Bonsai tools are an integral element of the art

Normal gardening tools such as shears, pruners and clippers come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They are effective for the generic tasks that most gardening enthusiasts undertake. Bonsai tools are very specific to the art. They are designed to function with the various requirements that are necessary to cultivate and form a bonsai. The need to train and trim the root system, the limbs and branches and the leaves demand that these tools work in a manner that is more precise. A major part of this living art form is in the details that can be implemented upon the specimen a person is growing. Having the proper tools to accomplish this is important.

Small rakes are used to delicately untangle and comb the roots so that they may be cut or moved. Training the roots to grow in a way that can be managed and is a solid base for growth is as important as forming the trunk, limbs and leaves. A bonsai without this foundation will not succeed. These rakes are also used to cultivate the soil in the container. It is mandatory to maintain good drainage or the roots will rot and the bonsai succumb. A small whisk broom is handy for removing the trimming's and keeping the overall appearance pleasing.

A wide assortment of scissors and clippers are part of the bonsai tool inventory. Larger clippers for limbs and branches, scissors for small leaves and light growth. These may be incorporated from your normal garden tools. Some scissors have been designed over the ages by bonsai artists and cannot be matched for their ability to trim with unparalleled accuracy. There are long handled and round handled that work as 'snippers' and make it easier to perform intricate detail work.

Special cutters are needed to remove knobs and limb wounds. These are concave in design and work effectively to minimize damage after a branch is removed. Long tweezers for pinching small growth that fingers cannot reach are helpful. Wire cutters and bonsai wire pliers are needed to form and cut the wire that is used to form shapes and train the limbs. The wire cutters that are used in bonsai must be able to cut right at the tip and the pliers have long handles so that they can reach past the outer growth and into the trunk area to manipulate the wire.

It is possible to maintain a bonsai tree with your regular garden tools, but it is much more satisfying to have the proper tools to accomplish the desired effect.

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