Wiring

Wiring is a technique used in bonsai to change the position of branches and trunks without having to prune them. By wrapping wire around the parts of the bonsai tree, the artist can bend and reposition them to create a desired shape and style. The wire should be applied carefully and removed on time to avoid damaging the bark or leaving scars. Wiring can be done at any time of the year, but some species are easier to wire when they are dormant or leafless. There are two types of wire that can be used for bonsai: anodized aluminum and annealed copper. Aluminum wire is softer and more flexible, while copper wire is harder and more durable. The wire should be about 1/3 of the thickness of the branch or trunk that is being wired.