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Higher Quality Value Bonsai Tools – Quality versus Price

By Bonsai Master Lloyd Noall from Bonsai Direct

Choosing good value bonsai tools is not an easy thing to do. There are literally hundreds of them at every price point. To say the least, Bonsai tools are not easy to compare. Top quality Japanese Stainless Steel Bonsai tools are obviously the ultimate choice, but unless you are doing a huge amount of styling it is very hard to justify the price. To make it even more complicated there are a lot of ‘knock offs’ on the market. The price of the Japanese Stainless tools has quadrupled over the past few years. Furthermore, at £100 a pair, we cannot afford to supply every member of the Bonsai Direct team with a full Japanese Stainless steel tool kit. Especially when some of them end up in the compost bin (accidentally of course).

Over the years I have tried budget options, but the blades and general quality of the tools, are very poor. This results in poor quality cuts which will not heal properly. This is not the standard I expect from my team, so I set on a journey to find affordable options with quality at the forefront of design. Bonsai tools need to be sharp in order to give a clean cut which will heal nicely. Additionally, they need to be durable, comfortable to use and affordable. The tools we have selected below, in our opinion, offer the best combination – Good quality and affordable.

Basic Range of Tools for a Bonsai Tool Kit

My basic value bonsai tools kit contains the following items:

Bonsai ToolUse
Long handled bonsai pruning scissors (210mm)For general bonsai pruning – the most valuable bonsai tool. Long reach for reaching into the centre of the bonsai tree to remove criss-crossing twigs and branches.
Long handled bonsai pruning scissors (180mm)Shorter and finer for smaller branches and smaller bonsai trees. Really good for general tipping of long shoots.
Knob cuttersFor cleanly removing ‘knobs’, lumps and bumps from trunks and large branches.
Branch cutters/
Concave cutters
Bonsai branch cutters, also known as concave cutters, are specifically designed to cleanly remove branches from bonsai trees while creating a concave cut.
The clean concave cuts heals quickly without leaving ugly scars and lumps on the bark.
Root shearsFor root pruning. Usually heavy duty so they are not blunted by grit and sand in the soil.
Jin PliersBonsai jin pliers are used to create natural-looking deadwood features, known as jins, on bonsai trees by stripping bark and shaping wood. We use them often for holding and tightening bonsai wire.
Chopstick
(or two as I am always losing it)
For teasing out roots and arranging soil. We also use a chopstick for making the clips to secure the mesh in the base of the bonsai pot.
Coir BrushFor arranging the soil and cleaning the pot.
Wire CuttersFor cutting wire and removing wire from a bonsai tree. Blunt ended to avoid damage to the bark.
Soil ScoopsOur set of 3 Soil Scoops offers precision and convenience for efficient bonsai care. With flat bases for stable workbench support, these scoops allow easy handling of bonsai soil, minimising disturbance to the root system. The nest-able design ensures easy storage and a clutter-free workspace. 
Root rake/SpatulaThe perfect tool for re-potting bonsai. The bonsai root rake is ideal for combing through the soiled untangling the fibrous roots during repotting. The spatula is designed to help remove the top layer of the old soil and to firm down new soil after re-potting.

We offer fast FREE delivery on all our bonsai tools. Simply choose your delivery date at the checkout and let our team sort the rest out for you. If you would prefer weekend delivery there is a small delivery charge but we do deliver on both Saturdays and Sundays.

Bonsai Tools – Essential for the Art of Bonsai

A guide to your essential bonsai tools.

Are you new to the art of Bonsai? Are you struggling to figure out which tools are essential for you and your trees? Or do you already have a beginners tool kit and you are looking to invest in some higher quality tools?
We have a great selection of beginners tools and higher quality tools to suit all levels of bonsai enthusiast.

We recommend you have our Bonsai Direct care handbook, a watering can, soil scoop, mesh, our bonsai mist (or spray bottle of water), wire, an insecticide and our bonsai feed.

