How big should the tree be before wiring?

[Sassafras]

Hi all!

New to Bonsai, and I want to make sure I'm not doing anything too early that might hurt my tree.

How big (width, diameter, something) should the tree be before it can handle being wired without stunting or anything like that? Am I worrying about a non-issue?

I'm working with an Eastern White Pine right now, and the trunk isn't very big yet, maybe around a half inch.

Resources for further reading appreciated!

 

[Dav4]

Go check this out. Seedling pines need to be wired in the first few years to get any decent movement low on the trunk, otherwise they will be too thick to bend.

The 2018 Six Year Japanese Black Pine Contest

This forum will be for contest participants to track and report on their progress.

www.bonsainut.com

 

[sorce]

I want to make sure I'm not doing anything too early that might hurt my tree.

A guy sprouting seeds outdoors at the appropriate time is going to have different outcomes from the guy growing indoors in the wrong season.

Make More!

Sorce

 

[Sassafras]

Go check this out. Seedling pines need to be wired in the first few years to get any decent movement low on the trunk, otherwise they will be too thick to bend.

The 2018 Six Year Japanese Black Pine Contest

This forum will be for contest participants to track and report on their progress.

www.bonsainut.com

Thanks so much, will do!

 

[Wires_Guy_wires]

As long as you don't snap it, you can wire it.
Takes a couple tries sometimes, but after year one it's usually woody enough to withstand 1-2mm wire.