Page 126 - Tài liệu cây cảnh Bonsai4me Bonsai Basics

However, there is a balance that must be struck. A bonsai must be allowed to
grow. New growth is not only a sign of a healthy plant (and therefore a healthy
bonsai) but in turn it generates a refreshing of the tree's structure, new root
growth and vitality. Therefore a bonsai must be allowed periods of growth,
periods of time where it is allowed to grow; enough to revitalise its energy but
not so much that growth becomes coarse or the shape of the tree is completely
lost and apical dominance is allowed to take over.
A bonsai that is continually trimmed without respite will be continually
regenerating new buds and shoots; the repeated production of these new buds
deplete the energy reserves of a tree when it is unable to recoup its lost energy
levels by means of photosynthesis.

It must be realised that it is a myth to think that bonsai should and must be
trimmed on a daily or weekly basis. It is also a myth to think that great bonsai
look perfect all year round. Most bonsai are exhibited, photographed and
displayed in perfect condition but this state is only temporary.
These same trees are allowed (or should be allowed) periods of the necessary
free growth to allow shoot extension and therefore re-energise the tree; the
perfect image is temporarily lost.
A balance must be struck. Free, unrestricted growth will result in the loss of
refinement, shape and taper but this only happens after a certain amount of time
(largely dependant on the vigour of individual tree species and individual trees).
Allowing new growth does no damage to the bonsai, its shape or refinement.
Any well-developed bonsai can easily be trimmed back to shape even after 3 or

4 months (or in many cases even longer) free growth, whichever tree species
they are.
The practicalities of allowing free growth or not continually
pruning your bonsai
It is very easy to fall into the trap of continually trimming and pinching new
growth throughout the growing season; particularly for enthusiastic beginners

with smaller collections. However, it is far better to get into a habit of allowing
new shoots to extend before trimming back the new shoots after they have
hardened off. (The shoot becomes woody).
As a fail-safe, it is worth trimming back any new vigorous shoots in the
upper branches before this time to ensure that there is no over-thickening in this
area but otherwise, middle and lower branches can be left to extend.
As well as keeping the tree in good health and vigour, when the new growth
is finally pruned back, the branches will create new buds and shoots along the
length of the branch rather than just clusters of leaves that would otherwise be
prompted at the very tips of regularly trimmed branches.
During dormancy in the Winter, don't just trim the tree to your ideal