Vance Wood

Tree Bay is correct, it is a subjective issue often dependant on the species and time of year the wire is applied. I you apply the wire just before going into the dormant season the wire may stay on for quite a while. If you apply the wire going into the growing season it may start to marr the bark in a matter of weeks if the tree is vigorous and growing well. On a Ficus it is better to rewire often than it is to have the wire scar the bark. This scaring can take ten years to go away on a Ficus. With a Ficus the best way to remove the wire is to cut it off. If you have a bonsai store near you I suggest purchasing a pair of bonsai wire nippers. These are designed in such a way as to cut he wire without cutting the bark. If you try to unwrap the wire especially if the tree is in active growth you run the risk of slipping the bark and creating a nasty scar or even killing a branch.