Shaping a Bonsai Tree can be a true art if done properly and with care. Wiring is one of the most common forms of Bonsai shaping. Of course clipping and trimming should also be part of shaping your Bonsai Tree. When you prune and remove branches from the Bonsai, they do not grow back so your result may not be as appealing to the eye. Yet pruning is an important part of maintaining proper shape and growth. Whereas, if you are using the wiring technique in conjunction, it allows more freedom in the forming the tree the way you want it.
Some tools needed for trimming and pruning would be; twig shears otherwise known as Kiri shears used for trimming the Bonsai twigs. Concave cutters used for cutting of thicker branches. Bud nipping shears to trim Bonsai buds and leaves. Long handle pruning shears for root cutting. For shaping your Bonsai tree, you will need Aluminum wire available in all thicknesses from 1.0 mm to 5.0 mm. In addition, fire annealed copper training wire is available in various sizes such as 10, 12, 14, 16, though it is more expensive than Aluminum wire and not as readily available. Be sure to trim your branches and unwanted twigs before wire shaping.
You should begin shaping your Bonsai tree very early on in growth, this way you can train your tree from the beginning. By using the wire for shaping, you can manipulate the branches. It is important not to wrap the wire too tight, as you do not want the wire imbedded. Wrapping the branches with wire allow you to change the direction of growth to form the desired appearance of your grown Bonsai tree. Wrap each branch you want to adjust with some sort of cushioning such as cloth or even gauze pads to ensure that you do not hurt the branches, when applying the wire. Press the wire over top of your padding along the spine of the branch, either on top of the branch if you want it to face downward, or on the underside of the branch for bending upward. Start at the base of the trunk and anchor your wire deep in the soil for stability. Take extra care when wrapping the wire around each branch to avoid breaking off limbs and foliage.
Wrap all of your branches first, then return to each and begin shaping the branches in the desired direction. The shaping process does not happen over night; it can take up to a year to get the desired results, so have patience, but also try not to leave the wire on longer than a year as it may cause scarring to the branches. Be sure to balance out your tree by wiring the branch across from the one you are adjusting so that it does not get too heavy on one side. Try not to wire shape your Bonsai tree while in growing season, try to do it in the fall and winter. Also, try not to leave in direct sunlight, as the wire will heat up and overheat your Bonsai, it likes moderate temperatures and humid air.
Just know that with experience, time and patience, you can shape your Bonsai tree into a true piece of art. Also remember that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, happy shaping.
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