Ancient olive trees damaged in wildfires given new life, rehabilitated into bonsai trees

Ancient olive trees, ravaged by wildfires in Israel's Ayalon Canada Park, are being given a new lease on life as meticulously crafted bonsai trees. Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael-Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF) experts discovered that despite severe damage, the trees' root collars remained alive, offering a chance for survival.

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The trees were severely damaged, but we discovered that life still remained within the stumps.

These resilient stumps have been transferred to KKL-JNF's Eshtaol Nursery, where specialists are employing advanced bonsai techniques. The process involves carefully selected growing media, controlled moisture and oxygen levels within climate-controlled greenhouses, and precise pruning. "The precise treatment and the greenhouse conditions make it possible to develop a new root system and transform trees once considered lost into trees with a unique character and story," said Rotem Attias, manager of the nursery.

The stumps are being nurtured in a warm, humid environment to foster root growth, with pumice used as a growing medium to maintain moisture while ensuring adequate oxygen. Most leaves have been removed to minimize water loss and prevent the stumps from drying out before new roots establish. Once the rooting is complete, the trees will be shaped using bonsai artistry.

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The precise treatment and the greenhouse conditions make it possible to develop a new root system and transform trees once considered lost into trees with a unique character and story.

Ultimately, these ancient olive trees, reborn through expert care and dedication, will be showcased to the public. They are slated for display at the Jerusalem Botanical Gardens in Givat Ram and at KKL-JNF's Eshtaol Nursery, serving as a testament to nature's remarkable regenerative power and resilience.

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The renewed sprouting of these ancient olive stumps reminds us of the vitality, remarkable regenerative power, and resilience of trees, living beings that outlive us and produce far more offspring than we do.