3yo JBP: Suggestions, Advice, dare I say Critique?

Haoleboy

Mame
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Purchased a few of these in the spring. This one is further along than the others. They were all a little taller than I wanted. I purchased from the internet so didn't have any choice for selection. So I wired them and this is what I ended up with. There are two very small buds (not in picture) between the first and second bends. I kind of like how it currently looks. Perhaps the coils are a little close?

Anyways, I'm looking for suggestions or advice on doing any top work now? First branch is getting long. Should I encourage it to back bud? The second and third branch are bar branches. Should one be removed now? I'm thinking left branch for left, right, left, right branching.

Tree over all, appears to be healthy. It's currently growing in NAPA 8822. I'm just using miracle grow and fish emulsions regularly. Nights are getting cooler so I won't be fertilizing much longer.

It would be much appreciated if any pine guru's could chime in and offer their opinions on future care.

Thank you in advance. 1017172247.jpg
 

MichaelS

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The coils could be too close depending on the final size you see for the tree. If allowed to grow thick, you will end up with an ugly knob where you have curves now. So in that light, I would suggest you keep it at the size it is now in a small pot with tight feet and not too much feeding. Then you can refine and reduce the braches slowly over time. It looks like a red but whatever it is the needles on a tree this size should end up about one eighth of what they are now. I would also wire a bit more movement into the upper part of the trunk to match more with the lower part. (unless you plan to cut it off)
It's also possible to open up the tight curves if you want to do that.
 

Haoleboy

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Thanks Mike. I was thinking opening the coils a little bit next year. I was also thinking they would extend naturally over time. But I do like the look currently. Couldn't do much more wiring this year. Too many needles. It's opened up more so I will wire more in the upcoming month or so.
 
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