How to Shape Bonsai Trees

Shaping a bonsai tree gives the small bonsai a look of a much larger tree. This is where the wiring of a bonsai comes in. Wiring a bonsai is not done to stunt the growth of a tree, but rather to shape the branches.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Copper or aluminum wire, 3.5 mm to 2.0 mm

1. Use copper wire or aluminum wire as shaping wire. Aluminum wire is much easier to use, especially for beginners. The size should run from 3.5 mm to 2.0 mm.

2. Clench the branch with both hands and apply the wire by slowly following it around the branch, making sure it does not damage the trunk. Wire the branch first, and then worry about bending the branch to achieve your desired shape.

3. Be careful of leaves or leaf buds. It is always best to anchor the wire into the soil at the base so that it actually changes the shape of the branch. This can be done by embedding one end it into the soil and training the wire up the trunk until it reaches the desired branch, or by anchoring it to another branch.

Tips & Warnings

• When it is too hard to use large gauge wire in order to train a large branch or trunk, or you don't have the right gauge of wire, you can double up the wiring and wire the branch twice.
• Try not to wire so tightly that the wire cuts into the branch.
• Make sure that, after wiring, the tree is put into shade for a couple weeks.
• Check the tree weekly to ensure that the wire is not digging into the tree as the tree strains against the wire. This prevents the bark from having the imprint of the wire on it.

Resources

• Visit the Bonsai Basics website
• See information on shaping at Bonsai Gardener