As our name implies, WCB is located in Riverside, Southern California basically on the outer edge of the San Bernardino Mountains.  Our summertime temps are in the high 90′s -105 during most of the summer, with a slightly cool Fall and Winter temps that drop into the low 40′s – 32 degrees at night. Because of this we really don’t get a winter die off of any pests. Our biggest problem is Pine Bark Beatles.

Following is a list of known pest that may damage your pine bonsai, most are just a nuisance and can be easily treated. I hope you find this useful. Continue Reading »

Keep your tools clean.– As with all tools, cleanliness is important and insures the continued proper function of your tools. Shears or knob cutters with built up sap or cut paste will not cut correctly and may even damage the portion of the tree you are cutting. Jining tools or grafting knives with sap built up will not only stick when cutting but may also cause an accident.  At a recent monthly bonsai class that I have been attending I heard the master scold a student for having dirty tools, NOT the kind of impression you want your teacher to have about your work ethic. Keep your tools clean. Continue Reading »

Following is a list of the tools you will need to begin your new hobby. I would suggest starting with beginner quality tools. I actually started with “hand me down” tools and purchased a couple good used tools. You will also want to familiarize yourself with how to care for your bonsai tools.

Obviously, if you have already started styling bonsai plants and plan to continue then I suggest you buy the best tools you can afford and treat them like the were all master quality tools. Take your time and learn to style you bonsai right.

Remember, “Cheap tools in the hands of a master still create show quality bonsai. Master quality tools in the hands of the novice are just pliers. . . the tools do not make the master.” Michael Klasno (moyougi)

Continue Reading »

The new Bonsai Tools category with important articles on tool care is now open. The first two articles on bonsai tools are choosing the right bonsai tools and my favorite bonsai tool subject “How to care for your bonsai tools” Bonsai Tool Care. I neglect my tools all the time, this is some good bonsai tool care information.