A Detailed Guide to Using Sacrifice Branches in Stump Bonsai

In the process of creating stump bonsai, branches that are temporarily used at a certain stage to achieve a specific styling goal are called "sacrifice branches." Such branches have broad application value in styling work.

1. Strengthening roots: Although a stump has a root on one side, it is very thin and weak, and is very disproportionate to the roots on the other sides. At this time, if a branch is cultivated above the tree base near this root and kept in a certain vigorous state, it will drive the rapid growth of this nearby root, thereby achieving the styling idea as quickly as possible. After that, the utilized branch can be cut off and trimmed so that no obvious trace remains. If a new branch cannot be cultivated where it is needed, an approach graft can be used to create a new branch, which is equally feasible. During cultivation or for a period after it has been established, if repotting or root pruning is needed, this root should be pruned as little as possible to enhance its relative growth advantage.

2. Thickening the trunk: To cultivate a short, sturdy large-tree-style stump, or to change an unsatisfactory thickness transition on the trunk, using sacrifice branches is a convenient and quick method. As needed, such branches can be set in one place or multiple places, and can also be set successively in stages. For the sake of appearance, sacrifice branches should be set on the back side of the stump as much as possible, so as to avoid leaving unsightly scars after cutting. When set successively, it is generally best to proceed from bottom to top.

When necessary, sacrifice branches can also be used to "finely sculpt" the trunk. For example, to change an outer edge at a bend that is too smooth, or a sunken area, and so on, all of these can be achieved artificially with the help of sacrifice branches.

3. Thickening branches: By the same principle, sacrifice branches can also be used in shaping branch pads. Especially for those branch pads that grow lower down and are relatively thin, it is very difficult to change the already formed proportional relationship without extraordinary methods. Using sacrifice branches is obviously a shortcut to improving an unfavorable situation. Sacrifice branches are generally set at the tip of the branch pad, and can also be set at other parts of the branch pad at the same time. A certain relative height advantage must be maintained, so that the goal of extraordinary growth and thickening can be achieved.

In the use of the various methods above, one principle must be followed: the growth vigor cultivated in the sacrifice branch must be coordinated with the whole plant, and it must be controlled within an appropriate range. The length of time it is used must also be flexibly controlled according to need, so as to achieve the specific shaping goal without excessively affecting the survival of other important parts. The extension of the branch should minimize shading of important parts. If it has strong sprouting ability and grows in a conspicuous place, it can also be pruned every year and repeatedly regrown, so as to avoid producing excessively large scars.