Tim and Others: I hope that this helps. Cordially, Michael Persiano
Table 1. Annual Guide to Balancing Energy for Immature Japanese Black Pine TaskAprilMayJuneJulyAugSeptOctNovDecJanFebMar1. Pinch ½-3/4 of candles on strong shoots ----XX XXXX 2. Remove remaining growth on the previously pinched strong shoo
ts XX----- 3. Remove all but two new buds at tips of the strong shoots -----XX 4. Remove previous year’s (old) needles on the strong shoots -----XX XXXX 5. Remove new needles leaving 3-4 needle pairs on the stro
ng shoots -----XX X----- 1. Cut away new growth on the weak shoots ----XX 2. Remove previous year’s (old) needles on the weak shoots ----XX XXXX 3. Remove new needles leaving 7-8 needle pairs on the weak shoot
s -----XX X----- 2Allow candles on the weaker shoots to grow and develop needles XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX
2The weaker shoots should be allowed to grow without restraint until you observe an increase in shoot diameter and candle production. As they develop, treat the maturing shoots as described in the table. Note: An immature Japanese Black Pine requires in
tensive energy balancing adjustments during their earliest years as bonsai. If this technique is conscientiously applied for several years, the flow of energy in the tree will be properly guided to produce shelves of balanced growth and needle clusters of
equal strength.