • Think about what you want to dream about the night before, therefore when you wake up you will recall this, and it will help you remember.

  EditWarnings

  • Be careful about interpreting dreams. The interpretation of dreams is not science, so don’t jump to conclusions, and don’t place too much importance on a dream. For example, a dream about death does not mean that someone will die, or that something bad will happen.
  • If you have trouble sleeping or difficulty getting enough sleep, don’t try to record dreams in the middle of the night. Just go back to sleep.

  • How to Create a Bonsai Tree

    Bonsai trees are miniature trees that are grown in containers as a form of Japanese art. They are great for small apartments or offices that need a bit of a green touch but don't have much room for plants. Follow this wikiHow to guide to create the perfect Bonsai tree.

    EditSteps

    1. 1
       Select the species of tree. When selecting a tree species its important to consider your geographic location. Some trees lose their leaves in the winter and require the temperature to drop below freezing so that they can enter a dormant state and prepare for the spring. Other trees will not survive long in the freezing weather. Some trees will require a lot of water during a hot summer while others are heat hardy. Research the kind of trees that do well in your area. The three varieties of tree most commonly used for bonsai are: 1) Ficus; 2) Juniper; and 3) Chinese Elm.
    2. 2
       Select the size of your bonsai. Bonsai trees can be as anywhere from miniature (6 inches tall) to large bonsai (up to 3 ft tall). Decide what size bonsai you would like before actually going out to select the plant.
    3. 3
       Select the plant. Once you have decided which kind and what size bonsai you would like, you can go to a nursery or a bonsai shop and select the plant that you will use to make your bonsai tree. When choosing a plant, look for leaf color to make sure that the plant is healthy. Then look around at the selection of plants and imagine what each plant would look like after it is pruned. It's important to visualize the bonsai before you buy the plant and bring it home. You do not want to bring a plant home only to decide that it isn't immediately suitable to be a bonsai.
    4. 4
       

        A potted Bonsai
       Select a pot. Selecting the right pot has a lot to do with the desired size and style of the plant. Select a shape and color that you personally find aesthetically pleasing. The pot must be large enough to allow enough soil to cover the roots of the plant. You do not want to have such a small amount of soil in the pot that the tree roots can not retain moisture. You will kill the plant if you do not have a large enough pot. At the same time, you want to maintain the illusion of nature and select a pot just large enough to support the tree. The idea of a bonsai is to balance the pot with the plant and make the plant look like a miniature tree. Some bonsai pots do not come with pre-drilled drainage holes. If you do not have a drill that will cut through ceramic, then make sure you purchase a pot with pre-drilled drainage holes.
    5. 5
       Prepare the tree. Prune the tree to the desired shape. Wire any branches that need to be wired. Remove the plant from its existing pot and water the roots. Most of the roots will be cut before the plant is repotted into the bonsai pot. Cut away enough roots so that the root system can fit securely in the new pot with the proper amount of soil.
    6. 6
       Pot the tree. Install mesh screens over the drainage holes to prevent soil erosion. Add some well draining soil to the pot and then place the tree into the pot. Do not use regular potting soil for your bonsai, it holds too much water and may drown the tree. Before covering the top of the roots with soil, position the tree in the desired orientation. Run a heavy gauge wire from the bottom of the pot through the drainage holes on the bottom of the pot. Tie the wire around the root system in order to hold the plant in place. Finish adding well draining soil to the pot. If it is warm out, make sure to keep the newly planted tree watered well until the roots get established in the new pot. Trees from temperate climates should only be potted in the spring. Trees from tropical climates can be potted whenever the weather is warm.
    7. 7
       Experiment. You can experiment with many kinds of trees, plants and shrubs. Try making bonsai with plants native to your area.
    8. 8
       Join a club. If you can't find a local one, there is one online called the Internet Bonsai Club.

    Western Hemlock Bonsai

    Western Hemlock is a member of the Pinaceae family which includes cedars, firs, hemlocks, larches, pines and spruces among other evergreen trees. For bonsai, it is an excellent choice as it lives for hundreds of years, grows in a variety of climates, and is easy to care for.

    1. 1
       Get a Western Hemlock. Find one, that is shorter than 1 foot, at a garden store or find one in the wild.
       
       
    2. 2
       All Year: Assess the tree's condition. Is the tree damaged? (Many wounds, missing needles, exposed roots, few branches.) Is it healthy? (Lots of needles, lots of new growth, intact bark.) It's always good to know how your tree is doing.
       
