About Dennis Makishima Dennis’s interest in pruning started in 1980, when he practiced on a friend’s tree. Since there were few pruning book available, he used trees in natural settings and attractive material in urban gardens as his models. Within a few years he generated enough pruning clients and accounts to do this work part time. Then, in 1984, Dennis left his job as a produce manager to work full time as an ornamental tree pruner. Having worked on thousands of trees over the years has helped him understand trees as the living entities they are, to be cared for and respected. Though basically self taught, his training was enhanced by his association with Merritt College in Oakland, California. He first attended Merritt College as a student and later became an instructor in the Horticulture Department. Furthermore, to better understand tree aesthetics, Dennis took his first bonsai lesson in 1982. He had the wonderful opportunity to learn from bonsai pioneers in California. Their teachings combined the styling and caring of trees with the traditions and philosophy of the bonsai art form. The respect for nature, the trees on which he worked, and the creative process of fellow practitioners was always emphasized. To date, his bonsai collection numbers over 500 trees, many of which are featured in the 2002 edition of the Sunset publications Bonsai Book. Dennis Makashima’s Career Achievements
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