Several years ago, I started some Chinese quince from seed. They grow rapidly and have proved to be a fun variety to grow.
Young Chinese quince
I’m cutting them back this fall to remove branches that lack curves. This will encourage the remaining branches to thicken.
Here’s a close-up of the tree above.
Straight branches on the left and right, curved branch in the middle
I first removed the large branch on the left.
After removing the branch on the left
Then I removed the relatively straight branch on the right.
Cutback complete
I left the long section above the curves to encourage the trunk to thicken.
Long sacrifice branch to help thicken the trunk
On other trees, I wired a few branches to add movement to new sections of the trunk.
Young quince
After cutback
Leaves removed to reveal trunk and branches
After wiring
In general, I left the leaves on these trees as they are still growing. I removed the leaves on the trees above and below, however, to make it easier to see details in the photos.
Before cutback
After cutback
After shortening secondary branches and removing the leaves
Although many of the trees are growing at awkward angles, I can easily address this when they are repotted.
Potential new potting angle
I plan to repot these trees over the next couple weeks and let them grow freely until next May or June.
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Charles says
Jonas, do you start all of your seedlings in colander pots? I’ve only done this with Black Pine. If so, can you share your source for these pots? And have you ever tried “Smart Pots” (filter fabric soft pots)? Thanks. These little trees look promising.
Jonas Dupuich says
Thanks Charles! Going forward I plan to use colanders mostly for pines but not other varieties. Here are some notes on the topic: https://bonsaitonight.com/2017/08/04/not-use-colanders-developing-young-bonsai/
As for a source for colanders, I buy them at local grocery stores and online (prices and availability seem to change a lot so I start my search from scratch every year). I have yet to try the Smart Pots.
Terence Krista says
Lots of small, cheap colanders at Daiso!
Lani says
Jonas, I was thinking that we would cut back deciduous in the dead of winter/early spring before buds break.
Jonas Dupuich says
Hi Lani – early fall is great for general cutback. Once winter sets in, it’s best to wait until early spring as you suggest. When pruned in winter, trees can’t begin to heal until spring when they break dormancy.
If your winter is mild, light pruning can be OK in winter. I try to wait until spring for removing large branches.