Knob: to remove or not?

[Shinjinami]

Hi all. I’m totally new to bonsai and bought a 50cm high s-shape ficus. I’d like to know about removing big knob’s. Is it necessary or can I leave them and tidy them up to create a different look?

Please see attached pictures

 

[Bonsai Nut]

Welcome to the site!

With most knobs, you want to cut a concave scar so that as the bark heals over the scar, you are left with bark that closely matches the surrounding area. If you do not reduce the knob, you will typically be left with an unsightly bump that conflicts with your goal of trying to make your tree look like a giant tree in nature, seen from a distance.

 

[palafr01]

@Shinjinami Be careful it looks like your tree might be a fusion of several smaller trunks. I don't believe this will effect the knob removal, but it is something to consider for other types of work. You also might have grafted branches so be cautious when cutting those back.

 

[JudyB]

Welcome.
Since you are new to the hobby, I pasted a post here for you so you can see what type of tool will give you the type of cut suggested above. Some people then use cut paste to cover the newly opened area. Apologies if you already know this information.

Thread 'Spherical concave cutter vs knob cutter. Which one is best for removing small stubs?'

Dec 24, 2022

Hi everyone. I have a small 7" / 180mm narrow concave cutter (like this) that I use to remove branches on small trees. For removing stubs after a straight edge concave cutter, I usually use a large 8" / 205mm spherical concave cutter, but it's inconvenient as hell when the tree is small, too bulky and hard to get to the stub. And I was faced with a choice: buy a 7" knob cutter or a spherical concave cutter (more versatile). Which one is best for removing small stumps? Especially if it's in a hard to reach place.

• proninyaroslav
• concave cutter knob cutter small branches spherical
• Replies: 3
• Forum: Tools & equipment (incl lighting)

 

[Ken Duncan]

It has been my experience If you use a sharp blade like a new box cutter blade on the edges and seal the cut with Top Jin sealer It will cover over faster

 

[Shinjinami]

Thank you all for your valuable input. Much appreciated.

Another question: Should remove all the knob’s at one time?