In general, I treat red and black pines the same. This doesn’t, however, mean that the trees respond the same to the same work. Black pines are generally the more predictable of the two varieties. After decandling, I can expect between one and three shoots per branch in all but the strongest areas where it’s […]
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Protecting bonsai from hail damage
Here’s a topic I never planned to address – protecting bonsai from hail damage. As most readers know far better than I do, hail can quickly damage bonsai – especially deciduous varieties with foliage that has yet to harden off. Upon realizing that it was hailing yesterday morning, I ran outside and grabbed my smaller […]
Spring growth on Japanese beech – understanding when to pinch
Buds on Japanese beech are easy to spot – they’re the long, pointy things at the ends of branches. Japanese beech buds They are among the last buds to open in spring. Once most of the quince, maples, and plums are in full gear, the beech buds begin to elongate. Elongating bud Once these buds […]
Catching up on black pine work in spring
Spring is typically a season for letting bonsai grow freely. For black pines, some of the main tasks include fertilizing and removing young pine cones. Tea bag with cottonseed meal fertilizer Removing young pine cones Spring is also a good time for catching up on needle plucking and cutback. I generally don’t recommend working on […]
Novel displays at Bonsai Society of San Francisco’s annual exhibit
You know it’s a good day when a bonsai display makes you do a double take. Slant-style spruce Yep, the tree is sitting on a sheet of glass. Better yet, the glass is supported – balanced no less – by two grooved wood slats. Spruce display by Eric Schrader The display is part of the Bonsai […]