How to Prune a Bonsai Tree

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Follow these steps to keep your bonsai tree healthy, happy, and thriving

Co-authored by Sophia Bell Reviewed by Ben Barkan

Last Updated: November 11, 2024 Approved

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Pruning for Maintenance

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Doing Structural and Stylistic Pruning

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Caring for Your Bonsai after Pruning

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Expert Q&A

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A bonsai tree needs regular pruning to maintain its size and to shape it to a desired style. There are two types of pruning: maintenance pruning, which keeps the tree small and encourages new growth, and structural or stylistic pruning, which shapes the tree and can be an art within itself.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Melinda Meservy
Plant Specialist

Expert Interview. 18 August 2020.} Whether you want to prune your bonsai tree for maintenance or style, and no matter what type of bonsai tree you have, you need only a critical eye and bonsai branch or knob cutters to get started.

Pruning Your Bonsai Tree

Remove weeds, dead wood, and leaves with your hands.
Trim crossed and broken branches to prevent wounds that attract pests.
Use branch or knob cutters to cut back twigs so each only has 3-4 nodes.
Prune in spring and summer for maintenance, and in winter for structure and style.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Pruning for Maintenance

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Look for weeds growing in the bonsai pot as well as dead twigs or leaves on the tree itself. Carefully pluck out the weeds, making sure not to damage the roots of the bonsai. Pick dead twigs or leaves off of the tree and discard them.^{[2]
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Crossed branches rub on each other and leave wounds that may allow pests or diseases into the wood. Broken branches or twigs should be removed to allow the tree to direct its energy toward new growth. Use bonsai branch cutters to cut crossed and broken branches off just above the point where they extend out from the trunk of the tree.^{[3]
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The nodes are the joints that leaves grow out of. Once a twig has 6-8 nodes, cut them down so only 3-4 nodes remain. Make a clean cut just above the remaining nodes with branch or knob cutters. This keeps the tree from growing too big and also encourages new growth.^{[4]
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Though bonsai trees can be pruned year-round, most of the pruning should be done when the tree is actively growing through the spring and summer. Depending on your location, this may be from March to September.^{[5]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Doing Structural and Stylistic Pruning

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To ensure you don’t damage the tree too much or stunt its growth, you should only prune for structure and style while the tree is dormant. Typically, this is during the winter months of November to February.^{[6]
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Large branches that protrude from the tree can be removed, as can branches with unnatural twists or turns or those that look displeasing to the eye. Cut each branch just above a node in a place that helps to balance the look of the tree. Use branch cutters to make a clean cut.^{[7]
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To allow light to filter through the canopy and reach the lower branches, as well as to shape the canopy to the desired size, trim back the branches or twigs on the top of the tree. Use branch cutters to trim down overgrown branches and shoots so the canopy is rounded and balanced.^{[8]
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Suckers are small offshoots that can grow on the base of the trunk or on branches of the tree. These can be plucked off with your fingers to help maintain the balance and aesthetics of the tree. Remove any suckers that you think detract from the overall appeal of the bonsai.^{[9]
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To create a more compact shape, use your fingers to pinch out whole needles from areas that are too large or overgrown. Twist the needles to remove them from the twigs. Leave 3 needles on each branch, but feel free to remove the rest. This will encourage more branching on the tree.^{[10]
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Defoliation gets rid of old, long leaves and encourages the growth of smaller, more aesthetically-pleasing leaves. Cut away each leaf at the base, leaving the stalk alone. New smaller leaves will grow in their place. This is a risky technique, as defoliating done during the wrong time of year may mean the tree might not never recover.^{[11]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Caring for Your Bonsai after Pruning

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Cover the cuts with wound paste. To prevent too much sap from leaking out and to help the cuts heal, apply bonsai wound paste to the bruises. Squeeze a small amount of the cream onto a gloved finger and smear a light layer over each cut.^{[12]
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- You can find bonsai wound paste at gardening centers and online.
It’s important to water the bonsai deeply after pruning to encourage new growth. Make sure to fully saturate the soil the first time you water the tree after pruning.^{[13]
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You should only water deeply immediately after pruning. Then, water the tree lightly each day. Aim to keep the soil moist, but not soggy. Oversaturating the soil could lead to root rot, so take care not to water the tree too much.^{[14]
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Choose a fertilizer made specifically for bonsai trees, such as a 7-7-7 fertilizer. Use liquid fertilizer for small bonsais, and granular fertilizer for large bonsais. Dilute the fertilizer to half strength, or use half as much as directed on the package.^{[15]
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Question

How do you revive a bonsai tree?

Maggie Moran
Home & Garden Specialist
Maggie Moran is a Professional Gardener in Pennsylvania.

Maggie Moran

Home & Garden Specialist

Expert Answer

First remove any dying branches, then gently dig out the plant including the roots, and remove any dead or decaying roots. Place the plant in a bowl of lukewarm water while you prepare a new pot. Fill the container with a mix of perlite, moss, and potting soil. Place the tree in the soil mixture then place the container in lukewarm water for several minutes. Allow the container to fully drain then place it in a warm and shady location with proper ventilation.

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Can you trim a bonsai tree?

Maggie Moran
Home & Garden Specialist
Maggie Moran is a Professional Gardener in Pennsylvania.

Maggie Moran

Home & Garden Specialist

Expert Answer

Use bonsai clippers to properly trim a bonsai tree, then cut minimally to remove dead branches.

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How often do you need to water a bonsai tree?

Maggie Moran
Home & Garden Specialist
Maggie Moran is a Professional Gardener in Pennsylvania.

Maggie Moran

Home & Garden Specialist

Expert Answer

You should water the bonsai when the soil is dry to the touch. Make sure the soil is well draining so the plant is not sitting in water.

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Tips

Consider joining a local Bonsai Tree club for advice for pruning advice.^{[16]
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Melinda Meservy
Plant Specialist

Expert Interview. 18 August 2020.}

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Bonsai Trees can be grown in many different varieties. Each variety will have different care and pruning needs.^{[17]
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Melinda Meservy
Plant Specialist

Expert Interview. 18 August 2020.}

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Using pruning tools designed specifically for bonsai trees — like concave cutters and Japanese-style saws — will make pruning your bonsai easier.

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