Hagari

Hagari is a term used in bonsai to describe the process of cutting leaves off with scissors or other cutting tools, except for leaf stalks. It is usually done from mid-May to mid-June after fresh buds come out and firm up in spring. Hagari is done to remove leaves that grow too large, refresh them, and reduce their size. It also helps to adjust the growth momentum of the plant and to enjoy the delicacy of fine branches in winter. Hagari can also affect the timing of leaf emergence and the quality of autumn colors. However, leaves that come out after Hagari are thin and weak, and more prone to diseases, so anti-disease measures should be taken at an early stage.