After developing the branches on a black pine for the past nineteen years, it was time to give the tree a haircut.
Black Pine
After reducing the apex
When I acquired the tree twenty years ago, it was much taller. After showing it at Bay Island Bonsai’s second exhibit, I removed the top third of the trunk and began creating a new apex.
Over the last few years, the new apex had grown too large for the tree, making me think it was time to repeat the operation.
The plan went from thought to action when Daisaku Nomoto, a friend and bonsai professional visiting from Japan, made the same suggestion. I got out the camera, gave the go-ahead, and watched the branches fall.
A better look at the cut area
The previous apex – about fifteen years in the making
The lowest branches got the same treatment. On the right side, the first pad comprises three separate branches. We removed the branches emerging closest to the front of the trunk.
The first branches on the right side
After removing the branches growing from the front of the tree
The lowest branch on the left side offered a natural point for reduction.
The lowest branch on the left side
After reducing the branch
Although cutback is far from complete, here’s the foliage removed on the first pass.
Cut branches
And here’s the tree after rearranging the apex.
Black pine after cutback and rearranging the apex – 15″
I’ll thin out the rest of the branches and pluck extra needles over the coming weeks. Five months from now, I’ll cut back even further at decandling time in an effort to create a more compact silhouette.
You can find a photo of this tree before cutback on page 83 of The Little Book of Bonsai. Speaking of books…
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Mirko says
Complimenti ci vuole molto coraggioso
Jonas Dupuich says
Ha – thanks Mirko!
AlainK says
Waouh ! (English: WOW!) That’s a very daring move, and it looks great.
Jonas Dupuich says
Thanks, Alain!
Bob says
The part you cut off and threw away is better than any of my trees lol!
Jonas Dupuich says
Ha! It’s kind of like sending a nineteen year project into the recycling bin.
Richard Dorfman says
“Hesitation creates gaps, boldness obliterates them”. – Robert Greene
Big move, Jonas. Can’t wait to see this tree a few years down the road.
Jonas Dupuich says
Great quote – thanks Richard! Will be sure to post updates along the way.
Edward Stanton says
Jonas, another very helpful blog. Judging by the color of your JBP in the photos, it has come out of dormancy–am I right? In colder climates (zone 6 and lower), most conifers are still dormant. What do you think would be the best time for a big apex reduction on a JBP in these zones? End of dormancy, spring push, later?
Jonas Dupuich says
Thanks Ed! I think the start of the growing season through spring is good as that gives the tree time to start healing before it slows down at the end of the season. This tree has stayed green through winter this year – some pines turn yellow and others keep their color as the temps are relatively warm here in winter (into the 30s but not much below freezing).
Chris K says
Outstanding work Jonas, thank you for sharing!
Jonas Dupuich says
Thanks, Chris!