Pruning a Bonsai

When Is The Best time To Prune?

In most cases plants respond well to pruning. There are however some which have a hard time recovering if pruned at the wrong time of year. When it comes to the Bonsai first find out what type of plant it is, do some checking before you snip with those pruning scissors. Generally speaking you prune new growth during the growing season to maintain the bonsai's shape, while pruning old seasoned growth (hard wood) in mid-autumn.

Types Of Pruning

Finger Pruning

A good form of pruning a Bonsai, in particular Junipers and Cedars is known as ‘Finger Pruning'. With this form of pruning you pinch back the new growth, that doesn't fall within the general shape of the Bonsai or is at the top helping to develop a more bushy foliage and a more tree like appearance of the Bonsai. Using both hands, one to prune and the other to hold and steady the branch, first place the growth between your thumb and forefinger and hold the branch with the other hand. Remove the growth with a steady twisting motion. This is better than using pruning scissors as they tend to leave an unnatural look and leaves the foliage with an unsightly brown color. With Deciduous trees pruning scissors work best. When pruning overgrowth trim the shoots back, but don't cut the foliage as such.

Branch Pruning

Early spring is the best time to prune branches. The winter weather will do much of the tree's self pruning. Allow the tree's natural growth to prosper while mercilessly pruning off the excess branches.

Leaf Pruning

This is known as defoliation in the Bonsai and is used for several Deciduous and Tropical plants in order to reduce leaf size. By removing unsightly leaves you can speed up growth by producing two seasons in one. Do this in mid-summer, by cutting off between sixty to ninety percent of the leaves off the tree. Keep in mind to leave enough that it ensures the tree has proper energy. Remove the leaves with fine scissors cutting them directly behind the leaf. Over the next few months be sure to keep the plant in an hospitable position and environment providing it with plenty of water. This will work only with certain types of plants, so read up first.

Pruning Of The Roots

Bonsai are kept root-bound deliberately inside their containers, and their roots are pruned. Every two or three years re-pot the Bonsai tree into a container with fresh soil. Remove all but the most important parts of the Bonsai regularly is essential to the plants growth and healthy appearance.