Bonsai Trunk Bending
Binding the trunk with raffia keeps it from breaking so more severe bends can be formed.
Bonsai trunk bending. 3 7 nikou bonsai tool tree branch trunk bender modelling tool gardening bonsai moderator bending accessory with long handle 430mm. Bending thick bonsai trunks and branches on a pine and a spruce bonsai. However the raffia technique is difficult and time consuming. If the diameter is for instance 5 cm 2 inches the tree can be 6 12 times the diameter in other words 30 60 cm 1 2 foot high.
Being able to bend a thick branch enables you to place foliage more easily when styling. Some artists prefer to wait until the wiring is done to bend the branches or trunk into the desired shape. Then rest and repeat. 3 5 hanafubuki wazakura hand forged bonsai tree trunk splitter made in japan 8 25inch 210mm branch cutter japanese garden tool 8 25inch 210mm black.
First an axial layer of wet raffia is applied. Then the trunk is wound with a tangential layer. One technique for bending curves in trunks or heavy branches is to wrap the trunk with wet raffia first. When working with pine and spruce bonsai or many coniferous species it can be necessary to bend quite thick branches and even trunks.
Trunk fusion is a common technique. This refers to the bends curves and twists present in the bonsai s tree s trunk. Threading seedlings through a board to get the nebari to fuse is also a common technique. One of the most unique characteristics on a bonsai tree is its movement.
There is a huge difference in the application of bonsai jacks versus ratcheting straps. The bonsai jack properley used allows for fingertip pressure during adjustment to gradually bend. As it is nearly impossible to bend a trunk once it reaches a certain thickness until that point you can use a trunk bender it is important to take the shape of the trunk into account when buying it. If the branch does not stay where you place it then a heavier wire is necessary.
The canopy of the tree typically starts at about 1 3 of the height of the tree. A rule of thumb is. 3 6 vouiu 8inch trunk splitter bonsai tools. The overall shape of a trunk is one of the most eye catching aspects of a tree.
There are two different approaches to bending your bonsai.