A regular update on the life and times of John Hanby’s Newstead Bonsai Centre……..
Topical Times – It’s that Maples time of year…..
Most Maples are now growing very strongly so it’s not surprising to see them as frequent visitors to the classroom in recent weeks.
Most people can keep their maples under control to some degree just by pruning back growth extensions. Do the same thing for five years and maybe at the end of year five your tree looks pretty much the same as it did at the start of year one.
Students bring their trees to classes because they want something more……their trees deserve better! Each tree has to be considered individually and treated accordingly.
What stage of development is the tree at?…..Are we developing the structure or refining the branches? Which branches do we prune back and which branches do we let grow?
How far do we prune each shoot back? The tree’s health/strength will have an impact on how we prune. Which leaves do we remove……or do we remove all of them? Will I ever be able to reduce the size of the leaves?
These are just a few of the things that need to be considered the next time you are pruning your Maples. If you are not sure of the answers then maybe you and your maples should be joining the trees below in one of our bonsai classes.
