Maintenance pruning is also known as the development progress. To be able to maintain the original design, we have to cut and nip new foliage to encourage new shoots and denser foliage, as well as to keep overall balance between foliage and rootmass. Sometimes you can nip new growth with the fingertips or twist them off, rather than pulling at them.

Close contact with your tree enables you to see any tiny faults, insects and to keep an eye on the general well being of your tree. Any branches growing down or crossing can be rectified.

WIRING:

One of the best ways to train a new bonsai tree is by means of wiring. Trunks and branches can be wired and bent into shape. Care should be taken when one starts wiring.

1.Wire should be anchored properly before you start coiling the wire around a branch or trunk.
2.Wire should not be too tight.
3.If too loose, you will not get the job done properly.
4.Wire should always be applied at 45-degree angles for strength.
5.Never cross wire. It causes a pressure point that will cause the bark. Underneath the wire to die.
6.Never use thick wire on thin branches.
7.Utmost care should be taken when using double wires.
8.Two branches can be wired with one piece of wire.