Bonsai trees are beautiful and they can make wonderful ornaments. Special care and precision tools are required to ensure that your bonsai stays healthy and well maintained. Beginners or new comers to the bonsai hobby will not need a wide range of tools, only the basics. As your skill and talent increase you might need to add a few tools to your kit. Always remember to buy quality tools that will last rather than inexpensive tools.
The main categories of the bonsai tools required are pruning and cutting tools, potting, a good pair of scissors and the wiring tools. Each category is explained in greater detail below:
Wiring Tools
To bend and shape the bonsai you will need wire and a number of tools. Wire cutters are essential to cut wires that are used to secure the bonsai to the ground and direct roots. Pliers are used to bend thicker wires and maneuver the branches that are secured. Long nosed pliers will be needed to bend wire that is hard to reach such as in crevices.
Pruning and Maintenance Tools
Just like roses or bushes, bonsai require regular pruning and cutting to ensure they remain in shape and in good condition. A pruning saw, branch cutters, secateurs and knob cutters will be required to maintain the bonsai. Wound treatment oil or sealant can be purchased from your local nursery or bonsai specialist dealer as the oil will help speed up the repair process of cut or damaged branches.
Scissors
On of the main tools and most probably the most used tool is a sharp, sturdy pair of scissors. Scissors have many uses in the bonsai hobby from cutting leaves and roots to opening bags and trimming young stems. Never drop scissors as it damages them and the scissors will never be the same again.
Potting Tools
Potting tools are needed when potting a bonsai as well as later on when the bonsai roots are pruned and cut. Wire mesh can be used to stop water and valuable soil such as compost from falling out of the container. A soil scoop and hand spade are needed to place sand over the roots and to dig. Older bonsai trees will require repotting due to a number of reasons such as a new container or the outgrowing of a container. Repotting will only take place every 2 to 3 years.
These tools are important as they can make the task of maintaining a bonsai easier as well as make the trees look beautiful. Many nurseries or bonsai specialists will have beginner kits or bonsai care kits available for sale. If you are able to buy a kit it is recommended as all the necessary tools and materials will be together and this will be easier than having to purchase all the bonsai tools separately.
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About the Author:
Popea Ionut is an avid bonsai grower and has a passion for indoor bonsai care. You can find out more about growing great bonsai trees that will impress your friends and family at www.FukienTea.Net
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