Bonsai Wiring – How to Wire Your Bonsai Tree

Wiring is an important task with bonsai trees. By wrapping aluminum or copper wire along the bonsai trunk or branches, you can shape the tree how you prefer. Training the bonsai is never easy, but with wiring and complete preparation, it can be easier, especially if you follow some basic guidelines.

Bonsai Wire
You will need to select the right wire for the job. If you have aluminum or copper, you have two of the most popular choices. Copper is considered more attractive if you have to wire your tree for an extended period of time. Unnealed copper is the only appropriate choice, since steel wire is toxic to the tree and should never be used.

The wire will need to shape the tree by putting small stresses along various points on the trunk or branch. The wire will need to be stiffer and stronger than the branch and trunk, or else the tree will bend the wire instead of the other way around. For this reason, thicker wire is typically used. Aluminum is easier to bend, so this is a great choice for a beginner. Copper is stronger and stiffer, but can more easily damage the tree if not applied correctly. You will want to search for wire than is one-third thickness of the branch it is going to shape.

Wrap the wire or aluminum on a tree branch of a similar species and age in order to develop the experienced dexterity you will need. Different thickness on test branches will help to train you and best shape your tree. There are a number of different thicknesses that can go over the whole tree that you will need to practice with. Start with the smallest thickness and work your way up.

How to Wire Bonsai
Wrap the base of the trunk and go upwards with your wire. You can start on the thicker branches and then go over to your smaller branches. Wrap a branch by starting at the base and then going all the way to the tip. If you bend the shape gently, you should listen for cracking, which indicates the branch is being wounded. Stop immediately if you hear the noise and repair the tree with tree paste or glue. Afterwards, do not touch that branch for at least a year as it repairs itself.

The wire needs to be 1/3 the width of the trunk or branch you are working with. You will want to apply firmly, but not too tight because you don’t want any wire scarring on your tree. If you are working with deciduous trees, late autumn after the leaves have fallen off is the best time for wiring as you have a more visible working area. Conifers are often wired in the summer and artists need to avoid wrapping the wire on top of the needles.

Be sure to cut the wire once you are finished; don’t unwind it. The unwinding will reverse the effects and damage the tree most likely.

         

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