If you’re not happy with a tree’s structure, you can always hit the reset button and remove any branches you’re unhappy with. This process looks different for different species but the basic idea is the same: remove any portion of the tree that lacks “good structure.” For deciduous and broadleaf evergreen bonsai, this may mean […]
Bonsai Development
Bonsai Development posts form the heart of Bonsai Tonight. Learn about varieties like Black Pine, Shimpaku and Japanese Maple, techniques like Decandling and Grafting and Air Layering, and bonsai features like Deadwood.
Spring work for deciduous bonsai
Not long after my deciduous bonsai leaf out, I start thinking about when the perfect time would be to prune and partially defoliate them. In general, the more dense the branches, the earlier in the season I do the work. Once deciduous trees reach a certain density, spring growth on the outside branches shades out […]
Separating a ground layer on a shohin olive
Last summer I started an ground layer on a small olive (see “Shohin olive ground layer” for details). The lower part of the trunk was unattractive so I figured layering the upper part of the trunk would be a great way to make the most of the material. Olive with faulty lower trunk The tree […]
Fall work basics – black and red pine
If you haven’t finished your fall pine work, there’s still time! Fall and winter, right up until buds start elongating in spring, is a good time to prune and wire dormant conifers including Japanese black and red pines. The first step is to prune branches in crowded areas, the second step is to remove extra […]
Refining a field-grown cork bark elm
A couple of years ago, I came across a great batch of cork bark elms at Lone Pine Gardens. It had been a while since I’d owned one, so I picked out my favorite and brought it home. Field-grown cork bark elm – December, 2022 I don’t typically do much work on trees until I […]