Training

Training Bonsai

Most types of trees and shrubs can be trained into Bonsai. The varieties with small leaves tend to produce the best results. However a good specimen requires a lot of training, pruning and repotting.

Basic Principles

To make a full grown tree fit in a small pot !! By restricting root growth and selective foliage pruning a tree can mature in a pot and after a few years can resemble a tree. Patience is the key to this hobby, you cannot rush the growth of a mature tree. Results are calibrated in months, seasons and years.

Root Pruning

Why root prune ? a young healthy tree can out grow it's pot in one growing season, spring to autumn. In the wild the tree is unrestricted and new fine roots are extended into the surrounding soil. These roots do most of the work of gaining nutrients and water. In a pot if these young roots are prevented from developing then the tree will quickly die. By root pruning the tree is encouraged to grow finer roots and grows vigorously. Following a good root prune the tree can have fresh soil added and placed in a pot of similar size to the new root ball. Remove some of the soil using a Hook. The roots should be reduced to about two thirds the original size, and should be in proportion to the upper part of the tree.

Branch Pruning

As with root pruning the tree has to be trimmed to encourage new growth and to establish a basic shape or to maintain shape. A healthy tree needs pruning every week or so to produce a tree with many small twigs imitating the full grown version. Larger branches can be pruned with sharp secateurs or a small saw. The wound left behind needs to be sealed using plastic compound to prevent drying and to speed up the healing process.

Leaf Pruning

This is a very drastic technique, which can only be done on wide leaf healthy trees. The aim of this is to produce a second set of leaves in the same growing season, these will then be slightly smaller. Remove the leaves in early summer after the tree has established itself from spring. Cut the leaf at its base using sharp scissors leaving the leaf stalk intact. All the leaves need to be removed, if one leaf is left the tree will use this to gain its required light and not produce and further leaves. In a few days the leaf stalks will be shed and new leaves will be produced. If a tree recovers quickly enough then the same may be done before the end of the season. But bare in mind that the tree needs enough time to store energy before the onset of winter. So this will then depend on climate, age and health of the tree.

Wiring

To produce a good specimen wiring is essential for positioning twigs and branches in the desired shape. This is a skilful process and takes a little time to practice. Use a length of copper or aluminium wire twice as long as the length of the branch. Apply the wire at 45 degrees to the branch and equally space the turns to the end of the branch. Gently bend the branch to the required position, if I springs back then apply another wire following the same path as the previous or replace with a thicker diameter of wire. With a little practice the gauge of wire can be estimated to provide the tension required. Depending on how quick the tree is growing the wire can stay on for 6 to 24 months, but the wire must not be allowed to cut into the bark, this will produce nasty scaring which can take years to grow out. Continue to wire all branches and set them at the end turning the tree round to view it from all angles. Remove the wire with snipers by cutting it into smaller sections and remove it bit by bit. Unwinding the wire in a long length can prove difficult, following months out of doors where the wire has become brittle. A little care is needed at this point so as not to damage your hard work.

Maintenance

The key to successful Bonsai trees is to keep them looking at their best, by ensuring that they remain in the intended shape. There can be periods of time where it is beneficial to the tree to grow uncontrolled, letting it have a growing burst which will strengthen it. Do this every few years and take it back to its preferred shape.