Summer Prune & Spring Follow Up

 

Recent Pruning Progress

Let's start with this ficus bonsai, pruned just a week to ten days ago. Notice the structure – it's still visible, showing that the pruning is on track.

Now, here's another ficus pruned two to three weeks ago. Look at the fresh growth! Within just a few weeks, new leaves and shoots have sprouted. Don't be afraid to prune; your ficus will bounce back quickly, often requiring a second round of pruning to maintain its shape.

Observations on Growth

If we go back to our first tree and take a closer look, You can already see new shoots appearing, even though it was only pruned around 10 days ago. These tiny buds will soon develop into leaves, ensuring the plant stays lush and vibrant. The key takeaway here is not to worry if you see new growth shortly after pruning – it’s a sign of a healthy plant.

This next example was also pruned around ten days ago. Like our other trees, this bonsai has also started to produce new growth. You can also see the structure of the tree is still there, having been pruned only recently.

Our next tree was pruned a couple of weeks ago. The older leaves are falling off and it has the odd yellow leaf. If you find a few yellow leaves on your ficus, don't panic, it is all part of the process. We can also see this tree is clearly healthy as it is producing a lot of new growth.

Long-Term Progress and Pruning Tips

Let's move on to some more examples. These trees were pruned around ten days ago, notice the lush new growth. The structure remains intact, but the new leaves and shoots require continuous attention. Remember, maintaining the structure through regular pruning is essential to avoid overgrowth and loss of shape. The new growth is impressive, almost overwhelming. Keeping up with pruning ensures the plant's pads – the flat, layered sections of foliage – stay well-defined and healthy.

Propagating from Cuttings

Now, let’s talk about cuttings. When pruning, we often have thick branches left over. These can be used to propagate new plants. Here are some cuttings taken two weeks ago, placed in large seed trays with regular garden compost. The new shoots indicate successful rooting. If you see lush new growth, it's a good sign that the cuttings have rooted well.

To confirm, gently dig one out. See the roots? This cutting is ready to be potted individually. We have hundreds of cuttings like this, and they all show promising signs of growth.

Other Plant Types and Seasonal Tips

While we're here, let’s check out some other plants. For example, this dissectum maple bonsai, grown in full sun, has developed a beautiful suntan – a blush colour on the leaves exposed to sunlight. This exposure enhances their autumn colour, making them even more vibrant.

Addressing Burnt Leaves

Sometimes, leaves can get burnt if the plants are not watered properly. Here's a tip: if you notice burnt edges on your maple leaves, don't panic. Pruning off the damaged leaves encourages new growth. In just a month or six weeks, you should see fresh leaves sprouting.

Care for Mature Trees

Moving on to mature trees, like this Korean hornbeam. After pruning, it produces fine new shoots, which need regular trimming to maintain a fine ramification. Mature trees require less radical pruning; just regular maintenance to keep them healthy.

I did prune this tree enough to show the trunk.

Korean Hornbeams produce very fine new shoots after pruning, as you can see here:

Further Summer Pruning

This is a Dawn Redwood which I have shown on my videos many times.

This tree was made from a garden tree. I have done three air layering on this tree.

It just requires some light pruning. All I need to do is go in and trim the pads to maintain their shape.

I get many comments on my videos regarding how quickly I work on these trees. However, I work at this pace due to many years of experience and practice. There is nothing wrong with going slowly, especially when starting out in bonsai.

This next tree was recently loaned to a client for feature in this years Chelsea display.
 

Regular Maintenance is Key

Regular maintenance pruning keeps the pads – the flat layers of foliage – in shape. This involves trimming upward shoots and any branches that spoil the overall look.

Seasonal Rotation

It’s also essential to rotate your trees. If a tree is growing against a wall, rotate it periodically to ensure even light exposure. This helps maintain a balanced growth and prevents one-sided development.

A Word from Our Visitors

During filming, I was fortunate enough to meet some of our long distance Herons visitors. Ian and Rebecca came to visit the Herons nursery all the way from Atlanta Georgia. Ian: 'it's wonderful what you've done here'; 'we have nothing like this where we're from'. We discussed my Youtube tutorials and the importance of keeping things light-hearted and enjoyable as you're learning a new hobby like bonsai art. It was lovely to meet you Ian and Rebecca!

Wrap-Up and Encouragement

Every tree has its unique needs, and regular care and attention are key. Whether you're pruning for shape or strength, maintaining your bonsai's health is a rewarding and ongoing process. So, keep an eye on your plants, don’t hesitate to prune, and enjoy the beautiful growth that follows! Happy gardening, and remember – every bit of care you give your bonsai brings it closer to perfection. Enjoy the journey!