Buzz
Bonsai trees require regular pruning to maintain their size and desired shape. There are two primary pruning methods: maintenance pruning, which keeps the tree compact and stimulates new growth, and structural or styling pruning, which enhances the tree's form and aesthetic appeal. Whether you're pruning for maintenance or styling, and regardless of the bonsai species, all you need is a keen eye and a pair of branch or twig cutters to get started.
Steps
Maintenance Pruning
Remove all weeds, dead branches, or leaves. Look for weeds growing in the bonsai pot as well as damaged branches or leaves on the tree. Carefully pull out the weeds, ensuring the bonsai's roots remain undisturbed. Identify and remove any dead branches or leaves from the tree.
Trim crossing and broken branches. Branches that cross and rub against each other can create wounds, making the tree susceptible to pests or diseases. Broken branches or shoots should be removed to allow the tree to focus its energy on new growth. Use bonsai pruning shears to cut crossing or broken branches just above the point where they emerge from the trunk.
Trim shoots to leave only 3-4 nodes. Nodes are the points on a branch where leaves grow. When a shoot has 6-8 nodes, trim it back to 3-4 nodes. Make clean cuts just above the remaining nodes using branch cutters or twig shears. This prevents the tree from growing too large and encourages new growth.
Prune heavily during spring and summer. While bonsai trees can be pruned year-round, most pruning should be done during their active growth phase in spring and summer. Depending on your location, this period may span from March to September.
Structural and Styling Pruning
Prune for structure and style from November to February. To avoid excessive damage or stunting the tree's growth, structural and styling pruning should only be done during the tree's dormant period. Typically, this occurs during the winter months from November to February.
Trim large branches. Large branches protruding from the tree can be removed, as well as those with unnatural twists or splits or those that are visually unappealing. Cut each branch just above a node in a position that helps balance the tree's appearance. Use branch cutters for clean cuts.
Thin out the top and canopy. To allow light to filter through the canopy and reach lower branches, as well as shape the canopy to the desired size, trim small branches or shoots at the top of the tree. Use pruning shears to remove excess growth, ensuring the canopy remains rounded and balanced.
Remove suckers from the tree. Suckers are small shoots that may grow from the base or branches of the tree. You can pinch them off with your fingers to maintain the tree's balance and aesthetics. Remove any suckers that detract from the overall appeal of the bonsai.
Pinch off buds from coniferous trees. To create a more compact shape, use your fingers to remove entire buds from areas that are too large or overgrown. Thin out buds from the branches. Leave 3 buds per shoot but feel free to remove the rest. This encourages more branching on the tree.
Deciduous trees shed leaves after new growth has stabilized. Defoliation helps remove old, elongated leaves and encourages the growth of smaller, more aesthetically pleasing leaves. Cut each leaf at its base, leaving the stalk. Smaller new leaves will grow in their place. This is a risky technique, as defoliating at the wrong time of year may prevent the tree from recovering.
Post-pruning care for bonsai trees
Seal cuts with latex sap. To prevent excessive sap leakage and promote healing, apply latex sap to each cut. Squeeze a small amount onto a gloved finger and spread a thin layer over every cut.
- Latex sap for sealing plant cuts is available at gardening centers and online.
Water the bonsai immediately after pruning. Thoroughly watering the bonsai post-pruning is crucial to encourage new growth. Ensure the soil is completely saturated during the first watering after pruning.
Lightly water the plant once daily. While heavy watering is necessary right after pruning, switch to light watering daily afterward. The goal is to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Over-saturated soil can lead to root rot, so avoid overwatering.
Apply 7-7-7 fertilizer every two weeks during the growth period. Opt for a fertilizer specifically designed for bonsai, such as a 7-7-7 formula. Use liquid fertilizer for small bonsai and granular fertilizer for larger ones. Dilute the fertilizer to half strength or use half the recommended dosage on the package.
Tips
- Utilize pruning tools specifically designed for bonsai—such as concave cutters and Japanese-style saws—to make the pruning process easier.
- Perform minor pruning by hand whenever possible.
- Clean pruning tools before and after use to prevent the spread of diseases and pests.
- Inspect your bonsai for diseases and pests while pruning. If you notice an infected branch, prune it and dispose of it properly.
- Water generously after pruning.
