Wiring is the secret behind the dramatic, wind-swept shapes seen in professional bonsai. By carefully wrapping copper or aluminum wire around branches, you can guide their growth and create a sense of age and character.
1. Choosing Your Wire
Anodized aluminum is preferred for deciduous trees as it is softer, while annealed copper is best for conifers because it provides more holding power as it hardens over time.
2. The 45-Degree Rule
Always apply wire at a 45-degree angle to the branch. This provides the most support with the least amount of wire, ensuring the branch stays in place without being strangled.
3. Monitoring for Scarring
Check your wired branches weekly. As the branch grows, the wire can bite into the bark, leaving permanent scars. Remove the wire immediately if you see it starting to indent the wood.