How to prune bonsai and shape it? Bonsai pruning techniques (rhymes, illustrations)

When caring for bonsai, sufficient water and fertilizer are provided to allow the bonsai tree stump to grow. Then pruning becomes a necessary action. So how to prune bonsai?

Bonsai pruning method

1. Cross branches

Cross branches refer to two side branches that cross each other and interfere with each other, forming an X shape. Horizontal branches will appear messy and should be cut off. When pruning grafts, only one of the two branches should be selected to keep the better branch and the other should be cut off.

2. Parallel branches

Parallel branches refer to the branches of the tree growing parallel to each other in the same direction. Its length is the same as the length. If you want to cut off a branch or shorten the upper branch, you can twist and swing it in the same direction.

3. Whorled branches

Whorled branches refer to branches that grow three or more branches at the same level of the trunk. Whorled branches are not easy to grow in balance and affect the appearance. You should leave one branch with a suitable angle or a healthy branch or side branch and cut off the other branches.

4. Symmetrical branches

Symmetrical branches refer to branches that grow opposite to each other at the same level, that is, two branches grow one in front of the other or one on the left and one on the right of the trunk. Symmetrical branches are more common in opposite sprouting tree species. One of the branches should be cut off, and the pruning should be staggered from bottom to top.

5. Clustered branches

Cluster branches are several side branches growing from the same part of the trunk. If you want to keep the branches in this part, only keep the healthy side branches and cut off the others.

6. Top branch

The top branch is the branch that grows in front of the trunk and is at right angles to the trunk. This branch rushes towards people and is dazzling, so it should be cut off. If you need to keep the top branch, you should control the length of the branch and bend it appropriately to the left and right from the base in a climbing manner.

7. Leggy branches

Leggy branches refer to those with vigorous growth, large leaves and long branches. Those who stand upright tend to grow thick branches. Leggy branches should be cut off. If you want to keep such branches, you should shape the tree in time.

8. Axillary branches

Axillary branches grow in the depressions of the trunk, filling the curved parts and often destroying the beautiful shape of the nodes, so they should be pruned off in time.

9. Upright branches

Upright branches refer to the upright branches growing on the horizontal branches, which often affect the growth and beauty of other branches and should be cut off in time. If you want to keep them, you must tie them up in time to enhance the beauty by bending them.

Bonsai Pruning Tips

1. Pruning branches

Wheel branches, latch branches, parallel branches, vertical branches, downward branches, one-sided branches, long branches, cross branches, cut branches, reverse branches, and front branches. These branches will cause excessive fertilizer occupation during the growth of bonsai tree stumps, affect the beautiful shape, and block the ventilation of branches and leaves.

2. Wound management

When pruning, pay attention to the treatment of pruning wounds. Prevent bacteria from invading and causing the death of bonsai tree stumps. When pruning without grasping, make strokes several times to determine the pruning position.

This period of time is also determined by the growth habits of the bonsai tree stump. If the growth momentum is not strong, I will stop pruning at this time. After the stump plant grows well, it should be pruned.

3. Pruning time

The timing of pruning bonsai branches during the growth period of the tree stump. Pruning bonsai tree stump branches during the growth period does not cause too much damage to the bonsai plant, and can quickly heal the wounds of the bonsai. If you need to reduce the branches of the bonsai, you can prune them outside the bonsai growth period.

4. Ensure overall coordination

When pruning bonsai, pay attention to the location of the pruning branches. Make sure the pruning proportions of the bonsai branches are maintained to ensure overall coordination and unity. Also, the cut wounds should present a natural transition. Do not induce new branches after pruning.