Bonsai Wire: Training Branches Without Permanent Damage

Wire trains young branches into desired shapes by controlled cell damage and healing. Remove wire once shape sets—leaving it too long cuts into bark, causing permanent scars.

Wire Selection

Sizes range from thin (dwarf seedlings) to thick (outdoor trees). If wire is too thin, double-layer smaller wire for equivalent strength without extra damage. Available in silver or brown (less visible during training) from specialty stores, nurseries, and some hardware stores.