April-May

Spring (April–May) is the most decisive season in the bonsai calendar, as trees shift rapidly from dormancy into active growth. The work done during this period—monitoring health, managing water and pests, structural pruning, wiring, repotting, and moss care—sets the foundation for the entire year. This section organizes essential spring tasks by tree category and stage of development, from newly dug material to refined trees nearing exhibition. Use it as a flexible framework rather than a rigid checklist, adapting timing and intensity to species, weather, and individual tree vigour.

June - August

Summer (June–August) is a period of sustained growth, maintenance, and careful restraint, where the primary focus shifts to supporting vigour while protecting trees from stress. With high transpiration rates and active foliage, daily monitoring of water needs, pests, disease, and wire bite is essential. Fertilization strategies are adjusted by development stage—emphasizing foliar growth early and root strength later in the season—while pruning, wiring, and foliage management are carried out only once trees have fully recovered from spring work. This section organizes summer tasks by tree category to help maintain health, refine structure, and guide growth deliberately through the most demanding months of the year.



September - November

Autumn (September–November) is a season of consolidation and preparation, where the focus shifts from active growth to strengthening roots and readying trees for dormancy. As temperatures cool and daylight shortens, careful monitoring of water, pests, and wire remains essential, along with timely protection of tropical species as cold thresholds approach. Fertilization emphasizes root health, structural work is limited to wiring and maintenance, and trees at all stages are gradually conditioned for winter rest. This section organizes autumn tasks by tree category to support resilience, preserve structure, and ensure trees enter dormancy healthy and well-prepared for the coming season.

Winter

Winter (November–March) is a period of protection and vigilance rather than active intervention, with the primary goal being to safeguard trees through dormancy. During these months, trees should be well insulated with mulch and snow, sheltered from direct sun and drying winds, and protected from rodents and physical damage. Attention shifts to managing environmental risks—monitoring freeze–thaw cycles, midwinter melts, ice accumulation, and premature exposure as snow recedes. This section outlines winter care practices that apply across all tree categories, emphasizing stability, insulation, and patience to ensure trees emerge from dormancy healthy and ready for spring.

Daily Ritual

Daily attention is the foundation of successful bonsai practice. Small, consistent observations allow practitioners to respond to changing conditions before problems escalate and to guide growth with intention rather than correction. This article outlines essential daily tasks, including placing trees according to their light requirements, monitoring water use and overall vigor, watching for early signs of pests or disease, checking wire to prevent damage, and staying alert to weather changes such as heat, wind, or prolonged dry periods. Together, these habits build awareness, protect tree health, and ensure timely, informed decisions at the bench.



Year-Round Work

Throughout the year, important supporting work continues alongside seasonal tree care, forming the quiet backbone of successful bonsai practice. These ongoing tasks focus on preparation, learning, and long-term planning—sourcing and preparing soil, wire, and pots; commissioning custom display elements; and maintaining tools and materials so they are ready when needed. Time away from the bench is equally valuable, spent studying, refining design ideas, developing display concepts, and documenting progress through photographs and cultivation notes. This section highlights year-round activities that strengthen both your trees and your practice, ensuring each season’s work is informed, intentional, and well supported.