AusBonsai

Just thought if throw it out there and ask the question, is it to late to de-candle a japanese black pine.

I did a mature one last weekend and a pine expert told me that was the perfect time. Though he said don't push it any later, so maybe you missed it by a week! I'd still do it.

Depends where you are. Xmas is the time for Victoria. Now would be way too late. Adelaide would be similar.

I would agree with Jow. Too late now. I think Grant Bowie quotes 100 growing days after decandling for the new shoots to grow and mature before winter. I can't personally verify this because I always do mine mid - late December and get good results.

Maybe another supplementary question to ask Bouquet is 'will this pine benefit from decandling?'
If you are trying to grow the tree and develop trunk I think that decandling is counterproductive and letting it grow then hard pruning will give better results. decandling is for trees that have a well developed trunk and the start to branching. It makes the branches ramify and keeps buds on inner parts of branches and apex.

What time of year would you do a hard prune shibui?

I don't think it matters much. I have pruned black pines all times of the year and they always seem to grow back. They will shoot quicker if pruned while they are actively growing - late winter through to mid summer. If you prune late summer/ autumn they may not produce buds until spring.

You must leave healthy needles on any parts you want to get new buds on.

@bouquet i do mine the last week of jan (usually weekend before aussie day) - first week of feb, if i have a few that i need to squeeze in then i start a bit earlier.

I know this is the schedule that Peter from bonsai emporium over in WA (we generally have a long growing season) uses and it seems to work well over here, i think being consistent in regards to timing year to year helps matters as well

that's my non-expert advice.....