How to prune?

[zubin]

I have a few and was wondering if anyone had some helpful hints on pruning it and keeping the pads nice and tidy. I learnt the hard way that you cant use pruners on it...

[Redmondz]

What are you pruning?

[kcb_1983]

If you let us know what your species you're working with. We should be able to advise you further. If you're unsure what the exact plant species is, post a pic and go from there.

[xtolord]

I have a few and was wondering if anyone had some helpful hints on pruning it and keeping the pads nice and tidy. I learnt the hard way that you cant use pruners on it...

Humm I think most have already posted the obvious question "What are you trying to prune?". And we are assuming you're talking about pruning the leaves and not the roots here.

I have a few

A few what?

I would be more helpful if you post some pictures and also explain what you are trying to achieve.
I'd say pruning [ of leaves ] is used mostly to:

• Reduce foilage

• Help promote ramification

What are you trying to achieve?

[bodhidharma]

Hi Zubin, you have posted in pines and junipers so i imagine you are talking about conifers. If you are then you cannot prune them like a deciduous tree or like your favourite species, Ligustrum. if you take off all the foliage it will not come back on conifers.

[Andrew F]

I use one of these on my more delicate bonsai:

[bodhidharma]

I use one of these on my more delicate bonsai:

Do'h. Not a good way to encourage beginners.

[Andrew F]

I use one of these on my more delicate bonsai:

Do'h. Not a good way to encourage beginners.

Lame attempt at humour on my behalf.

Heres a neato little write up by Scott on pinch pruning Junis: viewtopic.php?f=131&t=8079

[The Hacker]

Yer was thinking on the same line's as Bohdi, Because if your've never used a chainsaw before you might hurt yourself & that's no good, so always be very carefull when using power tool's

Regard's The Hacker

[Sean M]

Yer was thinking on the same line's as Bohdi, Because if your've never used a chainsaw before you might hurt yourself & that's no good, so always be very carefull when using power tool's

Regard's The Hacker

Thats right, only let experienced bonsai artists loose with a chainsaw. As per the below pic.

http://dupuich.smugmug.com/Japan2011/Bo ... 8&lb=1&s=O

[Booga]

You guys have given some good advice so far so I thought I would add mine. Although I am still learning my grand mother taught me to prune with an axe and a crosscut

[zubin]

Sorry guys...I have a Juniper and was talking about that...Soz me fault.. .

I been laughing readin all these posts... . so ya thanx guys.

[Andrew F]

Are you able to get a closer pic of the juni for us please. And you would pinch the new growth out not prune. Youtube has a few clips on pruning/pinching junipers inc Graham Potter

[kcpoole]

I sometimes Cut my Junis if I have a larger amount to remove, other wise just pinch mostly.

To prune with scissors, use a fine tip pair and slide them between the leaves and cut the stem only, If you cut the leaf itself it well brown off and look ugly.
To tip prune by Pinching, I get the tip to remove between thumb and finger and pull and twist in one motion.

Speaking of Pruning with the Chain saw, we have and exponent here in our dear Alpine this thread he discusses his method, but alas no pics of him wielding it viewtopic.php?f=104&t=9382&hilit=chain+saw&start=30

Ken

[zubin]

Hope thats a bit closer. so you guys mean im taking the new growth off? Silly question tho, does this help in still maintaining the lush growth?