How to Prune a Bonsai Tree

Bonsai trees need regular pruning to maintain the desired style and size. There are two types of pruning: maintenance pruning, which keeps the tree small and encourages new growth, and structural or style pruning, which helps shape the tree and enhances its aesthetic qualities. Whether you want to prune a bonsai tree for maintenance or styling, and regardless of the type of bonsai tree, all you need is a keen eye and scissors to get started.

Table of Contents

Maintenance pruning

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Remove all weeds, branches or dry leaves. Look for weeds growing in potted plants as well as broken branches or leaves on plants. Carefully pull out all the weeds, making sure not to damage the bonsai’s roots. Select and remove damaged twigs or leaves from the tree. ^{[1] X Research Source}

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Prune off branches that are crossed and broken. Crossed branches rub against each other and leave wounds that can allow pests or diseases to enter the tree. Broken branches or twigs must be removed so that the tree can focus its energy on a new direction of growth. Use bonsai pruning shears to cut diagonal and broken branches just above where they come out of the trunk. ^{[2] X Research Source}

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Cut off the twigs to only 3-4 eyes. Eyes are the nodes from which the leaves grow. When a twig has 6-8 eyes, trim it down to only 3-4 eyes. Make a neat cut just above the remaining eyes with pruning shears or tree knots. This keeps the plant from growing too large and also encourages new growth. ^{[3] X Research Sources}

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Prune heavily in spring and summer. Although bonsai trees can be pruned year-round, most pruning should be done when the tree is actively growing during spring and summer. Depending on where you live, this can be from March to September. ^{[4] X Research Sources}

Trimming to create structure and style

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Prune to create structure and style from November to February. To make sure you don’t damage your plants excessively or slow their growth, you should only prune to create structure and style while the tree is hibernation. Usually, it is during the winter months from November to February ^{. [5] X Trusted Source Royal Horticultural Society Go to source}

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Cut off large branches. Large branches protruding from the tree can be removed, as can unnatural twisting or turning or unsightly branches. Cut each branch just above one eye in a position that helps balance the appearance of the tree. Use the pruning shears to make a sweet cut. ^{[6] X Research Sources}

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Thin the top and canopy of the tree. To allow light to filter through the canopy and reach the lower branches, and shape the canopy to the desired size, trim away branches or small branches at the top of the tree. Use pruning shears to trim away overgrown branches and shoots so that the canopy is rounded and balanced. ^{[7] X Research Sources}

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Remove twigs from the tree. Twigs are small branches that can grow on stumps or branches. You can break them off with your fingers to help maintain the tree’s balance and aesthetics. Remove any twigs that you think detract from the bonsai’s overall appeal. ^{[8] X Research Sources}

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Remove the buds from the conifers. To create a more compact appearance, use your fingers to pluck the entire bud from overgrown or overgrown areas. Trim the buds off the branches. Leave 3 buds on each branch, but feel free to remove the rest. This will encourage more branching on the tree. ^{[9] X Research Source}

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Deciduous trees shed their leaves after new growth has stabilized. Defoliation helps remove old, long leaves and encourages smaller, more aesthetically pleasing leaves to grow. Cut off each leaf at the base, leaving the stalk. New, smaller leaves will grow in their place. This is a risky technique, as shedding at the wrong time of year means the tree may never recover. ^{[10] X Research Source}

Caring for bonsai trees after pruning

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Cover the cut with latex. To prevent too much sap from leaking out and to help the cut heal, seal the cut with latex. Squeeze a small amount of cream onto a gloved finger and apply a thin layer over each cut. ^{[11] X Research Source}

You can find latex for bonsai cuts at gardening centers and online.

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Water the bonsai immediately after pruning. Watering bonsai abundantly after pruning is very important to encourage new growth. Make sure the soil is completely saturated the first time you water the plant after pruning. ^{[12] X Trusted Source Royal Horticultural Society Go to Source}

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Lightly water the plant once a day. You should only water a lot immediately after pruning. After that, water the plant lightly every day. The goal is to keep the soil moist, but not soggy. Oversaturated soil can lead to root rot, so be careful not to over water the plant. ^{[13] X Research Source}

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Fertilize 7-7-7 every 2 weeks while the plant is growing. Choose a fertilizer made specifically for bonsai trees, such as 7-7-7 fertilizer. Use liquid fertilizer for small bonsai, and granular fertilizer for large bonsai. Dilute the fertilizer to halve the concentration, or use half the dose directed on the package. ^{[14] X Trusted Source Royal Horticultural Society Go to Source}

Advice

Using pruning tools designed specifically for bonsai trees – such as concave shears and Japanese saws – will make trimming bonsai easier.
Do small-scale pruning by hand if possible.
Clean pruning tools before and after use to prevent the spread of disease and pests.
Check your bonsai for diseases and pests while you prune. If you notice an infested branch, prune it and throw it away.
Water abundantly after pruning.

Steps

Maintenance pruning

Trimming to create structure and style

Caring for bonsai trees after pruning

Advice

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