When should I start wiring my bonsai?
The best time to wire: Most bonsai experts recommend that your tree be wired in late winter or early spring, but wiring can be done at almost any time of year. Generally, however, major wiring is done at the time of pruning for easier access.
How long does a bonsai tree need to be wired?
Branches will grow around the wires in 1-4 months, depending on how fast the tree grows, damaging the bark and leaving permanent scars. Make sure you remove the wires before they start digging into the bark.
What is the best wire to use on a bonsai tree?
The anodized aluminum and annealed copper wires are the best to use for wiring Bonsai. The anodized aluminum is highly flexible and ideal to use on deciduous trees. The annealed copper is almost twice as strong and is excellent to use on thicker trunks like conifers, but can be harder to manipulate.
Can I use electrical wire for bonsai?
There are two kinds of wire which are suitable for use on bonsai and those are anodized aluminium and annealed copper. Galvanized, telephone and electrical wire is unsuitable. Stainless steel wire is also useful but this is generally reserved for hardcore bends and as stays only, not to coil around a trunk or branch.
Can you wire bonsai in winter?
Winter: Winter is the worst season for wiring a bonsai in areas with regular, heavy frost. When wrapping the wire or bending the parts of the plant, wounds may be created (such as cracks in the branch).
What gauge is bonsai wire?
Conifers tend to have a rougher bark and copper wire is usually rougher on its surface than aluminum, so its a good pairing as the copper wire won’t damage the bark as easily. Copper wire for bonsai use in the USA comes in sizes from #4 gauge to #22 gauge. Most commonly #6 – #20.
Can you use any wire for bonsai?
Generally speaking any type of wire can be used to shape a bonsai. The objective is to bend the branch and any means used to achieve that end is permissible. Practically however copper and aluminum wire have become the standards.