Bonsai Tree Maintenance - Pruning
Growing bonsai trees is quite different than the gardening you're probably used to. Bonsai trees are as much created as they are grown. Time and great care must be taken to make sure proper maintenance is being performed. One of the most important aspects of bonsai tree maintenance is pruning. Everyone thinks of bonsai trees as miniature trees that are grown in pots. Actually, it's the pruning techniques that result in the tiny trees that we end up seeing. This article will provide an overview of basic pruning techniques for different types of bonsai trees.
When To Prune
Pruning is a type of bonsai tree maintenance that must be done at a certain time during the growth cycle. It's very important to find out what the recommended pruning times are for your particular tree. There is a wealth of information available online to get you pointed in the right direction. Since we've already established that these trees are no different than the full sized versions, their growing seasons will be the same as well.
The Basics
One of the most important things to remember when performing bonsai tree maintenance is that the roots also require pruning. Trimming the roots is part of what helps the tree maintain it's diminutive size. If this is not done in concert with the branch pruning, the result could be quite unbalanced. The real trick to creating an attractive tree is finding the proper balance between branch growth and root growth. If you let the roots get too far ahead of the branches on a certain side, it could trigger a growth spurt during the following season that throws the whole tree off balance. It's recommended that you do not let the roots get more than 30% ahead of the branches and foliage on any given side.
The purpose of bonsai tree maintenance is to maintain the appearance, as well as the health of the tree. This is why you always have to be on the lookout for problem branches. These are not necessarily harmful to the tree, but they will ruin the look you are trying to achieve. Any branches that are crossing each other or turning sharply and growing back toward the tree should be removed.
The tools used for bonsai tree maintenance are somewhat different that regular pruning tools as well. Obviously, this is due to the size of the trees and the detailed effect you're trying to achieve. Since they are so small, be careful not to cut anything other than what you intend to remove. One wrong cut could seriously harm your bonsai tree. Finally, it's important to give your tree ample time to recover and begin new growth after pruning. This too will be determined by the type of tree you have. There are various glue-like substances that are designed to aid in the healing process of the wounds after pruning.
The pruning aspect of bonsai tree maintenance is not difficult, but you still need to know what you're doing. Take some time to learn as much as you can about your tree and the recommendations for it.