Let’s start with the basic tools:

Pruning Scissors – possibly the most important tool for a bonsai. These scissors can be used to cut shoots, fine roots and tiny branches, ensure they are kept sharp for a neat cut.

Heavy duty Chinese Shears – ideal for larger hands when pruning! They are also extremely useful for root pruning.

Concave Branch Cutters (180mm) – these cutters are perfect for cutting branches that are up to 10cm in diameter.

Knob Cutters (180mm) – this tool is great for cutting lumps and bumps up to 10mm thick.

Root Rake / Spatula – a fantastic double ended tool. It is perfect for repotting your bonsai or scraping moss from the soil.

Root Rake / Tweezers – another excellent tool for repotting, the tweezers are great for removing small things and needle removal.

Wire Cutters – a tool everyone needs in their kit. Very self explanatory, cuts bonsai wire whether you are repotting a bonsai or styling the branches.

Pliers – ideal for stripping bark and tightening or removing wire.

Looking for something more? Let’s have a look at some higher quality tools:

Root Cutters (210mm / 270mm) – these cutters are ideal for pruning the roots of large bonsai, especially if the bonsai has been growing on in the ground. They will cut roots that are up to 15cmm thick easily.

Trunk Splitter – this tool is perfect for creating characteristic features through the trunk.

Coir Brush – this brush is brilliant for arranging soil on a newly potted bonsai. They are also good for gently tamping soil surface.

Turntable – these are very useful to have so that you can turn your tree around easily when working on it.

Rotary Tool – these are used for carving and cutting deadwood.

Chopstick – whilst not essential, these are so handy when it comes to repotting.

Wound Sealant – this helps to prevent diseases and infections on part of the tree which has been carved or wounded.

The list goes on but these are tools we recommend when starting out bonsai and when learning more about the art & styling side of the bonsai world.

What factors should you consider when choosing a bonsai pot?

How to choose a bonsai pot.

The choice of pot is extremely significant when re-potting a bonsai. Literally translated the word ‘bon-sai’ means pot and tree. The pot is as significant as the design of the tree which it holds. The tree and pot should be in harmony together and be extremely well balanced.
The first thing to ensure is that the bonsai pot is the correct size. We would recommend making the new pot at a minimum of 5cm larger in length and width. This gives the bonsai space to grow.

Secondly, please ensure that your bonsai pot has drainage holes in the bottom. The drainage holes prevent the bonsai soil from becoming water logged and thus reduce the chance of root rot.

Please consider the image below.

The bonsai in pot A, B, C, and D is the same tree. You can appreciate how different it looks in different shapes, colours and styles of pot. All four of these pots are the right size for the bonsai they are just aesthetically different. None of the pots are wrong but you have a personal preference as to which one suits the bonsai best. Some people like to choose colours which are reflected in the colour scheme of their kitchen or lounge. This is also perfectly reasonable providing the bonsai looks balanced and ‘at one’ with its pot.

This is the same bonsai tree photographed in four different pots so that you can appreciate how the pot affects the aesthetics of the overall bonsai.

If you are choosing a pot for an indoor bonsai you may wish to choose one with a ceramic drip tray. It is important for outdoor bonsai that the pot you choose is frost hardy. All the pots we sell are frost hardy but please remember if the frost goes on for a very long time the ice in the root ball makes the root ball swell and this may possibly crack the pot. For extended cold periods, we recommend protecting the bonsai (ie cover it or put if somewhere unheated) to also stop dehydration. A bonsai with a root ball that is frozen solid cannot take up water.

We did a social media campaign to identify which for the four pots above was the generally preferred choice and the result was POT D.
Holly, from Bonsai Direct, now shows you how to re-pot this specific Chinese Elm bonsai (which Lloyd named Angus) into POT D. View Holly’s blog on How do I re-pot and root prune my bonsai tree.

Why are pots integral to bonsai?

Bonsai pots are integral to the aesthetic and health of the bonsai.

