Cutback and wiring a root over rock black pine – Bonsai Tonight

Even though it’s January, I’m just now starting my pine fall work. This entails pruning and thinning extra needles. When time allows, I wire the branches too!

Here’s what this looks like with a young root over rock black pine grown by Eric Schrader.

Root over rock black pine – 14 years old

I’ve had the tree for the last few years and it’s been a lot of fun to work with. Here it is after pruning and needle thinning.

After pruning and thinning (thanks, Max!)

And here it is after wiring.

After wiring

The goal at this stage is to get the primary branches into place and increase overall branch density.

Once the branches were set, I noticed that the best front for the tree might be to the right of the current front. Here’s a close-up.

New front

I plan to make the change a year from now as it doesn’t need repotting this year. I may remove the sacrifice branches then too. I left them this year so they can continue to accelerate the healing of a large scar on the back of the trunk.

News & Updates

On January 15th and 16th, the Bay Area Bonsai Associates will be holding their 40th annual exhibit at the Lakeside Park Garden Center in Oakland, California.

The event runs from 5pm – 9pm Saturday with a Peter Tea demonstration at 6:30pm and Sunday from 10am – 4pm. Club sales by the East Bay Bonsai Society and Marin Bonsai Club both days. Admission is free. Paid parking is available within Lakeside Park.

Bonsai Classes

Although I won’t be teaching workshops or private classes for the next few months, I plan to host classes taught by a colleague the week of January 17. If you are interested in a workshop or private classes January 17th – 22nd, call or write and I can provide additional information.