As you will
appreciate the pruning of a Bonsai
tree is a selective and highly
personal process that determines the
shape and style in which you want
your Bonsai to develop into. In
order to best achieve this, the use
of Bonsai wire is a must have. The
technique of Bonsai wiring is
fundamental in achieving a
particular Bonsai style and a
critical aspect in controlling the
shape and growth of the tree.
The process involved in Bonsai
wiring is to wrap the trunk and any branches that need
correcting with Bonsai wire of the exact length and
depth to achieve a temporary brace for the Bonsai to
adapt too.
Since Bonsai wiring will put extra
strain on both the trunk and branches it’s vitally
important to exercise restraint with this process. All
too often some Bonsai enthusiasts, but more often Bonsai
beginners, try to rush the wiring technique and either
crack a branch, or in the worst case scenario cause
permanent damage to the trunk. Furthermore it’s also
possible to wind the Bonsai wire too tightly which may
well result in scarring. If this happens it can take
many years for the tree to heal itself.
Before even thinking about Bonsai
wiring you need to plan how you anticipate the tree will
look after the process is complete. Start with a sketch
of how you would like the trunk to look, and then
concentrate on the main branches before completing your
design with the smallest or least visually impacting
branches.
We’re almost ready, but before we
start wiring our Bonsai it’s a good idea to practice on
something like a broom stick handle or a naturally
growing tree branch, this will make sure you get a sense
of the Bonsai wire, and more importantly develop the
agility to clasp the branch and wind the Bonsai wire at
the same time. Once you are comfortable with this
process you can move onto the Bonsai tree.
However, before you do, make sure
it’s safe to Bonsai wire your tree. You need to perform
Bonsai wiring during the correct month to avoid damage
to your miniature tree. Unfortunately this isn’t easy
due to the differing varieties of Bonsais that there are
and the unique growing period that each tree has.
For example some forms of deciduous
Bonsai trees are a lot more fragile during spring. This
is due to the tree breaking from dormancy and it’s
growing period just starting. It’s advisable therefore
to wait until later in the year when the sap flow has
tailed-off and the growth of the Bonsai has slowed
down. Summer months are therefore generally preferred.
However, waiting too long isn’t
advisable either. Bonsai wiring later on in the year
will result in limited growth which obviously is needed
in order to sculpt the Bonsai tree. That said, wiring
in winter is certainly feasible, but due to likelihood
that the Bonsai will be in a dormant state extra time
and care is called for.
This article has covered the
preparation side of how to wire a Bonsai tree.
