🌿 Master Mori’s Guide to the Art of Bonsai Pruning
By Master Mori, humble guardian of small trees and large truths
Ah, young seedling… you have come to the beginners bonsai pruning guide, here we will master bonsai pruning basics. The ancient art of pruning a bonsai is not merely the trimming of branches—it is the shaping of a soul, the quiet sculpting of time itself.
Sit with me under the cherry blossoms. The tea is warm, the scissors are sharp, and the bonsai waits patiently.
Let us begin.
1. The Dance of the Branches – Left, Right, Left Again
When two branches grow opposite each other like rival brothers on a narrow path, in bonsai pruning, you must gently remove one. Choose the one that breaks the natural left-right rhythm. A tree should dance as it grows—step left, then right, then left again. Like a drunken monk navigating his way home.
2. Too Long? Too Bold? Snip It!
If a branch stretches too far like a boastful samurai’s ego, prune it back. Let the tree’s shape remain harmonious. Bonsai is not about size, my dear leaf—it is about balance. A tree with limbs too long forgets its roots.
3. Heavy at the Top? Not Good.
Thick branches in the upper part of the tree are like a hat that’s too big—it throws off the whole look. Keep the top light and graceful. The strength of the tree should be in its trunk and roots, not in a proud, top-heavy puff.
4. Crossing Branches? One Must Go.
When a branch grows from one side of the trunk and crosses over like a mischievous cat, or when it tangles with another like old friends fighting over dumplings, it must be pruned. Clarity is beauty. Let each branch have space to breathe.
5. Downward Branches Are a Frown
Branches pointing down? Tsk tsk. They sap the spirit of the tree. Prune them to lift the energy upwards and outwards. A bonsai should not look sad—it should look thoughtful.
6. Two at One Spot? Pick a Winner.
Sometimes two branches emerge from the same point, like twins born fighting for sunlight. Keep the one that follows the design and remove the other. In bonsai, as in life, not all things can be kept.
7. Show Me the Trunk!
The lower third of the tree’s front should reveal the trunk—strong, elegant, weathered like a wise old sage. If branches hide this noble form, remove them. Let the heart of the tree be seen.
8. Forward Branches Below? No, No, No.
Branches should grow to the sides and back. Only in the upper half may they reach forward, like hands offering wisdom. In the lower half? Such ambition must be trimmed.
9. Straight Up Shooters? Prune Them
Branches shooting vertically upwards are like impatient students raising their hands before thinking. They disrupt the flow. Snip them with a kind heart and a steady hand.
10. Suckers at the Base? Remove Them
Those little sprouts at the base of the trunk—called suckers—are the gossipers of the bonsai world. They drain energy and distract from the main story. Remove them, and the tree will thank you with strength and serenity.
🍵 Master Mori’s Final Thought
Remember, my young branch… pruning is not punishment. It is guidance. It is helping the tree express its true nature. Each cut is a whisper, not a shout.
Prune with love. Prune with vision. And always—always—have a cup of tea nearby. 🍵
Now go… your scissors await, and the bonsai dreams of its future shape.
🌿 Frequently Asked Questions — Pruning a Bonsai Tree with Master Mori
1. When is the best time to prune my bonsai tree?
Most bonsai trees should be pruned in early spring or late autumn, depending on the species. This timing allows the tree to recover more easily. Avoid heavy pruning during peak growing or dormant seasons.
2. How often should I prune my bonsai?
Light maintenance pruning can be done regularly during the growing season. Structural pruning should be limited to once or twice a year.
3. Can I prune my bonsai too much?
Yes. Over-pruning can weaken the tree, stunt growth, or cause dieback. Always prune with purpose and allow time for recovery.
4. How do I know which branch to keep when two grow from the same spot?
Choose the branch that best fits your desired shape and remove the other. Generally, favor the one that follows the left-right alternating pattern.
5. What are suckers, and why should they be removed?
Suckers are shoots that grow from the base of the trunk or roots. They drain energy from the main tree and should be removed to preserve the bonsai’s aesthetic and health.
6. Should I prune downward and upward-facing branches?
Yes. Downward-facing branches can make a tree look tired, while vertically growing branches often disrupt the natural canopy shape. Remove them to maintain balance and structure.
7. What tools do I need for pruning?
A basic set includes concave cutters, sharp pruning shears, and tweezers. Clean and sharpen your tools regularly to avoid damaging the tree.
8. Can I prune flowering bonsai the same way?
Flowering species may require special care. Avoid pruning right before or during flowering unless necessary, as you may remove buds.
