Wiring allows you to control the growth of your maturing tree. Wires
are wrapped around the developing trunk and branches to guide their
growth into the desired shape. Wiring can begin once the roots of the
tree have been established and the trunk is beginning to grow. It is an
ongoing process that is done in stages and with multiple branches.
Benefits Of Bonsai Wiring
A devleping tree get two types of benefits from wiring. The wiring can help to change the tree in a desired form, as the tress will not grow on its own in the desired form. Another benefits of wiring is it would allow the growth of the tree, you can mold the growth into various style. the style which are not the natural form like slanting. Wiring also help the three aesthetically, making a bonsai uniquely beautiful in many ways, that would not be able to acheive in its natural form.
Types Of Wire Used In Bonsai Artistry
Typically the wire are used in bonsai are copper or aluminim. The wire should be approx 1/3 the diameter of the branch or the trunk. Note both these wire have their pros and cons, so choose wisely.
As Copper wire is stronger than aluminum and, because of that, holds its
form and stays in place better than aluminum. Because of that, it can
damage the branches and trunk if not carefully monitored for cutting into the plant. If you use copper wire, you should monitor the
growth and condition of the wired parts weekly. Since the potential for
damage is greater with copper wire than aluminum.
Aluminum wire is easier to move and manipulate. Because of its easy
flexibility, though, it is not as sturdy as copper wire. Aluminum wire only needs to be monitored every two weeks.
Both beginners and seasoned bonsai lovers may prefer aluminum wire
because of the greater ease of use compared to copper. Both wires will
accomplish good results. Never the less which wire type is chosen, a careful
observation of the tree and good wiring techniques are necessary.
Determining The Right Time To Wire
To have desired results the wring should be done at a early and healthy state of plant. Typically wiring is done when the plant is repotted for better growth and support. In fact choosing the right time for the wring also depends on the type of plant, since the wring time for deciduous and confiferous trees differ.
Deciduous trees are wired in the early spring. They need to be timed
before new budding begins on the limbs. Wiring at this time gives you
the best visualization of the trunk and branches before the leaves and
new growth emerges. You can see the limbs clearly and apply the wiring
without new leaves and branches getting in the way.
Coniferous trees are wired in the late autumn or early winter.
Because coniferous trees cyclically renew their foliage annually, the
limbs are always populated with a certain amount of foliage. So, unlike
deciduous trees, bare limbs are not a consideration. Rather, wiring is
performed when the sap is lowest in the branches. The branches are more
flexible and respond better to wiring when the sap is low.
Avoid wiring a plant that is unhealthy. Likewise, do not wire weak
branches. Spend some time nourishing the plant and improving its
vitality before wiring. Also avoid wiring a plant that is freshly
watered. The limbs are most flexible when they are moderately
dehydrated. Poor flexibility of the limbs increases the likelihood of
limb damage or breakage.
The Wiring Process
Wiring requires patient, deliberate application of the
wire. Take your time, and be very careful about supporting the plant
throughout the process. As you apply the wire, hold the limb in both
hands and remember to bend the wire to the branch and not the other way
around.
While wiring, begin with the trunk and then progress from the thickest
branches to the thinnest. Bend the wire up the trunk and outwards on
the branches, from the trunk to the tip. Position yourself so that you
are wiring towards yourself. This will give you the maximum control and
allow you to evenly wrap the wire.
The wire should be wrapped around the limbs at a 45 degree angle in a “barber pole”
fashion. The wire should form to the limb and guide its direction, but
it should not be overly tight. Remember that your plant is growing and
needs space for its increasing size. The wires will be guiding growth in
unnatural directions, too. The plant will want to continue to grow to
its original direction at first, and if the wire is too tight, it will
cut into the plant. Precise but loosely wrapped limbs will help avoid
these problems.
Anchoring will provide stability and prevent crossed wires or excess
tension on individual limbs. The trunk’s wire should begin with a firm
foundation in the soil. It should feel steady with a moderate amount of
wiggling. Once steadied, the trunk can be wired. Begin at a tight angle
as the wire emerges from the ground, and then sustain the wiring at a 45
degree angle. Branches are anchored by winding the end of the wire
closest to the trunk around the wire supporting the trunk.
The 45 degree angle guideline for wrapping the wire can be adjusted
if the limb has a sharp bend in it. Wind the wire at a smaller angle as
you work past the turn. This will provide the additional support needed
to straighten the bend.
You can use the same continuous piece of wire on two branches if they
are both of the same thickness. Anchor the wire around the trunk to
secure and balance the wiring. Do not attempt with branches of markedly
different thicknesses. Use separate wires for each. If dealing with a
particularly strong branch, you can use two or three wires winded
together and for extra strength and support.
Removing The Wire
The wire can be removed when it has achieved its purpose and helped
the trunk or branch grow in the desired direction. Wire should also be
removed if it begins to grow into the plant. Gently cut off the wire
with wire cutters. Do not attempt to unwind the wire from the limb or
reuse wire. Attempting this can damage the plant and even break the
branch. Wire is plentiful and easily replaced. Your bonsai is not.
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