Bonsai kid
Newly Registered
Posts: 1
Joined: Fri May 29, 2009 9:45 pm
Location: Magalia

When would be the best time to prune and shape?

I'm new to bonsai and I got a Jacqueline hillier elm and I'm just wondering what would be the best time to prune and shape. at this point I know nothing but I'm starting to read some books, tips much appreciated :D

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Gnome
Super Green Thumb
Posts: 5122
Joined: Wed Jul 05, 2006 12:17 am
Location: Western PA USDA Zone 6A

Bonsai kid,

Welcome to the forum and to bonsai. Until you have an idea of the direction you want to take this tree there is not much reason to perform any structural pruning right now. If this is starter material that you wish to 'grow out' don't prune anything, it will only slow you down.

If it is more advanced and you wish to merely maintain it then you can prune new shoots back to one or two leaves. Do this after the shoot has extended several inches. A new shoot will extend from the axil of the last leaf you leave so consider that when pruning.

Norm

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sean117Ply
Cool Member
Posts: 68
Joined: Sun Apr 22, 2007 5:36 am
Location: Melbourne, Australia

I find the best time is after leaf fall, but as Gnome has said if you want it to grown more, just let it be.



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