Cutback at decandling time – Bonsai Tonight

Decandling season is an effective time to do cutback on black pines. Though we will’t lower previous inexperienced needles and anticipate buds to pop on previous wooden, we will lower anyplace else so long as there may be wholesome foliage on the department. (See “A cutback decandling method” for particulars.)

Right here’s an uncovered root black pine I confirmed eventually 12 months’s Expo earlier than and after decandling. The tree is nineteen years previous from seed.

Earlier than decandling

After decandling and cutback – 10″

Merely decandling the tree would have decreased its measurement, however to maintain the tree compact, I eliminated all lengthy branches and in the reduction of into the previous needles wherever there have been needles to chop again to.

A small pine within the backyard wanted the identical remedy. About 10″ tall earlier than decandling, the tree is now 8.5″. (Due to Adam Toth for the work!) This tree was a part of the identical batch because the above pine – they had been each began from seed planted in 2004.

Earlier than decandling

After decandling and cutback – 8.5″

To maintain the highest of the trunk in examine, a big portion of it was eliminated.

Wound from eradicating the highest of the trunk

It’ll take appreciable root work to get this tree again right down to shohin measurement (beneath 8″) so I’ll get began with the work subsequent winter and see how far I can get.

Information & Updates

• Exhibit catalogs from the 2022 Pacific Bonsai Expo can be found on-line on the Expo web site.
• Soil replace for bulk orders: The following soil cargo (akadama and kanuma) is scheduled to reach in September. Within the meantime, small Aoki Mix, medium akadama, and medium pumice are in inventory.
• In lieu of a brand new episode on the Bonsai Wire Podcast, I’d wish to advocate the Black Pondo Podcast this week. Hosted by Jeremiah Lee, the podcast options interviews with bonsai practitioners throughout the US and past together with the next acquainted names: Julian Tsai, Bob Shimon, Adam Toth, Matt Spinnaker, Eric Schrader, and Kaya Mooney. Test it out in your favourite podcast participant or pay attention right here.