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Placement:
As the heat of summer comes into full effect, most deciduous bonsai benefit from a bit of midday shade. Watch for sun damage and move your tree if the leaves start to wilt or become crisp. Continue to rotate regularly for even growth.

Watering:
Summer heat also means your bonsai needs to be watered more frequently. Monitor soil conditions closely; this bonsai care calendar suggests watering twice daily.

Defoliation:
Defoliation is best performed in early summer after the first growth of leaves has hardened off. Defoliating early gives the tree enough time to produce a second growth.

Bonsai Beware: ONLY defoliate established, vigorous trees.

Wiring:
Early to mid-summer is the best time for wiring; this is when your tree’s branches are most pliable. Wire after defoliating and pruning for fewer obstructions.

Pruning:
Continue pruning throughout the summer; remove branches and foliage that are overcrowded or clash with the aesthetic you’re trying to achieve.

Repotting:
If you missed the window to re-pot before your tree’s leaves opened, you can carefully re-pot once the leaves have fully matured. If repotting in the summer months, trim about 25% fewer roots than you would in spring.