Large Coast Live Oak and Labor Extortion at Kimura Nursery

[justBonsai]

Check out my most recent post on my blog. I've updated progress on my coast live oak which I have been posting on here. The tree has been developing extremely fast and I just did a few approach grafts on it too. You can read about the latter part of the title in my blog @bonsaibp
https://bontsai.com/2017/03/29/large-coast-live-oak-and-labor-extortion-at-kimura-nursery/

Some updates on my tree:

2015

2017

Large bends on right aren't too great but it either was cut the old extension of growth and be left with subpar placement and scarring or bend older growth. It will become more shallow as the branch thickens so not too big of a concern. Dormant buds on it will also provide secondary branching that will hide the unnatural large rainbow curve.
(Monstrous nodes and leaves are only on the outside. First few nodes of new growth are short and usable so don't worry )

 

[Bonsai Nut]

Out of curiosity, when it starts to throw strong growth in the spring (like now) do you pinch or otherwise restrain the growth - particularly near the apex? Or do you let the growth run and harden before you prune it?

 

[justBonsai]

Out of curiosity, when it starts to throw strong growth in the spring (like now) do you pinch or otherwise restrain the growth - particularly near the apex? Or do you let the growth run and harden before you prune it?

I misread your comment and thought you were asking about cut backs. To clarify I don't pinch spring growth. I always let the extensions harden before any pruning.

I let the strong spring growth run until late summer when I cut back. In our climate when we reach peak temps a lot of trees seem to enter a sort of dormancy. My oak trees have always thrown out growth right after those peak temps pass which is around mid July to August. My main goal right now is to build branch thickness, especially for my primary branching. I did prune off excess shoots and shortened some of my shoots on my secondary branching as a means of balance so the unpruned areas will grow stronger. But largely and to answer your question I let the growth run and harden.

When I first started developing my oak trees I asked PaulH here a lot of questions since he has success with them and has grown them for multiple decades. He told me that he will prune back spring extensions as soon as they harden off and again for the second flush of growth.

Here is what he told me regarding branch development. I do the same thing but wait longer before cutting back to get more thickness:

Let them grow out and wire in movement and position while they're still flexible. When they lignify and set cut back to 2-3 buds and repeat the process. I let them grow out 10 to 14 inches the wire.

 

[bonsaibp]

Extortion! I don't believe there was any arm twisting or beating with bamboo canes or even threats of such involved. Plus you got a pretty good return for your labor !
I have to say though you did a good job. Stayed focus on a somewhat thankless task ( there are many of them involved in running a bonsai nursery)didn't moan and groan and you did the job well. As long as we have young people like you involved in bonsai the art will continue to grow and flourish. Keep that fire burning. If you ever have a school break and want to earn a few bucks I always have weeds to pull. lol
By the way the blog is pretty cool and I think worth reading. Keep up the good work.

 

[StoneCloud]

i like the Syringe in the pot in the 2nd picture. What is this accent called?

 

[justBonsai]

i like the Syringe in the pot in the 2nd picture. What is this accent called?

It helps me find inspiration as I'm styling a tree

 

[Potawatomi13]

It helps me find inspiration as I'm styling a tree

Your tree going very well. Also working on one of these in fairly young stage. Two big sets of shoots a year! Should develop fairly fast but will remain growing like weeds after developed? A fast Oak, who knew? Time will tell.

 

[justBonsai]

Your tree going very well. Also working on one of these in fairly young stage. Two big sets of shoots a year! Should develop fairly fast but will remain growing like weeds after developed? A fast Oak, who knew? Time will tell.

As a developing tree they grow very fast. I think at the refining stages growth will slow down a lot. My roots currently just have a lot of space to grow and lots of water and fert. Will change when it goes into a bonsai pot.