Wiring branches is an essential technique in bonsai design. By wrapping wire around branches we can reposition and shape the tree to achieve the desired form. However, a common question among bonsai enthusiasts is how long to leave the wire on the tree. Leaving it on too long risks scarring the branch but taking it off too soon may not allow enough time for the branch to set in the new position. In this comprehensive guide, we will examine how long to leave wire on a bonsai tree based on various factors.
When to Remove Wire from Bonsai Trees
There is no single definitive timeframe for leaving wire on bonsai trees. The appropriate duration depends entirely on the growth rate and bark texture of each specific tree, as well as the degree of bending applied.
On young, fast-growing trees with smooth bark, wire can begin to bite into branches in as little as 4-6 weeks. Vigorous growth causes the branches to swell rapidly, putting pressure on the wire. And thin or smooth bark is easily scarred if the wire digs in. Therefore wiring must be checked frequently and removed promptly on these trees.
Mature, slower-growing bonsai with rough bark are more tolerant of long-term wiring. Their slower growth rate means it takes longer for wire to tighten. And rough bark resists scarring better if some biting occurs. Wire may remain on these trees for 6 months or longer before needing removal.
The severity of the branch bending also impacts wiring duration Aggressive bends put more stress on the branch, causing faster swelling and lignification at the bend site. Subtle shaping requires less growth to set the branch, so wiring can often stay longer
Factors Affecting Wiring Duration
Many factors affect the growth rate and bark texture of a bonsai tree, which in turn influence how long wiring should remain in place. The main considerations are:
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Species: Certain species, such as most conifers, have slower growth rates that allow wire to stay on longer. Maples and other fast-growing deciduous trees require quicker wire removal.
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Age: Younger trees grow more vigorously, swelling branches rapidly. Mature trees grow slower, giving more time before wire removal.
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Health: Healthy, vigorous trees grow faster than stressed or weakened trees. Their higher growth rate necessitates frequent wiring checks.
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Season: Growth slows in winter dormancy, allowing wire to remain longer than during the active growing season.
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Climate: Warm climates with long growing seasons promote faster growth compared to cooler climates. This growth may require more frequent wiring removal.
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Soil and Water: Rich, moist soil fuels growth. Lean, drier soil results in slower growth. Soil and water impact growth rate and wiring duration.
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Bark Texture: Smooth-barked trees like maples are easily scarred by wire. Rough-barked trees like pine tolerate wire longer before scarring occurs.
By considering all these factors, we can determine the appropriate wiring timeframe for each specific bonsai tree in our collection. Healthy, young maples in warm climates will need wire removal much sooner than an old, slow-growing pine in a cool climate.
Wire Gauges for Bonsai
Choosing the right gauge or thickness of wire is crucial for wiring bonsai branches. The general guideline is to use wire with a gauge of 1/3 the thickness of the branch. This provides sufficient stiffness to hold the branch in position without being overly bulky.
Some common wire sizes used in bonsai include:
- 1-2mm wire for branches less than 6mm thickness
- 2-3mm wire for branches 6mm-10mm thickness
- 3-4mm wire for branches 10mm-15mm thickness
- Larger gauge wires up to 8mm for thick branches and trunks
Softer aluminum wire is suitable for deciduous branches. Harder copper wire works better for tougher conifer branches. But aluminum wire is fine for beginners learning the wiring techniques.
Choose an appropriate wire gauge for each branch based on thickness. Use the minimum size needed to hold the branch without overpowering it. And remember to check wiring regularly as growth occurs over time.
How to Wire a Bonsai Branch
When ready to wire a bonsai branch, follow these basic steps:
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Select appropriate gauge wire for the branch thickness. Cut a length about 2x the length needed to wrap the branch.
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Start at the branch base and wrap wire at a 45 degree angle around the branch, working towards the tip. Cover about 1/3 to 1/2 of the branch length.
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Wrap neatly without leaving kinks or crisscrossing wires. Affix wire to trunk for stability.
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Wire entire tree before bending branches. Wire in sections starting from the trunk outward.
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Bend branches gradually into position. Avoid repeated bending. Place bend on inside curve.
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Examine wiring periodically as the branch thickens. Remove wire before biting into bark occurs.
Proper wiring technique comes with practice. Work slowly and carefully to avoid damaging branches. And always use quality bonsai wire suitable for the tree species and branch size.
Bending and Shaping Branches
Once the branch is ready for bending, follow these tips:
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Bend gradually into position over a few minutes. Do not force.
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Bend branch on the inside curve, not outside. This reduces risk of snapping.
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Bend at various points along the branch to enhance natural movement.
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Avoid sharp 90 degree bends. Create subtle curves for a natural look.
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Rotate branch between thumb and forefinger to evenly distribute force.
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Only bend into position once. Repeated bending or movement can damage the branch.
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Guy wires can help bend thick branches. Protect branch from scarring or girdling.
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Consider growth direction when bending. Don’t position apical buds backwards.
With care and gradual pressure, branches can be shaped into elegant designs. But avoid over-bending, which risks long-term damage or dieback.
Setting Branches in Position
Branches wired into new positions take time to lignify and hold their shape. Setting occurs faster in warmer weather with active growth. Expect the following general timeframes:
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Deciduous branches – 4-12 weeks to set depending on growth rate
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Conifer branches – 3-6 months to set
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Large bend – Sets quicker than subtle bends
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Active growth – Sets quicker than winter dormancy
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Warm climate – Sets quicker than cooler climate
The goal is to leave wire on long enough for the branch to set in position, but removing it before girdling or scarring occurs. Therefore, check wiring regularly as the branch thickens over time. Reapply wire as needed until the branch holds its shape. Setting the basic structure may take years for certain slow-growing species.
