Training Dwarf Pomegranate Bonsai

Examine the tree trunk and roots around the base of the pomegranate tree. If it is still in a bag, open the bag for a better view. Note how long and wide the trunk is.

Cut away any suckers, dead branches and leaves with sharp scissors. Follow by cutting away all the leaves that are on the underside of the branches. Remove suckers and roots that are slightly under the soil to make the tree trunk look longer. Mist the roots with water while you work to keep them hydrated.

Evaluate your tree after the first trimming to see which side is the front. The front of the tree will have the lowest, main branch coming out on the right or left side.

Determine how you want the tree to look, while staying true to the natural form as much as possible. After the first, main branch that you found in the previous step, you should see a second branch extending from the opposite side. This branch is ideally located sightly above the first branch. Trim away any excess branches between these two branches.

Continue to groom your tree in this manner, with the branches staggered on opposite sides. Each tree is unique so the branches won't be exactly uniform. Work with the natural look of the tree and your own creativity to figure out how you want the tree's branches to look.

Wrap soft copper wire around any tree branches that you want to bend. Stick one end of the wire into the soil and start wrapping with the wire at a 45-degree angle. Work the branch in the direction you want it to go. Use wire that is one-third the diameter of the branch.

Watch the tree carefully and cut the wire off before it start digging into the bark. Rewrap the branch if it moves back to its original position.