       
    3. 3
       All Year: Tree Location. Western Hemlocks do well in shade or full sun and in many climates (such as those similar their native climate,) can be left outside year round.
       
       
    4. 4
       Late Winter: Pruning. Major pruning should be done in the late Winter, make sure to cover wounds with sealant.
       
       
    5. 5
       Early Spring: Repotting. Once every two years, before major growth for the year starts, hemlocks should be repotted.
       
       
    6. 6
       Mid to Late Spring: Pruning. When growth is too prolific prune back some of the new growth. New growth is easy to spot as it is bright green.
       
       
    7. 7
       Early to Mid Summer: Wiring. Once most growth has ceased, small gage wire 1/3 of the width of each branch to be wired, should be carefully wrapped around each branch that you want to move into a different position. Don't worry about knocking off a few needles in the process.
       
       
    8. 8
       Late Fall: Preparing for Winter. Depending on the climate where you keep the bonsai you may need to put it in a green house to prevent hard freezing, but make sure that the tree stays cold enough that it reaches dormancy for the Winter.
       
       
    9. 9
       Early Winter: Wiring. Remove all of the wires from summer and rewire the tree.
       
       
    10. 10
        Follow a calender of care. Write a calender with all the important dates to remember from this page.
        
        

    Japanese Maple Bonsai

    1. 1
       Select a branch with a pleasing shape and structure. It can be up to the diameter of your little finger.
       
       
    2. 2
       Assemble the items needed. These are listed in the "Things You'll Need" section below.
       
       
    3. 3
       Cut around the branch where you want roots to sprout. Make a circular cut through the bark and into the hardwood underneath.
       
       
    4. 4
       Make a duplicate cut. Make this about two branch widths below the first cut.
       
       
    5. 5
       Make a straight cut. This cut should connect the first two cuts.
       
       
    6. 6
       Peel off the bark between the first two cuts. The bark should peel off fairly easily. Make sure none of the cambium layer (the green layer under the bark) is left.
       
       
    7. 7
       Dust the top cut with rooting hormone. Wrap the area with the wet sphagnum moss, then wrap it with plastic and tie in place.
       
       
    8. 8
       Keep the moss wet. After several weeks, you should see roots through the plastic.
       
       
    9. 9
       Separate the tree. When the roots start to thicken and turn brown, separate your new tree by cutting it off below the new roots.
       
       
    10. 10
        

         Japanese Maple Bonsai
        Place small pebbles for drainage in the bottom of a pot. Partially fill the container with top soil. Unwrap the plastic and without disturbing the roots, plant your new tree, adding additional soil as needed.
        
        
    11. 11
        Insert a stake. This will keep the tree from moving and damaging its delicate roots.
        
        
    12. 12
        Enjoy your new tree!

    EditVideo

    How to Transform a Bush into a Bonsai:

    EditTips

    • Air layering Japanese maples is best done in mid to late spring, after the leaves have sprouted.
    • Allow your tree to continue to grow until the next season before trying to style or prune it.
    • You can also make bonsai trees out of other kinds of trees too.
    • Plant your tree in a large container and let it grow for one or two years to increase trunk thickness.
    • Don't let it die and take care of it.

    EditWarnings

    • The new roots are very delicate and can be easily damaged. Use care when unwrapping the plastic and potting the tree.
    • Do not remove or disturb the sphagnum moss during the process.

    EditThings You'll Need

    • any plant indigenous to your area
    • sharp knife or scissors
    • sphagnum moss that has been soaked in water at least 15 minutes
    • a small sheet of heavy plastic
    • string
    • rooting hormone, available at any garden center
    • can add grass or anything for decoration

    EditWarnings

    • Wild plants may be on private or government property, be sure to ask for permission first.
    • Don't let the tree get dehydrated, if the soil doesn't feel moist, it needs to be watered.
    • Don't over-water, needles will yellow if you over-water the tree.
    • Trees in poor health should not have any major pruning done on them.
    • When pruning off many major branches at the same time be sure to allow for a year of healthy growth in a deep pot before and after the pruning.
    • Don't leave wires on for more than a few months as Hemlocks will scar.
    • Branches are a little brittle so take some care when bending them.

    EditThings You'll Need

    • A Western Hemlock
    • Pruning Shears
    • Plant Sealant

    • Wire 1/3 the width of the branch that it is wrapped around
    • Shallow pot with a drain and a saucer
    • Deep pot with a drain and a saucer
    • Soil, Western Hemlocks will grow in many different soil types including gravely and clay laden soil, to loamy nutrient rich soil, to even rotten wood if one is so inclined.