Avoiding Damage from Wire
To prevent wire damage on branches:
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Monitor wiring frequently as the branch grows
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Remove wire as soon as biting into the bark occurs
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Avoid wires that are too thin or too thick for the branches
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Wrap wire carefully without crisscrossing
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Use raffia or medical tape to protect thin bark
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Alternate wire direction each time it is applied
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Cut wire carefully; do not stress branches removing it
While wiring is indispensable in bonsai design, care must be taken to avoid scarring delicate branches. But with routine inspection and proper technique, a well-shaped tree can be achieved over time.
When to Reapply Wire
After removing old wire, the branch often needs rewiring to continue training. Use these guidelines on when to reapply wire:
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If branch doesn’t hold position, rewire immediately
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If bite marks remain visible, wait several months to allow wounds to heal
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If branch holds position but needs better shaping, rewire in dormant season
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Alternate direction of wrappings with each wiring session
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Allow branches periodic breaks from wire over years of training
With rewiring at appropriate intervals, branches can gradually be positioned while minimizing scarring. Wiring and unwiring is an ongoing process in developing bonsai structure.
Troubleshooting Wire Problems
Some common wiring problems and solutions include:
Wire too tight – Check wiring more frequently on fast growing trees. Remove immediately if biting into bark.
Scarring from wire – Allow wounds to heal before reapplying wire in a new direction.
Wire too loose – Rewire the branch with thicker gauge wire if movement occurs.
Rusting wire – Use aluminum wire for deciduous trees as it resists rust. Replace old rusted wire.
Damaging branches – Remove wire carefully
When should I apply wire?
Most tree species can be wired at any time of the year. Deciduous trees however are much easier to wire in late winter due to the absence of leaves. When you apply wire during the growing season, be careful because branches get thick very quickly. If the wire cuts into the bark, it can leave ugly scars. Check on your tree regularly and make sure to remove the wire on time.
There are two kinds of wire that can be used for Bonsai: Anodized aluminum and annealed copper. For trees that lose their leaves in the fall, aluminum wire works best. For conifers and pines, copper wire, which is harder, works best. However, If youre a beginner we advise you to use the anodized aluminum wire. It is easier to work with and sold in most online Bonsai stores.
Wire is available in sizes from 1-8mm thick (gauges 20 to 2). There is no need to purchase every available wire gauge. We suggest starting with; 1mm, 1. 5mm, 2. 5mm, and 4mm thick wires. When wiring thick branches, we suggested first wrapping them in raffia that had been soaked in water. This would keep the branches from getting damaged by the wire while it was being shaped. Raffia is a palm fiber thats available in most garden supply centers.
Part 1: Double wiring a Bonsai
First, select the pair of branches you want to wire. The branches you choose must have the same thickness and be located near each other on the trunk. When you bend the branches later, make sure the wire doesn’t move. It should go around the trunk at least once, but preferably twice.
Cut off the right amount of wire to wrap around the trunk at least one and possibly both of the branches now that you know which ones to wire.
Start with wrapping the wire around the trunk and proceed with one branch at a time. Before moving on to the next branch, make sure you wrap the wire around it from the branch’s base all the way to its very tip. As the tree grows, the wire should be wrapped around the branches at a 45-degree angle so that it keeps its new shape.
If you want to bend a branch downwards from the trunk make sure the wire comes from below. If youd like to bend a branch upwards from the trunk, make sure the wire comes from above.
Once you’re done wiring all the good pairs of branches, use the single-wiring method to continue wiring the rest of the branches.
Bass n’ Bonsai how and when to remove wire from tree
FAQ
When should I unwire my bonsai tree?
What is the rule of 3 in Bonsai trees?
At what age do you wire a bonsai tree?
How long can you leave wire on a bonsai tree?
There is no simple answer to how long you can leave wire on a bonsai tree. It can range from a few weeks to several years depending on the tree. When deciding how to handle bonsai wire, the characteristics of bark are very important. Many deciduous trees have smooth, thin bark.
How long does it take to rewire a bonsai tree?
For thin-barked trees, you may need to remove wire after as little as 6 weeks. If I have wired a young maple bonsai, for example, I will set a date in my calendar for 4 weeks from the initial wiring. I’ll then check the wire weekly. When I first see it’s starting to get tight I’ll remove it and re-wire the tree.
Should you remove wire from a bonsai?
If you wait too long and the wire has started to cut in to your bonsai, you need to remove it as soon as possible. If it is just starting to cut in, it may leave a mark. If this is the case you might be okay.
How long does it take to wire a bonsai?
During Winter and Autumn: If you wire up your Bonsai during Winter or Autumn, in that case, it might take 2-3 months to fix into the desired position. Fast Growing Species: Naturally, faster-growing plants such as Maple and Elm will require far less time to set into the desired shape during the wrapping process.
When should you unwire a bonsai tree?
For that reason, you need to unwire thin-barked trees much sooner than rough-barked trees. You will usually need to re-apply wire at the same time to continue the development of your design while caring for your bonsai.
How to wire a bonsai tree?
You should wrap the wire around branches at a 45° angle to allow them to grow while keeping the new shape. After wrapping all the suitable pairs of branches, continue with single wiring to wrap the remaining branches. If you wish to bend your Bonsai downwards from the trunks, make sure the wire comes from the bottom.