Not only this, but the word bonsai can be broken down into “Bon”, which is a dish or thin bowl (or a modified vessel which has been divided or cut down from a deeper form). And “Sai”, which is a tree or other growing plant which is planted. The Chinese characters for their older dwarf potted tree landscapes were adopted to name the Japanese art-form. Bonsai in Japanese is written as 盆栽

Leaving aside the historical origins and literal meanings, bonsai pots are important to both the aesthetic and health of the tree. There are practical reasons too; such as drainage holes and the natural porosity which prevents the root from rotting.

In keeping with a more traditional style, the pots tend to have a deep colour and be deeply glazed. Typically they are deep blue (to represent water) or deep green (to represent grass). Therefore, it’s all about reflecting the natural world. Our generic pots are a deep navy blue to keep in line with traditional colours.

Take a look at our great selection of pots and trays to enhance the appearance of your bonsai. Check out our entire range of accessories here!

Potting Bonsai Trees – A Step-by-Step Guide

Potting bonsai guide

Firstly, Bonsai Master Lloyd Noall has designed a fantastic range of bonsai tree pruning, wiring & potting kits. As well as being informative, these guides are perfect for beginners who want hands on experience growing bonsai trees. Furthermore, they include Step-by-Step guides and online tutorials. These are designed to help you to learn how to grow a bonsai tree. These kits include a Chinese Elm (Ulmus parvifolia) bonsai tree chosen for their fantastic ability to re-grow quickly and make beautiful and artistic bonsai, ideal for beginners. Also, these kits include the accessories required to prune, wire and re-pot beautiful bonsai.
Below you can watch Lloyd’s Bonsai Potting Tutorial and see his step-by-step guide.
Additionally, you can learn from the master below!

Bonsai Step by step potting guide

Continued

Bonsai potting step 1
Remove the rootball from the pot by carefully working around the edge of the soil with the spatula.
Bonsai potting step 2
Using the chopstick gently remove the soil from around the trunk base to expose any root flare.
Bonsai Potting Guide Step 3
Loosen the roots around the edge of the rootball with the chopstick. Tease out about 1/4 of the rootball.
Bonsai Potting Guide Step 4 & 5
4 – Cut back any loosened, straggly roots using the root shears to form a neat rootball.
5a – Position the mesh over the drainage holes, securing it with clips made from bonsai wire.
5b – Bend back the clips to secure the mesh in the pot.
5c – Thread an anchor wire through the holes in the pot.
5d- Sprinkle a thin layer of bonsai soil into the base of the pot.
Bonsai Pottig Guide Step 6
6a – Position the bonsai slightly off centre for best view.
6b – Add bonsai soil using the soil scoop.
6c – Work the soil into existing rootball using the chopstick.
6d – Ensure no large air-pockets are left in the soil.
6e – Take both ends of the anchor wire.
6f – Twist the anchor wire tightly.
6g – The anchor wire will secure the bonsai to the pot.
6h – Remove excess ends of the wire using the wire cutters.
Bonsai Potting Guide Step 7
7 – Water well ensuring the entire rootball is soaked.
8 – Finally, your beautiful bonsai will require regular pruning to maintain & develop beautiful foliage pads.
Bonsai Direct’s Fertiliser has been specially formulated and should be used weekly to help promote strength & vigour. Please do NOT feed your bonsai for 4 weeks after re-potting.
Lastly, growing bonsai is a journey which I hope you will enjoy for many, many years.

Wiring Bonsai Trees – A Step-by-Step Guide

Wiring bonsai tree guide

Bonsai Master Lloyd Noall has designed a fantastic range of bonsai tree pruning & wiring kits which are perfect for beginners who want hands on experience growing bonsai trees. They include Step-by-Step guides and online tutorials and are designed for you to learn how to grow a bonsai tree. These kits include a Chinese Elm (Ulmus parvifolia) bonsai tree chosen for their fantastic ability to re-grow quickly and make beautiful and artistic bonsai, ideal for beginners. These kits include the accessories required to prune and wire and grow healthy trees.
Below you can watch Lloyd’s Bonsai Wiring Tutorial and see his step-by-step guide.
Learn from the master!

Why do we wire bonsai trees?

