Pruning Bonsai Trees: A Comprehensive Guide
Bonsai, a traditional Japanese art form, is about cultivating miniature trees that mimic the shape and style of full-sized trees. One of the primary aspects of Bonsai cultivation and maintenance is pruning, which is critical for shaping the tree and keeping its size and health in check. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you understand and master the art of pruning bonsai trees.
Understanding Tree Growth
Before jumping into the techniques, it's essential to comprehend how trees grow and why we prune them. A common tendency of trees is "apical dominance", where the principal central stem grows more prominently than the side stems.
This dominance is extreme on the top and outer edges, while the inner and lower branches may eventually die. By understanding this growth pattern, we can effectively use pruning to counteract apical dominance, redistribute growth to the inner and lower parts of the tree, and control the tree's overall design basics.
Maintenance Pruning vs. Structural Pruning
Maintenance Pruning
Maintenance pruning is performed to maintain and refine the tree's shape. This procedure primarily involves regularly pruning the top and outer parts, where growth is concentrated, to encourage growth closer to the inner parts of the tree. It's a continual process to preserve the tree's aesthetic while promoting denser growth and a thick canopy.
Structural Pruning
On the other hand, structural pruning is the process of giving the tree its basic shape. This typically involves pruning large branches, which is critical as it defines the tree's appearance. It's also irreversible, so careful planning is critical.
Before embarking on structural pruning, it's advisable to study examples of experienced Bonsai artists' structure-pruning nursery stock[1].
When pruning thick branches, using special concave cutters can significantly reduce scarring. Sealing large wounds with cut paste is also suggested to protect them from infections and speed healing.
Healthy trees should be able to cope with pruning up to 1/3 of their foliage. After a tree has been styled, it's advised to allow it to recover before performing any repotting or root cutting, usually the following spring[1].
The Pruning Process
Required Tools
The right tools can significantly impact the outcome of pruning. Traditional bonsai pruning scissors can be used, but a small, sharp knife is often recommended for precision. This allows for more accurate and swift cuts, reducing the room for error pruning.
Timing
The frequency and timing of pruning depends on the tree species and the growth rate. Spring to autumn is ideal for most species, but seasonal variations may require adjustments. The key is not to prune too excessively, as it affects the tree's shape.
Technique
Start by removing any dead leaves, as they can inhibit new growth. Secondly, prune parts of the tree or branches that grow too large.
Cutting a branch should be done at a sharp angle, leaving enough wood to seal later. Avoid cutting too close to the main trunk or removing more than one layer of branches at a time. The overall process can be enjoyable and
