Tools

There are many different tools produced specifically for bonsai work, and the enormous selection can be quite overwhelming for a begging enthusiast. Many of these tools are only used for specific tasks and as a result, you might not need to use them. We recommend that as a beginner you purchase a starter set that will include basic tools. Please understand though that you will get what you pay for (cheaper tools are not very durable).

If you are looking for a beginner set, please see the two sets below which are offered on Amazon.  One is a cheap, but great starter set and the other is a professional and more expensive set.

  In this section we will discuss the uses of the most common tools.

1. Leaf Cutter -used for clipping individual leaves.

2. Rake with Spatula -used for pulling apart roots during repotting and raking fallen leaves.

3. Root Hook -used for pulling apart roots during repotting.

4. Brush -used for cleaning areas such as top of soil and branches from debris.

5. Concave Branch Cutter -used for removing larger branches close to trunk.

6. Spherical Knob Cutter -used for removing larger branches close to trunk.

7. Wire Cutter -used for cutting wire on wired trees so it can be removed easier.

8. Long-handled Shear (Small) -used for general pruning but great for hard to reach places.

9. Trimming Shear (Medium) -used for multipurpose pruning.

10. Root Shear (Large) -used for thick branch pruning and trimming roots.