Pruning a Bonsai tree is something you will simply need to do if you want to create a beautiful and successful Bonsai tree. If you've looked up any Bonsai history before, you'll know that the first Bonsai were simply trees in small pots left to their own devices. While this produced… interesting, shall we say, effects, the main way that you create the Bonsai tree today is to use wiring and pruning to achieve the results that you want.

There are a few different things to know about pruning Bonsai trees. You prune for different reasons. The main reason you will prune is to get rid of growth that doesn't match the style of the tree you are creating. Take for example the windswept Bonsai style. This tree requires extensive pruning on one side of it to make sure that it doesn't grow off in crazy directions… you want all (or at least most) of the growth on one side to get the windswept appearance. If you're planning on growing a formal upright tree then you will want to make sure that the branches are even and they don't stick out where you don't want them! (a trademark of the formal upright is that of the even branches on each side).

The second thing you will prune your Bonsai is to keep branches small or to to keep them thin. If you like the appearance of a certain branch you might like to continually prune it in order to continually keep it small and keep it thin.

So, therefore, let's get to what you should be pruning your tree for. If for example you are creating the windswept look (I only use this example because it's a good example of specific branch growth) you will want to continually trim growth on one side of the tree (the side that is in theory facing the wind). Doing this will ensure that the growth on the other side of the tree keeps going and the growth on the side you are pruning gets 'knocked back'. An interesting thing about this type of pruning is that you will be encouraging the tree to grow on the side that isn't having the intensive pruning. So you're doing two things here - removing the branches from the side that you don't want, and encouraging growth on the side of the tree that you do want.

Windswept trees also have many smaller branches, and all Bonsai trees have this appearance as well (even the 'bigger' trees like formals and informal uprights). To keep this growth looking normal and keep the branches thin then you will need to prune the ends of the branches often. This will help to keep those branches thin. If you clip it right off, the branch will not grow back - pruning it so there is still some left will ensure that your branches are still beautiful looking.

There is something I should warn you about. It is possible to over prune your tree so that it becomes stressed. This isn't a good thing! Stressing your Bonsai is something that you should avoid. There is a balance between pruning your tree often and letting it do its own thing. You should not cut off every branch or bud that comes along. Getting this balance right can be scary - but don't be too worried. Trees are usually pretty tolerant, just don't go overboard with your pruning!

Pruning Bonsai trees if you're a beginner can be a challenging and daunting thing! Don't worry though - just follow the above advice and you should be well on your way to creating beautiful Bonsai trees.