Couldn't agree more. It's a stupid modern practice whether done in Japan or not. (probably to get the tree ready for the market before the other guy) If your aim is quality you should remove the wire as it just begins to bite. Who wants to be faced with a tree where you need to wait decades to grow out the scar? (if it ever does) The advatage is out-weighed by the disadvantage! You will never see a tree like that in the masterpiece photo albums (at least I hope not)!bonsaisensation wrote:Forgive my ignorance, but why do you all leave the wire to bite in like that?
As Jason had shown in the photos he took in Japan, the wire scar is still clearly visible. It might grow out in a few more years with more thickening and bark forming flaky texture. But I would think that the spiral scar will still be noticeable . So I'm not quite sure of the advantage of it.
Regards
Mind you I do have quite a few trees that were wired in spring and forgotten about , but to do it intentionally is crazy in my mind.) one extra year in the ground will give you the same thickness and a nice round trunk. (one of the basic aesthetic qualities of bonsai)......