WHEN
TO WIRE THE BONSAI
With the large number of tree species
commonly used for bonsai and the wide variation of climates in which
readers will be wiring, it is impossible
to state exactly when your tree should be wired. There are also
pros and cons of wiring at any particular time of the year with
any particular type of bonsai. Theoretically, most tree species
can be wired at most times of the year though trees wired during
the winter may need frost protection in certain climates.
The only time that wiring can negatively impact the health of your
tree to a large degree is during winter, in areas where temperatures
regularly drop below 15°F. In temperatures this cold, any fractures
that have not healed will be exposed to the cold and possible future
dieback of the branch.
In warmer climates, the best time to wire deciduous trees is just
as the leaves fall in autumn. With the branches bare it is much
easier to wire and adjust the branches with a complete view of the
tree. The branches should heal all but the largest cracks or severe
bends before the tree becomes completely dormant for the winter.
Deciduous trees can be wired in spring before the leaves open but
great care must be taken that the new leaf or flower buds are not
dislodged. Deciduous and broadleaf trees can be wired any time through
the growing season but when in leaf it is more difficult to study
the structure of the tree and wiring around the leaves is more difficult.
Branches wired at this time; particularly new shoots, will heal
very quickly. On fast growing species, keep checking every few days
that the wire is not beginning to dig in.
The second best time to wire deciduous trees is at midsummer after
defoliating the tree. Again with the branches bare, wiring is clear
and easy; the branches should take to their new positions before
the end of autumn.
Coniferous species can be wired at any time from spring through
to autumn. Coniferous species will continue to heal over winter
so they can still be wired in autumn. As the wire on Coniferous
species needs to be on the branches for a longer period of time;
often over winter, frost protection is needed if temperatures drop
below 15°F.
Coniferous species need wiring annually and need at least one complete
wiring of the entire tree for a successful design. They are best
wired (particularly if heavy bends are to be made) from late midsummer
through to early autumn.
By late midsummer, new growth will start to need wiring and will
heal faster than at most other times of the year. Many species such
as Pines will have also made most of their annual increase in branch
thickness by August; wiring after this time will allow the wire
to stay on the tree until the following year without cutting in
and scarring the bark.
Coniferous species can be wired in the spring and this growth will
set into position relatively quickly but will need reapplying as
the years new growth appears. Any wire still on the tree by midsummer
should be checked regularly to avoid wire scarring; particularly
on Pines that swell suddenly around this time.
Tropical species can be wired at virtually any time of the year
as they are protected from frost and have little or no dormant period.
The wire can cut in fast due to the typically vigorous growth of
tropical species and must be checked very often.
The wire should be removed after 6 months. Usually the branch should
then stay in that position on its own. Wire should be carefully
cut from the branches. Do not unwind wires as this could break the
branch. Use your wire cutters for best results. If you try to unwind,
you could conceivably, snap a branch.
If a branch should snap, the ends can be rejoined if they are not
completely broken. Wind some garden
tape around the break. If a branch snaps off, prune it back at the
first side branch.
After spending so much time making your bonsai
look the way you want it to, you must, of course, take care
of it!
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