Article - bonsai garden and bonsai tree - UsBonsai.com

Bonsai Garden Tools

Bonsai is an expression of one’s creativity. They don’t just become the old-looking miniature tree that they are known to be by simply watering them everyday. There are several bonsai garden tools we can use to help us give them that famous “look”.

The selection of bonsai garden tools is very wide. Some are even expensive which most bonsai enthusiasts have or are dying to own. But like all other things, there are also some bonsai garden tools that are not that necessary, especially for those who are still trying to grow their first bonsai tree.

Bonsai lovers love the fact that majority of bonsai garden tools are widely available and inexpensive. These do not necessarily have to be classified as strictly for bonsai use. You could use them for the other house plants, as general garden tool, or for any household repair. If you’re just starting out, it is understandable not to be inclined to purchase the high-end tools yet. However, make sure that you choose those that are good in quality as these will serve as your fundamental tool kit, which you will need to use most often.

The most essential among the bonsai garden tools is the trimming shears. This is very useful in cutting the tree’s roots and branches. You may also use the flower shears used in flower arranging, or pruning shears with pointed blades as alternatives. This may well be the most expensive tool to purchase so make sure you’re getting the best quality.

Pliers are necessary bonsai garden tools when you will be doing some wiring. The size however, will depend on how large or small your plants and wires are. Copper wire is the most common option because of its strength and flexibility. However, it has the tendency to harden with time, causing potential damage to your tree. Since aluminum wires are now available in copper color, they are rapidly becoming the better choice.

Since watering is the most important factor in bonsai care, this should be included in your bonsai garden tools collection. Choose one with a nozzle that has a fine spray. Also, screens or mesh are essential drain hole covers in bonsai pots to drain excess water while keeping the soil intact.

Growing a bonsai does not really have to be an expensive hobby. And since it requires a good amount of artistry, you will likely find good tools without having to spend a lot for them.

Proper Care of Bonsai Garden Tools

Bonsai garden tools are very essential in growing a bonsai tree and proper care is needed for them to function well. Keeping bonsai garden tools free from rust allows you to trim or cut branches of your plant with ease and at the same time ensure they are safe to use. For proper care of your bonsai garden tools, please follow the guidelines below.

Removing the rust:

After using your bonsai garden tools, it is important to make sure that you will not leave them outside overnight or even worse in a bucket with water. Rust can develop rapidly after a few hours and if rusts develop on your tools, use a small piece of steel wool to remove them and then put some oil or grease on the part affected. This should remove rust from the tool quickly. Maintain doing the same procedure after every use. Alternatively, you can spray a little amount of WD40 on the tool.

Use of rubber matting:

Accidents like dropping your bonsai garden tools while trimming the branches normally happens. When this occurs, there is a possibility that your tool could get damaged. To prevent this from happening, it is best to place rubber matting around your trimming bench or table. Just in case your tools get damaged, you can take them to an expert for repair.

Sharpening of tools:

Keeping your bonsai garden tools sharp is also a must. Trimming a lot of bonsai trees can cause the razor blades to become dull rapidly. Regular sharpening every week is required so that it will be easy for you to work on the trimming of your bonsai plant. You can use a flat oil stone for sharpening your tools with straight blades. For sharpening branch and knob cutters, you can use a curved stone. It is also advisable to practice sharpening a plain pair of scissors first before sharpening your bonsai garden tools.

Proper storage of bonsai garden tools:

After you have sharpened and oiled your bonsai tools, it is best to keep them in a cloth or leather bag. Storing them in a box or bucket is not really recommended. A cloth or a leather bag can be purchased from bonsai shops and sometimes at bonsai exhibits. They are not that expensive but if you want to save money, you can actually make a customized bag of your own, which is actually fairly simple to do.

It is very important to follow the guidelines above for proper care of your bonsai garden tools. After all, you can work conveniently and you are sure that your plants are safe if your tools are well maintained.