What You Need To Know About Pruning Bonsai Trees
Lee Dobbins
Pruning bonsai trees is one of the most important things you will
have to do as a bonsai enthusiast. Generally, you will be pruning
two parts of your bonsai: the roots, which is the bottom part of
the plant, and the foliage, which is the top part of the plant.
Pruning your bonsais is one of the more interesting aspects of
growing these interesting plants and is a way to let your
creativity shine.
Root pruning is important because it allows the tree to grow new
roots. Because of their small containers, the roots of bonsai
trees are often stunted in growth. By pruning the root system of
your bonsai regularly, you will ensure that the plant has the
space needed to grow new roots, which in turn helps the plant
absorb moisture and nutrients from the soil. As with any other
plant, the root structure is critical to the growth and health of
your bonsai.
On the other hand, pruning a bonsai tree’s foliage is also vital
– if only for aesthetic purposes. If you are a bonsai owner, you
probably have a specific design in mind for your tree. Pruning
will help you achieve the results you desire. Pruning can help
shape your tree into the form you want as well as removes any
dead leaves to help keep it healthy and beautiful.
Also, don’t forget that the roots and the foliage of your bonsai
tree are interconnected. When you reduce the foliage (or number
of leaves) that your tree has, you are also reducing the strain
on its roots. In other words, the less leaves there are, the less
work the roots have to do to keep them alive.
The amount of pruning you will do will depend heavily on your
plans for the tree. It is best for you to have a plan here before
you begin. Remember that the changes that you make to your tree
are permanent! If you cut a branch off, that branch is gone
forever, and you will have to wait for a new one to take its
place. Remember to prune your tree gently - if you are removing
leaves pinch them off with your fingers and don’t use sharp or
harsh tools.
Most people like to prune off branches that cross the trunk or
each other. Why? Because it isn’t very pretty to look at. So
unless you think you can rewire the branch and force it to grow
in another direction, cut it off. Branches that stick out towards
you are also common pruning targets. Of course, what you prune
from your plant should be your personal decision. What is really
important is that you find your bonsai tree beautiful; what
others think of it is a secondary consideration. Trust your own
good taste.
Remember: pruning your bonsai trees is supposed to be fun! Don’t
get too worked up if your trees don’t turn out the way you want
them at first. If you keep learning and practicing your botanical
skills, the day will soon come when your bonsai will be the envy
of your neighbors!
Lee Dobbins writes for
http://www.bonsai.garden-corner.com where
you can learn more about bonsai trees. Visit
http://bonsai.garden-corner.com/articles2. html to learn about
the different types of bonsai trees you cna grow.
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