Cork oak pruning follow-up

After pruning broadleaf evergreens in summer, you may see lots of small shoots emerging close to the places that were cut. I usually let these grow a bit before thinning them in fall, but this year I’m removing all of the buds that I don’t plan to use and shortening the buds that are already too long.

Here’s an example of a cork oak that is now producing new growth after pruning earlier this summer.

Cork oak – 16″ tall
Container by Sara Rayner

The overall plan for this tree is to keep the top branches in check while letting the lower branches run (see “Bonsai Development Series #27” for details). To slow down the upper part of the tree, I reduced shoots that were already too long.

Reducing a long shoot

I also removed small shoots that I don’t need.

Downward-growing shoot

New shoot at a branch junction

I’ll have to repeat this process throughout the rest of the growing season or else the upper branches will get too strong. Once the lower branches reach the desired thickness, I’ll be able to treat all branches the same and focus on creating the desired silhouette for the tree.

News and Updates

US National Exhibition. We are only four weeks away from the biggest show of the year – the US National Bonsai Exhibition in Rochester, NY!

The show will be held on September 9th and 10th from 9-5 Saturday and 9-4 Sunday. The weekend features demonstrations from Koji Hiramatsu, Gerald Rainville, Corin Tomlinson, and Sean Smith and critiques from a variety of bonsai professionals.

Tickets for the event are available now, and there are still open spots for the banquet. Learn more about the event and get your tickets at the US National Bonsai Exhibition website.

Opening at the Pacific Bonsai Museum. Interested in helping maintain an outstanding bonsai garden in the Pacific Northwest? The Pacific Bonsai Museum has an opening for a part-time Bonsai/Garden Assistant. Learn more about the opportunity from the Pacific Bonsai Museum.

Golden Zooms. The Golden State Bonsai Federation hosts quarterly presentations on different bonsai topics. You can view these presentations on the GSBF YouTube channel.

Last month, Peter Tea discussed Juniper structure and pad development. Past episodes feature Andrew Robson (Seasonal care for deciduous bonsai) and Sergio Cuan (Deciduous development techniques and garden tour). Keep up with new installments at the GSBF YouTube channel.