How to give it a Japanese touch

Suitable pine species

Again and again one reads superficially about two types of pine that are said to be particularly suitable for a Japanese cut:

the black pine
and the girl's jaw

also read

Small pines
Pine fruits - small cones with amazing properties
The ideal time to cut a jaw

The latter only partially fulfills these conditions. The reason for this is the less than optimal site conditions offered by the local climate. It therefore forms a very distinctive cone base, which leaves bald spots when removed and makes the tree vulnerable. The desired look could suffer, especially due to the pruning required in bonsai art. In contrast to this, the "Norske type", a type of Scots pine, is extremely suitable, as it is very easy to care for because of its flexible wood, even in old age. In principle, however, you can keep any type of pine in the Japanese style.

The timing is crucial

Pine trees stop growing again very soon after their peak phase in May. Therefore, the winter (from October) is recommended for a shaping pruning. At this time you can go a little more radical, as you do not threaten to hurt any new instincts.

the

Scots pine
Mountain pine
and black pine

you should cut while they are still forming candles. Once this has resulted in needles, they are particularly sensitive to bruises. At a later point in time, you should therefore no longer cut the annoying branches, but only carefully pluck them off. In general, it is gentler on the conifer if you tie the branches instead of removing them.