Bite Me

As an overzealous newbie, watching the library of master bonsai sculptors on YouTube—overnight my potted twigs were twisted and bent—protected by an armor of aluminum wire. Lesson one—use bigger diameter wire (as I wrapped a third helix along many trunks. Proud and wire-envious, my tiny trees looked up at me with frozen grins and rigid branches slightly drooping (by design).

A few months later at a club workshop, I learned that some trees, like Japanese maples, will not outgrow wore bites. So in the workshop I removed my wires. The next day I spent an hour inspecting and removing most all my wiring’s—just junipers and pines left wired.

It may be more risky leave wires on during the growing season and less so when dormant.

My tiny trees were spared from being scarred by my inexperience.

Fast growing trees during the growing season is of higher risk. If wiring is needed, I will wire loosely (clearance between trunk and wire) but strong enough to influence curvature but clearance to grow. Hornbeam, dogwood, and maples were caught in time or after minor bite. Massaging out or gentle smoothing out will see how the mark recovers or masks any minor scars. Major lesson is wiring during the dormant period is best or to check for wire bite frequently and adjust as needed before scarring.