Artificial Ageing of Bonsai

A tree acquires its beauty and character with age. There are bonsai training methods which enable a tree to look older than it is, and at the same time correct any faults in its shape. The Japanese use three different techniques known as Jin, Sharimiki and Sabamiki.

Jin

The technique of jinning involves leaving branches of the tree that have broken off or died back naturally. Strip away the bark from the branches and sharpen their ends a little if you wish. Smooth along the entire length of the branch with emery paper before painting with citric acid or furniture bleaching agent which in turn bleaches the branch and protects it from rot.
Jinning can also be used to make a tree that has grown too tall appear shorter. Simply cut off the leaves or needles at the tip of the tree, remove the bark that is exposed, then proceed as described above. All conifers and some broad- leaves are suitable subjects for jinning.

Sharimiki

The sharimiki method involves partially stripping bark from branches or trunks, and sometimes even from a particularly prominent, visible root. The bonsai thus gains a more interesting appearance.
Working from the top downwards peel a narrow strip of bark from the front of your bonsai, having previously loosened the strip by making two vertical incisions with a sharp knife. Use emery paper to smooth the wood down, as for jinning, then apply citric acid or a furniture bleach. Do this carefully so that you make sure the bleach only comes into contact with the areas of the tree stripped of bark.

Sabamiki

Bonsai that have undergone Sabamiki look very old and impressive. They remind you of trees that have withstood the rig ours of nature for centuries, particularly those found in highland areas and in solitary coastal sites.
Sabamiki means hollow or split trunk, and it is a wood-splitting technique that enables you to copy the shapes of trees found in nature, particularly among old apricot trees, elaeagnus and junipers. Perhaps you have a bonsai with a damaged trunk, in which case take a chisel and hollow it out at the damaged spot, then treat as you would for jinning and Sharimiki.
Some bonsai experts will also rip out a forward-growing branch that is marring a tree, then using a chisel enlarge the hole left in the trunk. They are then able to train the tree in the Sabamiki style.
All these techniques are best carried out in mid-summer when the wounds will dry quickly and the bleaching agent can soak nicely into the trunk. Always use a sharp knife and smooth the wood down with emery paper before applying the bleach.
Reapply the bleaching agent at least every two years to stop rot attacking the stripped branches and to re-emphasize their light color.

Besides these techniques there is another way of making your bonsai appear older. Simply tie the branches of your young tree down, or wire them so that their outline more closely resembles those of older trees in the wild.