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.