A Bonsai Close-Up on Wiring
by Pauline F. Muth
Wiring and other shaping techniques for bonsai are needed
to create a beautiful tree that not only reflects the idea of
the bonsai artist but increases the survival of all the carefully
chosen branches. The difference between a tree that is shaped
only by pruning and a tree that has been wired is light years
apart.
Why do we use various methods to
change the shape of a tree and create bonsai?
* To build a design
around the vision of the artist
* To create a
feeling of grater age
* To redirect
the trunk line and the branch placement
* To give the
tree greater beauty in the eye of the artist
* To place each
branch for maximum exposure to light
What can be done to reshape a tree?
* Pruning
* Hanging weights
from the branches
* Using stakes
or guides to pull branches down
* Lever devices
* Tourniquets
(use plastic tubing to protect the bark from the pressure of
the wire)
* Wiring branches
to reshape them
Copper or aluminum wires
may be used. Each has advantages and disadvantages:
(Note Cu is toxic to members of the Prunus group)
|
Copper |
Aluminum |
|
Annealed wire work hardens to the shape..larger gauges
must be cut off |
Anodized wire remains soft and can be reshaped |
|
Superior holding capability allows the use of lighter
gauges |
Heavier gauges must be used |
|
Color oxidizes with time and may blend in making
it difficult to find to remove |
Color often bleaches off leaving silver colored wires
which are easy to locate for removal |
Supplies needed for good wiring
* Wire cutters:
o Cutting shears
o Bonsai tip wire
cutters
* Pliers
* Florist tape
* Raffia
* Plastic tubing
* Turn table with
stopper and tie down hooks
* Bungee cords
Wire gauges
* Copper is in
gauges from 24 to 6 (fine to heavy)
* Aluminum is
in gauges from 1 to 6 (fine to heavy)
* Determine the
gauge to be used by doing the 6-inch test: press the tip of
a 6-inch portion of wire against
the supported tree. IF the wire bends, use a larger gauge.
IF the branch bends, the wire is strong
enough
* If you do not
have a gauge heavy enough for the bend, wire is twice with the
largest gauge you have.
* Use a wire strong
enough to hold the branch in place while using the smallest gauge
possible.
* Change the gauge
of wires as needed going out a branch.
Style of wiring
* Learn to wire by removing wires from
well wired trees
* Wires are applied at a 45 degree angle
only
* Anchor all wires as needed
* Determine the direction of the wire
winding based on the movement you wish to achieve: both the
motion
of the branch and the rotation can be changes along with the
angle of placement
* Preplan wire placement to avoid crossing
wires and to place support where it is needed for maximum leverage
for bending.
* Put the first bend of wire over a branch
to pull the branch downward while putting the first bend under
the
branch to move it upward.
* Support placed wire with your thumb
while applying wire with your dominant hand. Hold the wire a
few
inches away from the branch to give you some leverage in wrapping
the wire.
* Use pliers to help you arrange wire
and pull on the ends of wire to arrange it properly.
* End all wire under a branch and cut
close to branch
* Work on wiring in the following order:
o Main trunk or trunks
o Largest branches
o Medium branches
o Fine branches
* When changing wires to a smaller gauge,
start the new gauge next to two turns of the heavier gauge wire.
* Remove wires before the tree grows
into the wire to avoid wire damage.
* On delicate trees, you can protect
the branches by either wrapping the wire with florist tape or
by wrapping
the branches with florist tape or damp raffia.
Time of wiring
* Deciduous trees are best wired
before the buds open in spring
* Conifers are best wired from
autumn to spring before the buds are active
* Spring wiring offers the challenge
of spring growth so watch the wires!
* Some species are best wired as
follows:
o White pine: mid
fall to late winter
o Red Pine: mid fall
until late winter also late spring to early summer
o Juniper chinensis:
mid fall to late winter also late spring to early summer
o Juniper rigida:
mid fall to late winner also late spring
o Maples and beeches:
after leaf fall or before budding out in spring
o Illex serrata: Spring
o Rhododendron: fall
or after blooming
Copyright 2004 Pauline F. Muth |
