51cg

Hi.can someone explain how to prune new growth on European Larch as my Larch forest has got lots on new growth and I want to keep the shape but allow them to get a little bigger.
Thanks

I just prune part of the years growth to the shape I want.

Hi thanks for your reply
Can I prune to any where on the new growth or are there buds i need to look out.
Thanks

Maybe it is possible to identify future growth direction by bud placement IDK. I just cut where it fits the design. If there are dieback or twigs growing in the wrong direction,? I just handle that later. Backbudding is not really an issue with this species.

Thank you for your advice.
Its very much appreciated as a novice.
Do you have any suggestions on a good book about Bonsaiin In English as I live in UK.
Thanks again

There are plenty of good books, have a look on abe.co.uk for books, there are beginners books and those that are advanced. I would suggest the book by Peter Warren as a good one to start. It is quite new. Others like Dan Barton's book and also Harry Tomlinsons book are both very good but were written some years ago, both are very cheap now

Thank you for your advice.
Will look at Peter Warren book.
I Will have a look at the book shop you suggest.
Many Thanks?

Tropfrog wrote:

Maybe it is possible to identify future growth direction by bud placement IDK. I just cut where it fits the design. If there are dieback or twigs growing in the wrong direction,? I just handle that later. Backbudding is not really an issue with this species.

This is excellent advice, which is what we always get from Tropfrog.

I will add one thing. You can cut a branch or twig off, but you can't put it back. I spend some time deciding what to snip off, and usually don't cut until the next day. Sometimes I change my mind. If I can't decide between cutting off one inch/cm or two, I remove one and come back In a day or two for the second one.

With European larch, if you want the trees to thicken up while maintaining the overall shape, it's usually best not to remove all the new growth. Let the shoots extend, then cut them back once they've hardened off, leaving some new growth on each branch. Strong shoots near the top can be pruned more aggressively than weaker lower branches to help balance vigor across the forest. Since you're still aiming for some size increase, I'd focus on selective trimming rather than constant pinching.