When trimming or pruning your bonsai tree it is important for you to have the correct types of tools. Scissors, a small saw and some cutters will be needed if you really want to properly style your tree. However if you just beginning and you have do not have access to these supplies then you can get them from a garden store.
Every year, new types of growth will occur on your tree, some will be desirable however quite a lot of the growth will be unwanted and you'll be required to remove these unwanted growths if you want to style your tree effectively. Don't fret about this as it's relatively easy to do if you have the correct instructions. You just have to watch out for any new shoots and then pick them off. Larger branches which may have grown on your tree unnoticed, such as trunk crossing branches, will have to be removed manually. These look undesirable and unsightly if they're allowed to grow too close to one another.
It is important to note that sometimes an ugly branch or unwanted branch may look ugly on the tree to begin with however, this unwanted branch may be benefiting the trees health. Young bonsai trees will often have these unwanted branches and they should be left on the plant and then removed later on once the tree has matured. This is because if you don't do this and you remove the branch while it's still quite young, a new series of growths is likely to occur again in the same area. Also, cutting away these branches slows your trees natural growing rate. Basically you just want to leave the unwanted branches on the bonsai when it is younger and only remove them later on when the tree has matured slightly. This is a common mistake that new bonsai tree owners make, as they do not realise that sometimes you have to put up with undesirable growth on your bonsai before removing it.
If you're cutting off a large branch then you want to use a cutting tool which cuts into the trunk. The reason for this is because when the tree heals itself, it will swell up slightly and might bulge outwards. So if you cut into the branch, when the trunk swells it will not bulge outwards and so the wound will heal itself into a nice smooth shape. After any wound has been created you should also apply a small amount of wood sealant. Avoid letting any of this touch the other areas of the plant, apart from the wound. This wood sealant will help to protect the tree from any bacterial or fungus infections.
Every year, new types of growth will occur on your tree, some will be desirable however quite a lot of the growth will be unwanted and you'll be required to remove these unwanted growths if you want to style your tree effectively. Don't fret about this as it's relatively easy to do if you have the correct instructions. You just have to watch out for any new shoots and then pick them off. Larger branches which may have grown on your tree unnoticed, such as trunk crossing branches, will have to be removed manually. These look undesirable and unsightly if they're allowed to grow too close to one another.
It is important to note that sometimes an ugly branch or unwanted branch may look ugly on the tree to begin with however, this unwanted branch may be benefiting the trees health. Young bonsai trees will often have these unwanted branches and they should be left on the plant and then removed later on once the tree has matured. This is because if you don't do this and you remove the branch while it's still quite young, a new series of growths is likely to occur again in the same area. Also, cutting away these branches slows your trees natural growing rate. Basically you just want to leave the unwanted branches on the bonsai when it is younger and only remove them later on when the tree has matured slightly. This is a common mistake that new bonsai tree owners make, as they do not realise that sometimes you have to put up with undesirable growth on your bonsai before removing it.
If you're cutting off a large branch then you want to use a cutting tool which cuts into the trunk. The reason for this is because when the tree heals itself, it will swell up slightly and might bulge outwards. So if you cut into the branch, when the trunk swells it will not bulge outwards and so the wound will heal itself into a nice smooth shape. After any wound has been created you should also apply a small amount of wood sealant. Avoid letting any of this touch the other areas of the plant, apart from the wound. This wood sealant will help to protect the tree from any bacterial or fungus infections.
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