| As a newcomer to caring for bonsai trees, I was | | | | desired shape. When you are branch pruning, you |
| keen to start making it grow the way I wanted, | | | | are removing the thicker branches that clutter the |
| but maybe I was being a little impatient. Bonsai | | | | style of the Bonsai tree. These may be 'sticking |
| are not like house plants, they take years to | | | | out' at all angles and detracting from the basic |
| form into beautiful works of art. I am a | | | | design of the tree. |
| newcomer to bonsai and are just learning the | | | | The types of branches to prune in particular are |
| basics of keeping my tree alive. What I really | | | | crossing branches, which are the ones that cross |
| needed to know about pruning at this time was | | | | the trunk or each other. |
| how to keep my tree 'under control' and keep it | | | | To remove these thicker branches it is a good |
| miniature and in the original shape by removing | | | | idea to use a pair of concave cutters. These |
| any excessive new growth. | | | | specially designed cutters allow you to remove |
| To keep the growth balanced and in shape, | | | | the heavy branches without leaving ugly scars. |
| pruning is necessary and this is without doubt one | | | | Trimming is the pruning of the lighter branches |
| of the most enjoyable and satisfying aspects of | | | | and foliage butterfly shears' are usually used for |
| the hobby. Do not be afraid of pruning - it is an | | | | this. |
| essential part of caring for bonsai, helping to | | | | Pinching is simply removing any new growth such |
| create miniature trees, rather than overgrown | | | | as buds and foliage before it extends so that it is |
| bushes. | | | | placed more evenly amongst the branches of the |
| Branches help to thicken the trunk and while there | | | | tree. It encourages growth nearer to the trunk |
| are usually too many branches on the Bonsai's | | | | and lower branches by not letting the leaves of |
| that are commercially sold, it pays to remember | | | | the higher branches 'take over'. If you omit this |
| that you can not put anything back once you've | | | | stage when caring for bonsai trees, the lower |
| cut it off! When removing branches, if unsure | | | | branches and foliage become smaller and weaker |
| whether the branch should be removed | | | | and won't grow as well. |
| completely, prune back and leave some buds that | | | | Bonsai trees tend to be broad at the trunk base |
| could grow back if desired, so that your options | | | | and taper towards an apex. It's important to |
| are left open. So don't go crazy, my advise would | | | | 'pinch' the leaves and buds to remove the ones |
| be: if you're not sure, leave it be. | | | | that you don't want as this will stop the tree |
| It is said that 'as you cut for the roots, you cut | | | | from wasting unnecessary energy growing foliage |
| for the branches.' That is to say, when you are | | | | that is not required. |
| pruning the branches of your Bonsai tree, you are | | | | You can do this using your thumb and forefinger |
| going for a balance of the foliage and root | | | | or on very delicate areas you can use a pair of |
| systems. There is a close relationship between | | | | tweezers to remove small buds from within |
| new shoots and new roots - when a tree's | | | | shoots. |
| shoots are extending, so are the roots. This is an | | | | With a little knowledge, over time, I will be able to |
| important fact to remember when caring for | | | | trim and pinch my tree to train it to grow into an |
| bonsai trees. | | | | interesting, aesthetically pleasing shape that will |
| This is another reason why it is best to prune at | | | | impress my family and friends with my |
| this time, before there is excess foliage that | | | | knowledge of caring for bonsai trees. In the |
| would place too much demand on a smaller root | | | | meanwhile, I will be looking at different trees to |
| system. | | | | develop an idea of what mine might eventually |
| Pruning branches must be done carefully and | | | | look like. |
| thoughtfully to ensure that you end up with your | | | | |