What is the best time of year to prune the roots and branches of my Bonsai trees?

Answer 1

There really isn't a "best time" for indoor bonsai. You do it when you transplant from one container to another or when it becomes rootbound or when you want to shape the top part of the tree. It's a work of art so you have to do it when it looks like it needs it--to you. When you do prune the roots don't fertilize for a few months or so to give it time to get over the root shock.

If you live where it's an outdoor bonsai it's best to do it when the plant is in a period of slow growth--like fall. But the top, again, you have to prune to keep it looking like you want it to look.

Answer 2

I agree with the other writer--a lot of it depends on look or style. However, you have to be careful about species, too. If it is a flowering or fruiting variety--you don't want to prune just as it is entering its flowering stage or as it is about to set fruit. You'll end up with luxurious foliage but no flowers, etc. Some species require significantly more pruning than others, so it is best to make a knowledgeable buy from the beginning and then look up individual species to see what each require. I have a fruiting banyan fig bonsai that I love that requires minimal pruning. Good luck.