Brian Van Fleet - Developing Japanese Black Pine Bonsai

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Introduction 3

2007 4

Calendar of work, Spring 7

2008 8

Calendar of work, Summer 10

Summer Candle-Cutting 11

2009 33

2010 47

Calendar of work, Winter 58

Change of Plan 61

2011 67

Guy Wires 78

2012 80

2013 84

2014 97

Replacement & Sacrifice Branches 99

Before and After 103

About the Author 104

Table of Contents

Introduction

I began photographing my work on this black pine in 2007 to study and learn the relationship between the techniques, timing, and outcome. The experiment proved useful in my understanding of working with black pines, and useful to others along the way. Since the experiment was successful, here it is, all in one place.

Enjoy the development of this treeor at least the graceful aging of the fence over the course of seven years.

Brian

2007

Japanese Black Pine, as purchased in March 07. Height 30.

Main branches and sacrifice branches were selected, pruned and wired, 3/13/07.

September, 2007, after candle-cutting in 3 stages. New needles emerged from 2nd flush of candles. Most of the wires applied in March have been removed; guy wires pull down main branches.

Calendar of work, Spring

W hen candles elongate, but before any needles are visible, identify the average length of candles on the tree.

Break off more of the stronger candles, less of the medium candles, and none of the weak candles.

When they're all about the same length, the overall balance of the tree's energy improves.

Reduce the number of candles on each branch tip so they emerge in pairs only.

2008

Candles elongating after first transplanting into a bonsai pot.

April 2008

After breaking off strong and medium candles to equalize their length, and strength.

Calendar of work, Summer

Candle-Cutting:

In Mid-Summer, when candles are open, remove them completely.

Do this in 3 phases at 2-week intervals. Remove weak candles first, medium candles second, strong candles last. This gives the weak areas a "head start" on the second flush of growth.

Needle-Thinning:

Remove some of last years needles from strong areas to allow sunlight to penetrate into the interior of the tree.

Summer Candle-Cutting

This years candle is green in color; last years candle is tan.

This year's candle

________________

Last year's candle

Summer Candle-Cutting

Cut this year's candle at the base. Cut perpendicular to the branch. An angular cut may result in uneven growth, with stronger buds developing on the low side of the angular cut.

Summer Candle-Cutting

One down, one to go.

Summer Candle-Cutting

Candle-cutting complete. New buds will form at the base of the cut. These new buds will form candles and become the next set of forked ramification.

Summer Candle-Cutting

Candle-cutting complete. New buds will form at the base of the cut. These new buds will form candles and become the next set of forked ramification.

Summer Candle-Cutting

15 days later, 7/1. New buds are appearing from the base. Reduce to 2 opposed buds of equal size, at the 9:00 and 3:00 positions to create forked ramification.

Now that the weak branches have a head start on forming new budsTime to prune Medium-strength areas.

Summer Candle-Cutting

30 days later, 7/16. New buds are becoming candles. Feed well and let them grow.

6/15/08

Remove candles from weak area, starting with lower-right branch.