Q&A: Deciduous Development

There are so many factors to consider in the development of young deciduous trees for bonsai. So I reached out to my SBBK Buddy and mentor, Val Monroe.

“Every piece of material is different and needs to be evaluated according to what you want to do.  I have a hard time with this part because sometimes I can’t see what the future is for the tree.
So all of your questions for the deciduous growing are both yes and no ‘depending’ on the individual tree and what your goal is.”

• Most deciduous are apically dominant so it’s a sure thing to limit top growth by cutting back (not thinning), and letting weaker lower growth run freely until those branches are the thickness you need for the design - then cut and begin ramification.

• Most deciduous can be cut when dormant.

• You can also prune when leaves emerge, which will weaken the tree.  The tree expends energy on all the leaves that you just cut off and spend more creating buds at the new cut point.

• This is another ‘depends’ because if your tree is already weak, you weaken more; if your tree is really strong, weakening may be desirable.