To effectively style a bonsai tree you require wire; it is your only means of positioning branches and twigs. Wiring is crucial in training and styling bonsai trees. You need wire in various thicknesses depending on the thickness of the branches you are positioning, as well as wire cutters and pliers for bending the wire.

Wire for bonsai purposes is either made from annealed copper or anodized aluminum. Beginners would be advised to use aluminum as it is easier to apply. It is both easier to work with and sold in most bonsai nurseries. It is available in different thicknesses, ranging from 1 mm to 6 mm. diameter. You will probably only need 1mm, 1.5mm, 2.5mm and 4mm thick wire to start with. If you wire thick branches it is a good idea to wrap them first with raffia; this will protect the branches from damage when bending them.

 

By wrapping aluminum or copper wire around the branches of a tree you are able to bend and reposition the branches. When you wire thick branches, it is advisable to wrap them first with raffia; this will protect the branches from damage when bending them.

 

 

 

 

It will take up to a few months before the branches are set in their new shape, fast growing deciduous set far more quickly; the wire should then be removed.    Do not leave too long or the branch will thicken, the wire cut in and unsightly scars be formed.

 

 

 

 

 

Wiring can be done all year-round for most trees. Most deciduous species should be wired in late winter, the absence of leaves making wiring much easier. During the growth season branches grow thick quite fast and as a result the wire will cut into the bark, creating ugly scars. Check on your tree regularly and remove the wire on time.

During the growing season branches thicken rapidly and as a result the wire will cut into the bark, creating ugly scars. Check on your tree and remove the wire before this happens.

 

 

 

As a beginner you will use smaller quantities. You can only buy copper wire in 1kg rolls, while aluminium wire can be bought in smaller quantities ranging from 500g right down to 100g.

Aluminium wire is about a quarter of the price of annealed copper wire, which only remains annealed for a short time (annealing is a heat process that softens the wire; after a cold winter it will revert to hard and you will not be able to bend it as effectively).

As a beginner you will use smaller quantities. You can only buy copper wire in 1kg rolls, while aluminium wire can be bought in smaller quantities ranging from 500g right down to 100g.