AusBonsai

Just wondering about removing branches off plants in training, Should it be done early on, as soon as you know that its not going to be in the final design. Or should it be left and used to help thicken the trunk? Have a few figs here that have somethich, almost J shaped branches that i know will not be left in the final design, just wondering if i should remove now or leave them untill the tree is ready for propper training?

John

now is a prefect time to heavy prune figs both branches and roots .

Didnt mean time of year, time of the tree's life, take off early to save healing big scars or take off late to get that extra growth?

I have changed somewhat in the past few years. I try to have all required branches in place first. Then thicken the trunk line.

On some of my pines, I let the main trunk shot up to nearly 50cm now. I think I will let it go a bit more. But I already have replacement leader(s) way down below. Next year, I might cut it off to develop secondary etc branches on the primary ones. Then I will let another leader go wild the next year, and so on. I think this will keep us more interested in the trees seeing that they are developing and changing etc.

I have also put a few small black pines to ground, and I am trying this approach also. Once, I am happy with the overall shape. I will develop the girth.

Just some my thoughts. I am interested in others' thoughts too.

Best regards.