Three Quick Tips for Pruning Bonsai Trees

bonsai trees

Pruning bonsai trees is important if you want them to stay healthy and looking their best.  If you’re new to the process, there are a few things you need to know.  This article will give you a few tips to get you started.

Timing

You should make sure that you prune your bonsai at least once every year.  Most gardeners do this during the growing season.  By pruning away new growth, you will help maintain the shape of your tree.  If you’re looking to get rid of old season’s growth, you should do so in the fall.

Pruning bonsai trees can also be done during the winter if you want.  If you have a deciduous tree, it will be a little easier for you to see what needs to be cut.  However, you shouldn’t prune if the temperature outside is below freezing.  The wood will likely shatter when you cut it.

Branches

You will most likely need to cut some branches away.  You should start out by removing small branches that are growing toward the center of the tree where they’ll get little sunlight.  Also, it’s important that you remove any branch that is intersecting with another branch.

Leaves

If you own a certain type of tropical or deciduous tree, you may also need to prune some leaves.  This is done to get rid of ugly leaves and also to trim away large ones.  You should cut leaves using very fine scissors.  Make the cut directly behind the leaf instead of further up the steam.  Also, if you cut away a lot of leaves, you need to make sure that you leave enough so that your tree can maintain enough energy.

Tags: Bonsai, Pruning, Quick, Three, Tips, Trees