Decandling is a pruning technique where spring growth is removed to stimulate a second flush of growth over summer. The basic technique can be an effective way to produce dense foliage on black and red pines, and there are several variations that can help us balance vigor between weak and strong branches at the same […]
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 cutback on ume
Although the basics of spring maintenance stay the same from year to year, I’ll often make adjustments based on how the tree is growing. My standard approach to pruning ume, for example, is to cut every branch back to two or three new buds. Here’s a look at the result of last year’s cutback. Ume […]
Identifying the right time for spring cutback
Last year, I pruned and partially defoliated the Korean hornbeam below in early June. The timing was just about right for the work as each shoot had a moderate amount of new growth (see “Spring maintenance” for details). This year the tree grew more vigorously – likely a result of being repotted – and was […]
Spring cutback on Chinese quince
Last December, I decided to take a big step to improve the branch structure on a Chinese quince. I cut off most of the branches. The tree was fairly ramified, but the size and arrangement of the branches didn’t convey the gnarly character that I associate with quince bonsai. The remedy, although severe, is the […]
Spring deciduous work: stewartia
For the last few years, I’ve been working to increase the health and vigor of a stewartia bonsai. As of this year, the tree is strong enough for regular spring maintenance – cutback and leaf pruning. As you can see in the photo below, the tree’s large leaves shade out the interior branches. If I […]