Bonsai roots are an essential part of the Bonsai creation process. They add a lot of character to a Bonsai tree, and will greatly add to the appearance of age and wisdom. This article looks at the technique of trimming Bonsai roots to create the image that you want.

Root control is a good way to change the size of your tree - so if you're trimming roots remember that the less root, the smaller tree you will have. Most people will want to trim Bonsai roots to get rid of any 'pokers', roots that pop up through the soil and shouldn't be there, and to have a deliberate effect to the 'poker'. You also simply might like to change the size of your tree - there are many elements to trimming Bonsai roots.

First of all, determine what you want to do with the root. Just disappear into the soil? If so, you might find more success by trimming the root and then placing a small rock or other obstacle so the root doesn't grow back up to the surface again. Do you want to root to travel up, poke through the soil? In this case, you must place the rock underneath the root so that it will grow up and through the soil.

If you are trimming your Bonsai roots in a middle of a transplant for example, just to tidy it up, then you need to note the following: Always trim less, then more. Remember that your tree needs a good solid foundation - this is why it creates the root network. If you're trimming the roots to fit in a different pot, then please only trim when absolutely needed. Using your pruning shears or your scissors gently snip the root at an angle to allow the root to reform itself. You might also use a pair of concave cutters if you have a pair handy. These are especially useful for removing roots that come off a main one.

When you are done trimming your Bonsai roots, then monitor your plant very closely. If you notice the tree looking ill then don't touch your roots any more - give your tree a nice natural fertilizer and water it often.

Remember that the root network is your tree's part of the growth process - it willing lets you change it's above ground appearance, so leave the below ground alone as much as you can. Done correctly, Bonsai root trimming will give you much more control over your tree - it's well worth a go.