black pine styling

Hello:
I am hoping that by removing needles from the branches that I want to build ramification, at, this time of season has not jeapordized the health of an otherwise healthy tree.

the tree health will be fine. just doing this wont mean new buds form and open though, this is just the first stage.

the basic, condensed BP method is this: now, if any of the branch tips have 3 or more buds you need to reduce them to just two. once those buds extend and open they are totally cut off, new smaller buds form at the cuts (reduce to two again) and other buds form and open back on the branches. it is better to cut off old needles rather than pull them too, more small buds survive, and the biggest stimulant to form loads of back buds is to wire the branches - this restricts sap flow and buds appear between the wire coils.

once the new (smaller) buds are open you start again, removing old needles, removing extra buds etc etc. Read up about vigour in the tree too so you recognise weak areas that should be left alone.

good luck

My notes on Japanese black pine seasonal care are here:
https://ibonsaiclub.forumotion.com/t2348-new-shohin-jbp#23154