Friends:
This is not the definitive approach. Based on research, I have found that opposing methodologies used for controlling the growth on Japanese Black Pines can still yield desirable results.
If you study the actions taking throughout the growing season, you will readily realize that the goal is to divert energy from the strong shoots to the weak and weakest shoots on the Pine.
Again, achieving harmony in pine design is rooted in energy management.
Cordially,
Michael PersianoThe Michael Persiano Bonsai Studio
Annual Maintenance for Immature Japanese Black Pine Strong Shoots Mid April through May: Pinch ½-3/4 of candles on strong shootsEarly to Mid July: Remove remaining growth on the previously pinched strong shootsMid to Late July: Remove all but two new bu
ds at tips of the strong shootsMid October through November: Remove previous year’s (old) needles on the strong shootsLate November through the First Week of December: Remove new needles leaving 3-4 needle pairs on the strong shoots Weak Shoots Mid to La
te June: Cut away new growth on the weak shootsMid October through November: Remove previous year’s (old) needles on the weak shootsMid November through the First Week of December: Remove new needles leaving 7-8 needle pairs on the weak shoots Weaker S
hootsApril through August (Growing Season): Allow candles on the weaker shoots to grow and develop needles