Annual Bonsai Work Calendar

Each season brings specific tasks to keep bonsai healthy. This annual calendar provides a clear baseline to know what to do at the right time. However, observing the tree is essential: climate, species and development stage can change these recommendations.

🌸 Spring

Bonsai gradually comes out of dormancy. Sap starts flowing again, buds swell, and roots wake up. This is a key season that conditions the tree’s vigor for the entire year.

Repotting (main period)

  • ✅ Repot before buds fully open
  • ✅ Prioritize deciduous trees first, then conifers
  • 🌱 Fresh substrate for healthier roots

Maintenance pruning

  • ✂️ Pinch new growth
  • 🌿 Reduce excessive vigor
  • ⚠️ Avoid heavy pruning too early

Fertilizer (gradual restart)

  • ⏳ Wait about 4 weeks after repotting
  • ✅ Mild organic fertilizer
  • ⚠️ Do not fertilize weakened trees

☀️ Summer

Growth is active and heat greatly increases water needs. The main goal is to avoid water stress while keeping the tree balanced.

Increased watering

  • 💧 Check moisture morning and evening
  • ✅ Water thoroughly when the substrate is dry
  • ⚠️ Small pots heat up quickly

Ongoing maintenance pruning

  • ✂️ Regular pruning for deciduous trees
  • 🌲 Pinching for conifers

Sun protection

  • 🌳 Maples: light shade
  • ⛱️ Weak deciduous trees: 30–50% shade
  • ⚠️ Watch out for dark pots overheating

🍂 Autumn

Growth gradually slows down. This is the ideal time to strengthen the tree and prepare structural work before winter.

Strengthening fertilizer

  • ✅ Balanced organic fertilizer
  • 🍁 Continue until leaf fall

Structure observation

  • 👁️ Identify unnecessary branches
  • 📝 Plan winter pruning

Start of structural work

  • ✂️ Possible pruning on deciduous trees entering dormancy

❄️ Winter

The tree is dormant. This is the best season for major pruning and structural work, while ensuring good protection from cold.

Structural pruning

  • ✂️ Correct the overall silhouette
  • 🌳 Remove large branches
  • 🧠 Rethink long-term structure

Conifer wiring

  • ✅ Bark is less fragile in winter
  • ⚠️ Check wires regularly

Frost protection

  • ❄️ Insulate very free-draining pots
  • 🌬️ Protect from cold wind
  • 🌱 Keep an eye on young trees

This calendar is a general baseline. Experience and observation remain the best guides: each bonsai evolves differently depending on species, environment and vigor.