AusBonsai

I have a she oak I purchased from bonsai world got it very cheap and it is in great health with new green foliage. Tomorrow I plan on applying some 5 mm wire on the trunk to put some movement in it. Is there anything I should look out for and do I have to worry about scarring or will it add character

Hey Trunskie, more experience growers may have some tips here but I would say take great care...it is easy to damage the lovely bark...and where as a black pine might easily grow over scarring and it may add character ... I am not sure that is the same with Sheoak. Pictures of your tree will help to see how fissured the existing bark is and how thick the trunk that you are looking to bend.... I guess my point is - before rushing to wire - wait for some tips here or visit a local bonsai club or even ask the folk where you purchased the tree.

That said, perhaps more knowledgable folk wit just say... 'go ahead - wire your tree.'

5mm wire is quite thick - how thick is the trunk you're wanting to bend?

As Mark said a photo would help greatly.

Last time I tried to bend an older sheoak I cracked it - 3 times on 3 different trunks
Young stems bend really well but older wood may be brittle.

Thanks guys ill post some pics of it today when I go down the back. I'll have to upload them from my computer