Essential Bonsai Tools for Every Bonsai Enthusiast

The art of bonsai is a delicate and precise one, and no artist is complete without their bonsai tool kit! 

Have you recently purchased a bonsai tree and need some advice on what tools you’ll need? Then take a look at our  rundown of all essential bonsai tools that will get you on your way to a perfectly pruned tree in no time.

Our Guide to All Essential Bonsai Tools

So, what are the essential bonsai tools every bonsai enthusiast should have? Here are the basics:

Rakes

Root rakes are a great technical tool to delicately stir the soil around your plant’s root and evenly distribute the soil around the roots. This can also act as a helpful boost to stimulate your tree’s growth. 

Some rakes will have a flat spatula on the end of them, and these can be used to tamp down the soil or for moss or weeding work. You can alternatively opt for a rake with a tweezer end as an additional tool in your kit. This tweezer feature can be used for delicate work, such as bud selection (deciduous trees), shoot pinching and needle pulling (pines.) Usually made from stainless steel, these rakes are durable and compact and are a must for your bonsai tool kit.

Root Hooks

Bonsai root hooks are great for targeted pruning and are a really important part of your toolkit. The use of root hooks is a handy way to work with teasing older soil from your bonsai’s root ball prior to root pruning. 

Root hooks will also assist in untangling those delicate roots during repotting, making the process much easier! Designed to last, root hooks are typically made with sturdy handles of wood or plastic and will fit neatly in a compact tool kit.

Scissors

Bonsai scissors that are designed to help snip and prune those hard to reach areas on your bonsai. The blades and handles on bonsai scissors are shaped to be longer, which makes it easier to cut the tree’s branches. 

The blades are also sharpened to effectively cut roots, branches, green shoots and twigs to ensure they cleanly cut rather than tear. This type of tearing of the bark will often cause damage, so it’s important to take care when you’re using your scissors!

Sieves

A bonsai sieve is a must, especially for repotting and for mixing your own soils. As we recommend you use a specialist bonsai soil for your tree, it’s great practice to use a sieve to sift through your soil. 

Repotting is a huge part of growing bonsai, and sieves can be used to separate soil, gravel, mulch, akadama, and grit and can also be used to remove fine compacting dust that causes drainage blockage in your pots. Grading your soil with larger particles towards the bottom and finer particles towards the top is recommended for better air flow and drainage.

Brushes

Keep your bonsai tree (and pot!) clean by using specialised brushes to gently remove debris from your tree without causing any damage. There are a variety of brush types made from different materials that you can try, with each one offering something different. A softer, nylon-bristle brush can be used for gentler brushing, while a harder brush that’s made from metal for tougher removals. 

Sturdier brushes are often used to remove moss, lichen and other debris from your bonsai tree to ensure your tree remains healthy. You can also use a coco bristle brush for a gentle but effective polish on your tree and also on your bonsai pot. If you are repotting or working with soil, these soft coco brushes are handy for saving on any wasted soil by sweeping up any that’s loose or escaped and popping it back in the pot.

Knob and Branch cutters

Pruning and trimming your bonsai is an important part of your tree’s maintenance and having the right tools is even more essential. If you are going to make any cuts to the flesh of your tree, it’s crucial that you have sharp knobs or branch cutters to get the job done. 

Due to their rounded cutting edge, you can use bonsai knob cutters to cut deeply into the trunk of your bonsai, where needed. This will allow for smooth callusing and proper healing.

Shop Our Essential Bonsai Tools

Ready to jump into comprehensive care for your bonsai? 

If you need a complete bonsai care kit, we recommend our 14-piece bonsai tree tool kit. This set comes complete with a zip-up carry case. Made from carbon steel, our kit has everything you need to get your bonsai into top condition, allowing for your tree to fulfil its destined long lifespan. 

In addition to our full kits, we also offer individual carbon steel and stainless steel bonsai tools. From hooks and brushes to knob cutters and sculpting tools, you can make sure your collection contains all the essential bonsai tools.

Shop our range today and watch your tree flourish!