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

Ancient olive trees severely damaged in last year's wildfires at the Olive Tree Recreation Area in Ayalon Canada Park are being rehabilitated into bonsai trees, Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael-Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF) announced. KKL-JNF experts discovered that the root collars of some trees remained alive despite extensive damage, leading to their transfer to a nursery for rehabilitation. Rotem Attias, manager of KKL-JNF's Eshtaol Nursery, stated, "The trees were severely damaged, but we discovered that life still remained within the stumps." Specialized bonsai techniques, including controlled growing conditions, precise pruning, and specific growing media like pumice, are being used to develop new root systems. The rehabilitated trees will eventually be displayed at the Jerusalem Botanical Gardens and KKL-JNF's Eshtaol Nursery. Dr. Ori Fragman-Sapir, scientific director of the Givat Ram Jerusalem Botanical Gardens, noted that the project "reminds us of the vitality, remarkable regenerative power, and resilience of trees."