Shaping Your Bonsai
Bonsai can be trained into a variety of shapes. The traditional basic idea of shaping bonsai trees is to reflect the appearances of trees in nature.
You can achieve the desired shape by performing trimming, ramifying or bending the branches, and training tree trunks. Today, a variety of special tools is available for easy modification in almost all situation.
Branch cutting:
When you need to cut the branch from the trunk base, Concave is one of the most popular tools for the clear cut it gives to the branch base.
Knob cutting:
This is the specialized tool with special rounded edges that will allow yo dig into the cut, gauging out a piece of good to let it heal and remolding the knob.
Bonsai training:
To help give shape to the bonsai, aluminum or cooper wire is used to properly rise the bonsai. Wire is better manipulated with the following tools.
Wire:
Offering a brown anodize wire to fuse with the trunk for better aesthetics. Resistant yet easy to manipulate.
Pliers (Middle):
Important to fix and remove the aluminum with care and avoid damage to the bonsai.
Wire cutter (Right):
Sharp and reduced blades, cut the wire in smaller sections for easy removal and minimum danger to the bonsai.
Trunk splitting (Left):
When the trunk and thick branches are hard to give shape, this special tool "splits" them vertically. It is a delicate process that, done correctly, makes the trunk/branches malleable to give shape and let heal back.
Wazakura's tree trunk splitter: special model with ergonomic grab and compact head to work smaller trees.
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For the repotting, root caring and soil arrangement, the following tools are available:
Curved Mini Scoop:
To help with the digging and transplant.
Root cutters:
Taking care of the roots is important, but these could be hard to cut with scissors; may even put a dent with regular scissors. For this, it is recommended to use a specialized cutter for an easier cut and to preserve your scissors.
Tweezers & Spatula:
Will help to arrange the soil of the bonsai.
Soil Sieve:
Will help to arrange the soil of the bonsai.
Curved Brush:
Will help to arrange the soil of the bonsai.
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For your convenience and maintenance:
Sap eraser:
Useful to help maintain the tools clean.
Holster:
Handy and safe way to keep the tools at hand.
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