It is not necessary to run right out and purchase every tool known to man in the Bonsai world.
However, there are a few Bonsai tools that are necessary to grow, prune, and shape your Bonsai trees.
Wire Cutters The wire cutter is one of the basic items in your arsenal for tree shaping.
Its curved head prevents injury to the tree branches and trunk when you remove wires.
For beginners purchase a 7-3/4 overall wire cutter.
Trimming Shears These shears help prune your Bonsai Tree.
Their purpose is to trim the roots, twigs, and branches.
The grip on the handle is made for all hand sizes.
Because they are so easy to hold and manipulate you can pick off your trimmings without putting the shears down.
Before purchasing these shears test their operation.
They should close and open quite easily.
Never use dull shears.
Always keep the blades sharp to prevent crushing stems.
Concave Branch Cutter This cutter is shaped to produce an even and clean cut when you remove a branch.
The shape of the cutter produces a cut that is flush against the trunk.
The concave shape of the cut also promotes quick healing.
This tool will never need to be sharpened if properly cared for.
This tool is probably the most important tool in your inventory.
There is no replacement or alternate tool that can be used.
Purchase the 8-inch cutter first as that is the average size.
Spherical Knob Cutter This tool will remove knobs from roots and the tree trunk.
The circular head of this cutter is put over the knob and removed using round cuts.
The shape of the cuts facilitates little scarring and quick healing.
This tool is also called a nipper as it can be used to remove larger stubs that need more than one cut.
Bud Trimming Shears As the name implies, this tool is used to remove buds.
The body of the shears is narrow and long.
This unique shape makes it easy to reach deep into the Bonsai to remove buds without destroying the surrounding foliage.
The finger rings also make it possible for small hands to use.
The best shears to initially invest in are ¾ inch blades, 7 inches total length.
Do not use these shears for general trimming.
Such misuse will cause the blade to dull.
Root Rake/Root Hook The round end of the hook can be used to untangle the root ball of larger Bonsai without causing too much harm to the roots.
For a smaller Bonsai try using a chopstick to smooth out the roots.
Wire Use anodized copper or aluminum wire, as this is most effective.
It can be bent easily and will hold its shape well.
Finally remember, shaping a Bonsai is a very creative art form.
It is easier to craft this art with the proper tools.
If you invest in well-made Bonsai tools and take good care of them they will last for years and years.
However, there are a few Bonsai tools that are necessary to grow, prune, and shape your Bonsai trees.
Wire Cutters The wire cutter is one of the basic items in your arsenal for tree shaping.
Its curved head prevents injury to the tree branches and trunk when you remove wires.
For beginners purchase a 7-3/4 overall wire cutter.
Trimming Shears These shears help prune your Bonsai Tree.
Their purpose is to trim the roots, twigs, and branches.
The grip on the handle is made for all hand sizes.
Because they are so easy to hold and manipulate you can pick off your trimmings without putting the shears down.
Before purchasing these shears test their operation.
They should close and open quite easily.
Never use dull shears.
Always keep the blades sharp to prevent crushing stems.
Concave Branch Cutter This cutter is shaped to produce an even and clean cut when you remove a branch.
The shape of the cutter produces a cut that is flush against the trunk.
The concave shape of the cut also promotes quick healing.
This tool will never need to be sharpened if properly cared for.
This tool is probably the most important tool in your inventory.
There is no replacement or alternate tool that can be used.
Purchase the 8-inch cutter first as that is the average size.
Spherical Knob Cutter This tool will remove knobs from roots and the tree trunk.
The circular head of this cutter is put over the knob and removed using round cuts.
The shape of the cuts facilitates little scarring and quick healing.
This tool is also called a nipper as it can be used to remove larger stubs that need more than one cut.
Bud Trimming Shears As the name implies, this tool is used to remove buds.
The body of the shears is narrow and long.
This unique shape makes it easy to reach deep into the Bonsai to remove buds without destroying the surrounding foliage.
The finger rings also make it possible for small hands to use.
The best shears to initially invest in are ¾ inch blades, 7 inches total length.
Do not use these shears for general trimming.
Such misuse will cause the blade to dull.
Root Rake/Root Hook The round end of the hook can be used to untangle the root ball of larger Bonsai without causing too much harm to the roots.
For a smaller Bonsai try using a chopstick to smooth out the roots.
Wire Use anodized copper or aluminum wire, as this is most effective.
It can be bent easily and will hold its shape well.
Finally remember, shaping a Bonsai is a very creative art form.
It is easier to craft this art with the proper tools.
If you invest in well-made Bonsai tools and take good care of them they will last for years and years.
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