Classroom Corner – Pines Class March 2015

Pines of different species and in all shapes and sizes are brought to our specific Pines classes. It is always interesting to see students performing different tasks on their pines.

Phil’s dwarf Scot’s pine had been wired and was ready for styling. Too heavy branches offered alternative tops…..one of them had to be removed. Not for the faint hearted but the result was well worth it! Henry’s pine needed some needles thinning out. Growth will be monitored this season and the tree rewired/styled in the autumn.

Steve’s pine had also been wired. Three large low branches were too long and were removed. The styled tree resulted in a taller, more compact and more appropriate image. Paul’s Scot’s pine was potted into a slightly larger training pot. Dense mycorrhiza can help to block drainage holes but generally this is the sign of a good root system.

David’s Scot’s pine had grown well over the years but now needed some branches thinning out. Derek’s Black pine had good roots around the outside but was weak inside.

Ian’s Red pine also needed repotting inside out but we loosened the outer roots as well.

Same time of year but different pines at different stages of development all needed treating differently. This is why it is difficult for you to get the correct advice from a book or from the internet. You need information specific to your tree, as it is today, in your climate…..you need to know what to do next…….you need a mentor!