Most people get a bonsai tree to bring the beauty of outdoors in. Unfortunately, many who are new to art of bonsai make mistakes that can mar the beauty of their bonsai and ruin it’s health as well.

Here are the top three mistakes we see:

1. Pruning the tree at the wrong time of year.

Your bonsai is putting on new growth in the spring, but that doesn’t mean it’s the best time to cut. In the summer, your tree will be strong and you’ll be able to cut up to 80% of the larger leaves. And the fall is the time to take off old growth. If you’re not sure of the season to trim yours, ask an arborist or look online. Remember, whatever rule applies to the full-sized tree will also apply to your miniature tree.

2. Using the wrong the tools.

New enthusiasts often rush out to buy tools. That’s not necessarily your best bet. Start trimming your tree with your fingers. Remove new growth by twisting it between your thumb and forefinger like a cue tip. That will give your tree a more natural look and you’ll be less likely to hurt the bark. Focus on making the trunk look natural and mature. You can prune deciduous bonsai with a pair of scissors.

3. Forgetting half the tree.

It’s easy to forget that the roots and the foliage are part of the same system. So we trim the branches and forget the roots. Root pruning allows the tree to change it’s root system. Even though your bonsai is small, it suffers from overcrowding in the pot. Pruning the roots will help it grow new roots that absorb nutrients better.

Bonsai doesn’t have to be hard. Get your convenient step-by-step guide to caring for a bonsai and making it a masterpiece.