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Introduction Not infrequently I have a bonsai tree wtih a large branch which is difficult, if not impossible, to move or bend with the heaviest wire. In this case I have found that even a branch up to 3 inch or larger in caliper can be moved and bent in many directions by using one or more wedge excisions. Technique These excisions are accomplished with a fine toothed saw which is used to remove about 1/2 or 2/3 of the branch thickness while retaining the side of the bark opposite the wedge as a living bridge. In a way the branch is being grafted to itself with each wedge removal. Heavy wire is used to bring the cut edges back together and to move the branch to its new orientation. Wire needs to be carefully applied so that the wire rests tight against the remaining bark and not over the removed wedge. The wedged cuts, after being pulled together with the wire, may be sealed with cutting paste. In gaining experience with the technique start with a smaller branch and do only one cut; let it heal for 2-3 months. After it heals make the next cut in sthe new area that needs a bend but do not stress the branch at the first "healed" cut. Although healed these cuts may be forces apart with careless handling. If your tree is very vigorous several cuts can be done at once. Each cut will allow the branch to be moved in only one direction. Thus compound curves will require more cuts; one cut equals one curve. Use caution in bending the branch only towards the wedge cut and do not rotate as this may split off the living bark strip and pull the whole branch apart. Do the moving slowly so that remaining bark stretches rather than splits apart by doing this gradually over 10 minutes or longer. Cautions Move the branch only in the direction of the wedge cut. Too many wedge cuts and the branch may die. Also avoid using soft and smooth barked trees as these scar are not good candidates. Maples, beaches and hornbeams show scars for too many years. Branches that are tough to bend in large calipers, like apple and cotoneaster, that tend to split bark easily are tougher - so be extra careful with these species. Move the branch only in the direction of the wedge cut. Too many wedge cuts and the branch may die. Also avoid using soft and smooth barked trees as these scar are not good candidates. Maples, beaches and hornbeams show scars for too many years. Branches that are tough to bend in large calipers, like apple and cotoneaster, that tend to split bark easily are tougher - so be extra careful with these species.
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