Question
QUESTION: So I've dug up and potted some baby trees (they just sprouted this spring) that I want to use for bonsai. My question is how long I have to wait before I can began training the trees in bonsai?? I thought you were supposed to start training them as soon as they sprouted but I read on the internet that a tree will need at least 3 years of unrestricted growth before it is able to be trained for bonsai. So how long do I have to wait before I can begin training??

ANSWER: Hi Emily,

What do you mean by training? Are you referring to shaping the tree with wire or simply placing them in bonsai pots. I would keep them in larger training pots for as long as you can to let the roots grow and spread. But after a year of growth or when well established you can move them into bonsai pots if you'd like. I need more information to answer "shaping questions". You can start wiring the tree now, but be careful to not wrap the wire too tight as you'll damage the tree - e.g. leave wire marks.

I encourage you to post additional questions on http://www.Learning2Bonsai.com. you'll get several more people to respond - i believe i'm the only person answering bonsai related questions on this forum.

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QUESTION: By training, I mean both transferring the trees to a bonsai pot and wrapping them in wire and shaping their appearance, though mainly I mean shaping the tree to the desired curves and angles. I tried to go ahead and wire one of the trees but I wound up breaking it a little bit because the stems are still very small and thin.

Also, I was wondering how, when the time comes, how to place trees with taproots into bonsai pots?? By nature, bonsai pots tend to be fairly shallow. Should I just wrap the taproot around to make it fit?? I wouldn't think cutting it would be a good idea.

Answer
Hi Emily,

I would personal try to keep the trees in training pots for as long as possible. This will allow the roots to establish themselves and grow stronger. In regards to wiring. I would recommend using slightly larger wire to ensure that you do not damage the branches / truck. It may not looks as nice to use larger wire, but there's also less risk for harming the tree - and with larger wire, you will not need to wrap it as tight.

You can find plastic training pots that are deeper if you want to mimic a bonsai pot. We have some listed on http://www.BonsaiOutlet.com or you can find them on eBay.