June Bonsai Tips
Early June is the time to leaf prune healthy vigorously growing deciduous trees. Cut all the leaves, but leave as much of the leaf stalk as you can, it will take about three weeks before fresh leaves will appear which are slightly smaller and more to scale. If you have a poorly tree DO NOT leaf prune or if uncertain then remove all the large unsightly ones.
Spraying of trees in the evening when the sun has gone off them will greatly benefit the trees, not just the tops but the underside as well as this will discourage the red spider. Your trees should get as much sun as they can tolerate but do not forget to turn them occasionally to ensure even growth.
Watering morning and evening will be essential now, so do not neglect it. Keep shaping your bonsai by snipping and wiring to your design.
You can also remove all leaves from Maples, and with the next growth of new leaves these will become smaller, ensure all leaves that you want to remove are completed by the end of this month, otherwise they might not grow back in time for a lovely smaller leafed tree in August. If you want to air layer now is the best time to do it.
Some say this is the best time of the year for seeing your trees at their healthiest, with beautiful new growth and lovely colours, so sit back and enjoy.
We are meeting Tuesday 13th June : Ken Norman – Maples and our workshop Sunday 25th June 2017.
May Bonsai Tips
MAY is when it’s time for major growth spurts so you will need to begin the feeding programme, once a week is the norm, except for newly re-potted trees, which will require none or negligible amounts as the new soil will have all the feed that is required. Follow the manufacturers’ instructions as it is safer to feed a weak solution more frequently than a strong dosage irregularly. Older or mature trees will probably not need feeding quite so often.
Start to shape your trees by pinching / cutting the new growth and training where necessary. You need to keep the top growth short otherwise the lower branches could be starved of feed, which you do not want to happen as you need to ensure that the lower branches are kept strong and healthy. Keep an eye on the upper branches so they do not over develop which will create shade over lower the branches as this could well cause problems later.
Reducing growth early on will help to ensure short internodes and encourage a fine growth of new branches. Spray for any bugs or mildew as necessary, not in strong sunlight though, it’s suggested to use a weaker solution than recommended as the leaves are very young and tender at this stage.
Still protect from strong winds and late frosts and the demand for water will increase considerably.
