Bonsai tree pruning is the basis of the bonsai art. The way we prune these trees to transform them into a small version and to make them remain miniature is the most essential step of the process. Shaping is another main factor, but bonsai tree are irrespective of whether or not it is shaped.
Pruning is not an easy task for beginners, as a lot of expertise and experience is required to know how to prune properly the trees. However, it is still possible to have a bonsai, even if you are a beginner. The essential points to be considered in pruning are:
• The bonsai tree is Buddhist in origin, and pruning is part of the art called solar pruning.• Good quality soil and good mulch should be used to plant the bonsai.• Bonsai should not be subject to extreme cold or strong wind.• The bonsai should not be over watered.
Pruning Basics
For those who are new to the bonsai art, here is a basic outline of pruning that is applicable to almost all varieties of bonsai:
• Choose the right branch to prune: Any branch can be pruned, except for the ones that are considered vital. Yet, branch that is near the trunk are the most common and easiest to prune.• Cut back the branch by a third or a half of its length.• Push the branch in to the ground.• Take away the branch entirely. There is no need to leave a stub and heal the cut. Instead, dry the wound out carefully.• Create a small stump in the place where the branch was removed. Create a hole in the stump and take out the branch whole. This should heal over quickly.
Some Styles of Pruning
There are two main styles of pruning. The first, known as the “conventional” style, is used for most trees. In this style, the tip of the branch is par-singular and the larger branches are removed to leave just the trunk visible. The other style, the “kang bun” style, is used for bushy and low growing trees. Here, the sub-tale about the branches being cut is that they should be evenly split and not bulge at the tip.
The meaning of pruning
Trimming is part of the process to create a beautiful shape. It is a way of getting rid of the useless and unwanted branches so that the focus of the tree is trained onto the trunk, train it into the desired shape and shape and then allows the rest of the branches to hang loose. This creates both stability and style. If the tree doesn’t have any unwanted branches to begin with, the more branches detract from the balance and the stability of the tree.
Pruning is also used to remove dead branches, which could be caused by insects or disease. If you do decide to prune, be sure to choose your shears carefully. Shears should be wooden and have a wooden handle, be reliable and be able to take a regular digging spade. You should never use a pair of pliers for pruning unless you have just plucked a dead branch.
Most of the time, trimming indoor bonsai is done to keep the tree from growing too tall. Indoor bonsai trees are normally grown to be small enough to fit in a corner or to be placed on the corner of a room. Most of the time, their size is determined by the size of the container in which they are kept. When deciding which size to keep your bonsai tree in, you should also keep in mind the number of people who will be living in the house in case you were to leave some branches lying around.
The incline of the tree
Bonsai trees can be planted in any direction. A bent tree is not a kengi. It is just not possible to train a kengi or to shape a tree in a different way. A kengi is not a bonsai tree.
Pruning can be done on the tree as well as the pot. If the tree is a new one, the bark should be left until it has hardened and the new growth should be trimmed. In case the bonsai has an older appearance, the work should be done in the growing season only and therefore the decorations on the tree and the bonsai should be grounded.
Removal of dead branches
A dead branch is one that will not bend and therefore will not requireouting new branches to it. If you are not certain whether or not a given branch is alive, then the lighter the section of the branch, the likely the answer will be “no, it is not”.
