Scots Pine Bonsai Pruning

The best time for scots pine tree pruning is in the spring although dead or diseased branch removal can be undertaken at any time of the year.

Scots pine bonsai pruning. Each branch has a dense mass of needles growing from its tip. I ve now done some had pruning and opened up the. Place the pine bonsai outside in full sun. Originating in northern europe this fragrant evergreen was brought to north america where it is called scotch pine and is customarily used for christmas trees.

This helps the first and second flush of growth develop and adds to decreasing the needle size needles grow longer if the tree doesn t get enough sunlight. In the image above the scots pine is seen in early august prior to needle plucking and shoot pruning. Pruning is usually not necessary unless you want to maintain the classic christmas tree shape. Prune scots pine like other pine trees to keep the tree healthy but perform additional pruning if the desire is to create a conical shape favored for christmas trees.

The older darker needles on this branch grew last year. To promote thicker growth pinch off the new growth shoots candles in the spring as they appear. Bud selection candle pinching shoot trimming and needle plucking. Remove dead branches and if rubbing branches are evident prune one of the branches away.

Scots pine is not grown for its lumber. If you are looking to create a compact tree pinch back the new growth tips in the spring. The pruning of pines for foliage and branch formation can be split into four basic areas.