Theory behind wiring

Messages
129
Reaction score
90
Location
Orange County, CA (Zone 10a)
I've been looking through youtube and a fair amount of books for any info on bonsai styling I could find. I found a ton of information on the theory behind pruning to maintain the shape, control growth, and increase ramification. However, I've noticed a relative lack of theory on wiring. There are boat loads of videos and guides on how to actually place the wire on a branch, but how do you select which branches to wire? How do you know where to move them or how much space you need to create?

I understand that this is a trial and error type of experience, but I'd really like to understand why I'm wiring rather than arbitrarily moving branches based on what at this point is semi-educated guesswork.

Evergreengardens has a set of rules that touch on branch placement (http://www.evergreengardenworks.com/rules.htm)

Andy Rutledge also has a great treatise on what makes a bonsai (http://andyrutledge.com/book/index.html)

Does anyone have other sources or advice they can share?
 

Paradox

Imperial Masterpiece
Messages
9,339
Reaction score
11,414
Location
Long Island, NY
USDA Zone
7a
You have to go beyond wiring. You need to think about design of trees which is one of the hardest things to learn.

You wire branches to move them so that they fit into the desired design of the tree. Wiring is one method by which we accomplish that.

I suggest getting a hold of Basic Bonsai Design by David De Groot to start. While it doesnt really go into wiring, it does talk about design.
 

Eric Group

Masterpiece
Messages
4,554
Reaction score
4,854
Location
Columbia, SC
This is a pretty loaded question... Wire can accomplish a bunch of different things all at once!

Wiring helps with branch placement, yes... But it also adds curves to the branches which makes them look older, and at the same time shortens them so that a branch with a long skinny run and growth only at the tip is shortened to look better within the silhouette of the tree...

Generally for Juniper and Pines, which branch to wire= ALL of them.

With Deciduous trees and broadleaf evergreens, people tend to go with the ole clip and grow a little more, only wiring where needed it seems... Though on some trees that can mean ALL the branches as well.

So, the theory behind wiring can vary depending on the species, the style you are going for and even what a specific branch might need within that style in relation to what others need, it could be completely different! This is as much a case by case decision as anything in the art form... So, to understand it you have to understand all the other things you mentioned- branch placement, what style you are going for, what type of tree it is and how pliable the branches are or how thin the bark is, even what season it best to wire certain trees... All of that goes into the theory behind it and what decisions you are making when wiring at tree.. I think that is why most of the wiring videos and book chapters and articles go over the logistics of how to apply it and how to bend the branch... Then in separate places they discuss treatment of specific species, how to attain different styles, and all that other stuff that goes into it!
 

Adair M

Pinus Envy
Messages
14,402
Reaction score
34,874
Location
NEGeorgia
USDA Zone
7a
Maverick,

Wiring is to bonsai as using a paint brush is to illustrative art.

Can it be done without? Yes, just as it's possible to fingerprint without using a paint brush.

Now, if your question is why do we have to wire, it's because by using wire we can make a tree to be shaped in a reasonable amount of time into the form that it takes Morher Nature decades or even centuries to do.
 

sorce

Nonsense Rascal
Messages
32,908
Reaction score
45,579
Location
Berwyn, Il
USDA Zone
6.2
I think it's worth mentioning that with Deciduous trees, you generally only wire for the first couple inches of movement, or where it will be chopped back to.

From there, you can just pull the end to where it gets sun, using it to shade heavy branches, or moving it away from weak branches. Moving it to more shade if it's heavy, or to light if it's weak.

My general theory regarding wiring, "don't underestimate the control you have over growth, especially in regards to light"

Ever think of wrapping a heavy top branch in shade cloth?
Balance is my sign.

I don't do conifers as much, But you wire them all the way out to the tips for design, but more importantly, to put them in their own space of light.
Again Balance.

Sorce
 

Paradox

Imperial Masterpiece
Messages
9,339
Reaction score
11,414
Location
Long Island, NY
USDA Zone
7a
Thanks. I appreciate the advice! I was looking on the American bonsai society page and it looks like David Degroot has a new book: Principles of Bonsai Design (http://www.absbonsai.org/store/principles-bonsai-design). Does anyone know if this is an update to Basics of Bonsai Design or a continuation with entirely new information?

I think that is the new revised printing of the version I mentioned.
I will have to pick up a copy myself.
 

Eric Group

Masterpiece
Messages
4,554
Reaction score
4,854
Location
Columbia, SC
Maverick,

Wiring is to bonsai as using a paint brush is to illustrative art.

Can it be done without? Yes, just as it's possible to fingerprint without using a paint brush.

Now, if your question is why do we have to wire, it's because by using wire we can make a tree to be shaped in a reasonable amount of time into the form that it takes Morher Nature decades or even centuries to do.
Very well put Adair!
 

GrimLore

Bonsai Nut alumnus... we miss you
Messages
8,502
Reaction score
7,452
Location
South East PA
USDA Zone
6b
It is not a theory but a practical tool if used properly ;)

Grimmy
 

Adair M

Pinus Envy
Messages
14,402
Reaction score
34,874
Location
NEGeorgia
USDA Zone
7a
And THAT my friends is the "theory behind wiring". Just copy this and success is sure to come!
/ THREAD

Smoke, when you display a piece like this, do you place the tire with the pink flamingo to the left or the right?
 

Smoke

Ignore-Amus
Messages
11,668
Reaction score
20,724
Location
Fresno, CA
USDA Zone
9
It was for sale....I got more at the recycler.
 

JudyB

Queen of the Nuts
Messages
13,751
Reaction score
23,250
Location
South East of Cols. OH
USDA Zone
6a
Me, I just can't peel my eyes off that fabulous stand!!! I need me one of those!

Maverick, do you have a good video or book to learn wiring with? There are some good ones out there, (so you don't wind up with the lovely example from above) or learning at a wiring class firsthand is even better. It's one skill that if you learn properly, can progress your trees significantly.
 
Top Bottom