I recently reported my bonsai and I wanted to make sure my anchorage wires were tight enough. Is there a rule of thumb way of telling? And side question, if it is too tight what will that do to the bonsai?
Anchorage wire is used to anchor the tree to the pot so it doesn't move while the roots are developing after repotting.
The wire should be tight enough to keep the tree in place, but not so tight that it damages the part of the tree (usually the bigger roots close to the trunk) that you use to anchor the tree.
If it is too tight, it will leave a mark. If you leave them on too long and the roots grow, the mark will be deeper and will leave a scar. Therefore, once the tree is established, the wire should be removed.
