Kotobuki style/info help

[skjohnson37]

I've recently received a Kotobuki pine with what looks like a heinous grafting scar right in the middle of a V-shaped trunk. I've got a ton of interior branches to work with, but no idea what to do with them. The tree seems in good spirits, but given that I let my JBP get away from me, I want to get an early handle on this one.

Do I chop one or the other trunk (if so, which?) or wire one side in while letting the other grow for trunk strength? In my newness, I ask - does this tree inherently lend itself to one style or another? What leads you to that conclusion?

Would the decandling/pruning/repotting schedule be similar to a JBP?

Looking forward to working this one side-by-side with my JBP to learn the difference.

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

Depends on your goal for the tree…what style, how large?
One easy option appears to be this front, pruned in early fall to establish the first primary branches, and add some movement to the trunk. I wouldn’t be in too big a hurry to make these cuts as they’re aggressive. If you just got the tree, give yourself some time to evaluate options.

 

[Bonsai Nut]

Would the decandling/pruning/repotting schedule be similar to a JBP?

Looking forward to working this one side-by-side with my JBP to learn the difference.

There is no difference. A kotobuki IS a JBP - just a specific cultivar that has short dark stiff needles and backbuds like crazy.

 

[sorce]

Welcome to Crazy!

Though you already knew you were here!

Sorce

 

[skjohnson37]

Depends on your goal for the tree…what style, how large?
One easy option appears to be this front, pruned in early fall to establish the first primary branches, and add some movement to the trunk. I wouldn’t be in too big a hurry to make these cuts as they’re aggressive. If you just got the tree, give yourself some time to evaluate options.
View attachment 444605

Thanks for the response, Brian. I enjoy reading your comments here and have taken significant guidance from them.

On this tree, I almost wonder if I could manage a twin trunk style. I've got both of them, why not use them, yes? On size, I think I see something in the small to medium range. Perhaps 18-24" at the end?

I hear you on not being in a hurry, and do not plan anything major until at least the spring. My only concern is that I let my JBP go for so long that I didn't get any movement in the trunk and anticipate making significant chops to create some. I want to try to avoid running into the same problem on this one.

 

[skjohnson37]

Welcome to Crazy!

Though you already knew you were here!

Sorce

Thanks And yes. It's amazing how quickly I've gone from 'I think I'd really enjoy developing a bonsai tree,' to 'I should buy more trees.'

 

[skjohnson37]

There is no difference. A kotobuki IS a JBP - just a specific cultivar that has short dark stiff needles and backbuds like crazy.

This is good gouge, thanks. Hopefully I'll learn to properly manage the backbudding into good branching.

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

On this tree, I almost wonder if I could manage a twin trunk style. I've got both of them, why not use them, yes? On size, I think I see something in the small to medium range. Perhaps 18-24" at the end?

Maybe, if the split is low enough, and as the base swells with time. It’s just not a very common look with Kotobuki, but worth considering.
Also, FWIW, not sure this cultivar tolerates summer candle-cutting technique well. Think the pros handle seasonal care more like JWP.

 

[skjohnson37]

Maybe, if the split is low enough, and as the base swells with time. It’s just not a very common look with Kotobuki, but worth considering.
Also, FWIW, not sure this cultivar tolerates summer candle-cutting technique well. Think the pros handle seasonal care more like JWP.

It was my understanding that JBP candles should be cut in June or July. Is that not correct?

(Very glad I've not cut anything yet)

 

[Bonsai Nut]

It was my understanding that JBP candles should be cut in June or July. Is that not correct?

(Very glad I've not cut anything yet)

It depends on where you are in the development stage. Candle cutting is a refinement technique to create ramification (and together with shoot selection and needle plucking) to balance growth. If you are earlier in the development process you may want to let all/some of the growth run.