What To Do With a Tall Skinny Black Pine

Twisted Trees wrote:I just made this

appalachianOwl wrote:i like it for sure. look forward to see it in 30 years or so, or when/if you'd like to update us in the future. do you plan to put it in the ground at any point?

augustine wrote:I like it but will the wire/twisting reduce the chances of getting the tree to break buds lower on the trunk? Have you read Brent Walston's article entitled "Growing Black Pines for Bonsai.?"

Best,

Augustine
central MD 7a

aman wrote:If your climate is too cold for JBP, then use 'progressively' larger containers as the tree grows. Note, the key is progressively; you need the roots to fill the pot for faster growth before you move onto the next 'slightly' larger pot. Ofcourse, for top-growth you need to grow some sacrifices. Brent's articles are an excellent resource.

Twisted Trees wrote:

augustine wrote:I like it but will the wire/twisting reduce the chances of getting the tree to break buds lower on the trunk? Have you read Brent Walston's article entitled "Growing Black Pines for Bonsai.?"

Best,

Augustine
central MD 7a

Maybe, maybe not, I'm not sure (a definite maybe). I am sure that the design does not need branches there.

I've not read that particular book.

Growing pre-trained material from seedlings has turned out to be even more difficult than styling and maintaining larger material. It is imperative to get that first whip to break buds, or already your first branch is a foot off the ground. Then there is also, in my opinion, the importance of getting some movement and taper to the trunk without losing all the low branches. It takes me about five years to get a good starter one gallon plant suitable for small bonsai or for growing on. This is about twice as long as deciduous material. Unlike deciduous plants, pines need to be developed from a very early age for a particular style and size. You need to have this image in your head. Of course larger nursery material can be used but the possibilities are always severely limited by the existing branches. To change this you must cut back most of the tree and grow a new top for the tree from an existing branch.

Onybonsai-Daniel wrote:
These photos are my little larch born from seed worked twisted.

Good job and best regards