Using A Bonsai Wire

Bonsai wire is used to hold the branches of a Bonsai tree in place in order to shape them. The bonsai wire remains wrapped around the trunks and branches until the tree is able to maintain the desired shape, during which the bonsai wire is removed.

You can get bonsai wire from any supplier of bonsai tools and accessories. The types that they will have are plain silver aluminum and a copper-colored anodized aluminum wire.
You can choose either bonsai wire. The advantage of a plain silver bonsai wire is it will be easier to see under developed branches than the anodized one when you need to check your wiring later. On the other hand, the copper or brown color of the anodized wire will blend well with the tree branches so they would be more pleasing to the eye.

If you cannot obtain bonsai wire, you can substitute a wire any type of wire that is easily bendable and removable. Bonsai wire comes in different sizes from 1 mm to 7mm, usually weighing 100 to 150 grams and can be over 100 feet long.

Choosing the right size of bonsai wire can be tricky. Some find it easier to buy coils in different sizes but still, you do not want to waste money buying wires that you will not be able to use. One way to determine the size of bonsai wire that you need is to find a wire that you can bend with the same effort as you would bending your tree's trunk or branch.
If it is easier for you to bend the wire than the wood, then you would need a thicker bonsai wire. Alternatively, if you find that the wire you bought will not be strong enough to do job properly, then you can try double wrapping the wire by applying two wire pieces.

Tips in Wiring a Bonsai Tree

Mid to late summer is the typical season for applying bonsai wire because this is the time when the tree is actively growing so it will set into the desired position faster. It is very important to ensure that the bonsai wire does not cut into the tree to avoid scars. When wiring deciduous or coniferous Bonsai trees, make sure not to confine or damage the foliage with the bonsai wire.

Apply the wire at a 45º angle to the part being wrapped. Do not place the coils too far apart as it will not produce your desired results. When it is time to remove the bonsai wire, cut it from the tree. Unwinding the wire may damage your bonsai.