Wiring is a technique used in the art of bonsai to create and refine the shapes of the main trunk and branches. Bonsai wire serves as a useful guide, allowing you to shape and manipulate the growth direction of branches. Thus, ultimately influencing the overall form of the tree. This meticulous process, enhances the natural beauty of the miniature tree.

The Choice of Aluminium: Flexibility

Among the various materials available, soft aluminium wire stands out as a preferred option. Its pliability allows for gentle bending without causing harm to the delicate bark and branches of the bonsai, facilitating a smooth shaping process. Beyond its flexibility, aluminium wire is rust-resistant, a crucial characteristic when working with bonsai trees. This not only safeguards the tree’s health but also extends the lifespan of the wire, permitting multiple uses over the years.

Aluminium Wire does not rust

Beyond its functional advantages, soft aluminium wire offers an aesthetic appeal. Available in various thicknesses, you can select a wire that supports the trunk or branches that you are trying to form. This ensures that the wiring process remains visually unobtrusive, allowing the inherent elegance of the bonsai to shine through. In general bonsai wire is neutral brown in colour so it is less obtrusive.

Please do watch our videos – it is most important not to ‘wind’ the wire round the trunk or branch as this tightens and scars the bark. You need to use your thumb and fingers to place the wire. Please check every 4-6 weeks to ensure the wire is not too tight and remove and re-wire as necessary.

How to wire a bonsai tree guide
Bonsai Wiring Guide Step 1
Study your bonsai and identify any branches that need to be re-styled.
Wiring bonsai trees- step 2
Plan your wiring & select the correct wire size and length. Thicker branches will need a thicker wire.
Bonsai Wiring guide - step 3
Carefully anchor the center of the wire around the trunk so that the ends can be continued along the branches.
Bonsai Wiring Guide - Step 4
Position the wire along the branch, taking care to place the wire & not tighten. Then trim off the wire ends with the wire cutters.
Bonsai Wiring Guide - Step 5
Holding a branch securely with your fingers, bend the wired branch gently into the desired position.
Bonsai Wiring Guide - Step 6
Enhance the character of a branch by adding gentle bends.
Wiring a bonsai - an overview
Re-positioned branches create more space around the trunk, giving the bonsai a more classic appearance.
The shape of the newly wired branches will soon begin to set (approx. 4-6 weeks).
Please check your wiring on a weekly basis. If it begins to look tight please remove it.
Once the wire has been removed, please re-wire using new wire (you only need to do this if the branch has not set in the desired position).

Pruning Bonsai Trees – A Step-by-Step Guide

Pruning bonsai guide

Bonsai Master Lloyd Noall has designed a fantastic range of bonsai tree pruning kits which are perfect for beginners who want hands on experience growing bonsai trees. These kits include a Chinese Elm (Ulmus parvifolia) bonsai tree chosen for their fantastic ability to re-grow quickly and make beautiful and artistic bonsai, ideal for beginners. Furthermore, they include Step-by-Step guides and online tutorials and are designed for you to learn how to grow a bonsai tree. Also, these kits include the accessories required to prune and grow healthy trees.
Below you can see his step-by-step pruning guide. Furthermore, you can watch Lloyd’s Bonsai Pruning Tutorial here.
Learn from the master!

Pruning Guide Header
Pruning bonsai step 1 Take a good look at your bonsai and get to know it before you start.
Pruning step 2 You need to identify the main branch structure.
Pruning guide step 3 Prune long shoots back to the main branch system to form a neat foliage pad.
Bonsai pruning guide step 4 Remove crossing shoots which cover and clutter the main branches & trunk.
Bonsai pruning guide step 5 Once pruned the main branches should be well defined with an open structure.
Bonsai pruning guide step 6 The basic shape of your bonsai will now be clear and easy to see.
Bonsai pruning guide step 7

New foliage buds will begin to emerge.
Space between the branches allows the tree’s shape to be appreciated.
Foliage neatly displayed on each branch.
Clear and open twig structure adds interest.
Uninterrupted branches and trunk gives the bonsai strength.

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