It is possible to develop bonsai on a budget and enjoy the hobby without purchasing a lot of expensive tools.
The three most important tools are the following:
1. A pair of sharp
shears to trim twigs
2. A pair of
concave cutters that can make flush cuts close to the trunk of the tree.
3. A pair of
wire cutters that is adapted for bonsai are especially helpful in removing bonsai wire.
A beginner also will find it useful to have the following: [*]a ready supply of
aluminum wire for training trees[*]a watering can or
hose end sprayer with a fine rose to avoid washing soil out of bonsai pots.
Browsing tool catalogs like the one on at
TreeBay Bonsai Tools & Supplies may give you the impression that you need a lot of tools. *However, these bonsai tools" exist that can make specific techniques easier, or their practice more effective. *
Specialized shears, branch cutters and
knives, for example, are used to prune and direct growth and pastes and sealants help to encourage rapid healing of wounds.
You can purchase a basic
tool kit, or just a few tools to get started, and add to your collection over time as the tools are needed.