of leaves that are crying out to be
pruned or sculpted. While this is an
obvious sign that your Bonsai tree
is doing well it's important not to
get too carried away. After
all you don't want your Bonsai tree
to resemble a stick in a pot again,
do you?
Firstly you need to invest in a
sharp pair of secateurs or gardening
scissors. You need to make good
clean cuts when you prune your
Bonsai Tree so that the open tree
wound doesn't get infected. Also
worth pointing out is that the art
of Bonsai tree pruning or sculpting
is to match as closely as possible
to it's naturally growing larger
brother as possible.
At then end of the day just sculpt
you Bonsai tree into a simply shape
that pleases you, don't be tempted
to try to recreate some funky
pattern or design, these can often
lead to disaster.
When pruning branches it's best to
prune them back to a bud that's
pointing in the same direction as
you wish the tree to grow. Any new
branches will then take that route.
Don't be afraid of making mistakes
when pruning your Bonsai tree.
Obviously you want to prune your
miniature tree right first time,
every time, but that seldom happens.
You will not do any lasting damage
to your Bonsai tree by over pruning
just as long there are new buds
developing.
Once you Bonsai tree has reach a
height you appreciate it's time get
out your bonsai tools, namely your
secateurs and snip the top off. This
will have too effects. Firstly your
Bonsai tree will not get any taller,
and secondly this will encourage new
branch growth and thereby making
your Bonsai tree fuller.
You should repeat the process of
root pruning and re-potting every
year, and for the first five years
at least. From then on, reduce this
process to every other year and when
you feel your Bonsai is in need of
some TLC. There is no hard and fast
rule here, just be guided by how
your Bonsai tree looks and you will
be fine.
