Bonsai accessories are essential tools for those working on bonsai trees. Depending on your needs and interests, you may require a variety of bonsai wire accessories, potting media accessories, or more general pruning tools. It’s important to remember that you should always use power tools with extreme caution as wood splinters or metal bristles can easily pierce your skin or eye. Using appropriate protective gear and a good pair of gardening gloves can help to ensure your safety when working with power tools.
A pair of good quality scissors, in a standard or curved shape are your best tool for trimming leaves and small twigs. Make sure they are sharp for a clean and precise cut. Bonsai shears are also available in a number of different shapes and sizes. There are standard sized shears for trimming branches, a heavier duty Chinese shear ideal for those with bigger hands and a concave branch cutter which is great for cutting lumps and bumps in the trunk of your tree.
For those wanting to work with the wire on their bonsai, you will need a set of bonsai wire cutters and pliers. A regular set of gardening shears will not cut thicker wire and can cause the blades to become blunt. You can also purchase a scissor-type bonsai wire cutter which has a slimmer head but is similar to regular hardware pliers.
A well-reviewed bonsai tool kit with a thoughtfully planned assortment of frequently used tools is a good option for beginners. It’s also a much cheaper option than purchasing a full set of bonsai tools and will allow a newbie to gauge their long term interest in the hobby before investing in a more comprehensive collection of high quality bonsai tools.