When To Start Pruning Bonsai

If their growth is not adequately controlled bonsai trees can easily outgrow their containers.

When to start pruning bonsai. Overall the early spring and in some cases late autumn is the right time to structure prune a tree just before and after the growth season. This is so that the tree can adequately heal the wound created during pruning. Cut any large thick roots and any upward facing roots leaving a network of long slender roots that will sit near the surface of the soil. You should do this kind of pruning often.

In the tree species section you can check the specifics on your particular tree a ficus bonsai needs different timing from a juniper bonsai for example. The first year s growth is a single stem and at the end of the first years growth sprouts the second years growth usually 3 stems. Certain species of coniferous bonsai may require both leaf pruning and pinching maintenance pruning can be done from around mid march to september. Prune for structure and style from november to february.

In addition without root pruning bonsai become pot bound. When conditions are perfect though a complete defoliation can be done twice a year. In winter the tree is dormant because of very cold weather in early spring growth begins again in spring and early summer there is major growth in high summer the tree is dormant due to the heat in early. Just as with any plant bonsai trees require moisture to survive.

Bonsai also need annual or bi annual repotting. The goal of a complete defoliation is to reduce leaf size. In general the period for intervention more or less coincides with seasonal changes. It involves building the box itself pruning with root pruning and potting the tree.

This bonsai will be kept outside year round unless there is some extreme in weather. According to many i ve spoken to about bonsai the most common mistake is to try to get a plant which is meant for outdoors to live inside. Cut back large branches. Bonsai trees should only be pruned during a certain time of year.

The ideal pruning season will vary between tree species but will usually be during the spring and summer when the plant is growing most vigorously. Regular maintenance pruning is an important part of caring for your bonsai. Typically a complete leaf pruning is done three weeks prior to bonsai tree competitions. Doing structural and stylistic pruning 1.

Large branches that protrude from the tree can be removed as can branches with unnatural. To ensure you don t damage the tree too much or stunt its. This 2 year old 2 inch tall seedling shows the beginning of a white spruce s development. Bonsai must to be pruned in order to keep them small.

To ensure your bonsai tree remains manageable and tidy prune its roots when you pot it.