Tips for Wiring Bonsai Trees

If you want to shape your bonsai tree, then you will have to wire it at some point in its life.  There are many things you need to know about wiring bonsai trees.  This article will give you a few tips to get you started.

Type

There are two types of wire used on bonsais, namely copper and aluminum.  If you’re a beginner, it will probably be easier for you to use aluminum wire.  It can also be used again after being set into position.  The advantage of copper wire is that it has more holding power, but you can’t reuse it after setting it into position.

Thickness

You also need to think about thickness when wiring bonsai trees.  Copper wire is measured in gauge or mm, while aluminum is measured in mm.  It’s best to have wire available of various thicknesses if you want to fully wire the tree. 

It’s also important to note that copper has more holding power, so you can use thinner wire.  If you chose to use aluminum instead, you would need a thicker wire.  The appropriate thickness is largely determined by your specific tree’s pliability and strength.

Damage

It is quite easy to cause damage when wiring bonsai trees.  You should never try to wire a branch that appears to be too weak to sustain the pressure caused by the wire.  Also, you should monitor the tree to ensure the wire isn’t digging into the bark as it can cause unsightly scars that take a very long time to heal.  This is more commonly a problem during the spring and summer months.