River's Edge
Masterpiece
As i see the discussion it pertains to techniques that have been used successfully to thicken branch and trunk. I have applied it to tree's grown from seed. I have used the techniques on trees grown in the ground and in containers. I do not see it as a debate between the amount of foliage supporting photosynthesis or the amount cut off to create ramification.
I do not believe there is much value in debating things we have not tried or assigning the idea to one group of believers. The technique was suggested to me by a North American Bonsai grower and has been explained thoroughly in botanical literature. This Bonsai technique works because it creates a hormonal imbalance that triggers a specific growth response. Other Bonsai techniques create a change in the amount of sugar produced and where sugar is used which can change plant shape as well. ( defoliation, needle pulling). Removing the big buds on the end of the branch removes the largest drain on sugar use which allows the tree to strengthen other weaker areas. ( Balancing )
The fact is, that pruning can invigorate growth when used correctly.
Understanding plant physiology can only add to the effectiveness of our efforts in Bonsai. Certainly allowing the tree to grow unimpeded results in a balance of normal growth. ( all other factors being equal such as water, sun, oxygen, fertilizer, temperature) . Bonsai techniques ( Pruning) allow us to modify the tree by creating imbalance in hormones. ( two key ones being Auxin and cytokinin ). Which is why the technique was suggested. Specific purpose to thicken the branch in a shorter period of time. The key is to understand and apply Bonsai techniques to obtain the desired result. When growing and training young trees we keep the end buds to promote root and trunk growth. When refining older trees we decandle or cut back the ends to create more and smaller interior growth. Also for those who have been doing Bonsai for a long time it is understood that the pruning and balancing techniques are applied differently to trees and shrubs. This is because of where the dominant hormones are located. Apical or Basal dominance.
For those who care to do the research, or review the botany behind the theories, i believe it will lead to a deeper understanding of why many traditional Bonsai techniques have been effective.
I do not believe there is much value in debating things we have not tried or assigning the idea to one group of believers. The technique was suggested to me by a North American Bonsai grower and has been explained thoroughly in botanical literature. This Bonsai technique works because it creates a hormonal imbalance that triggers a specific growth response. Other Bonsai techniques create a change in the amount of sugar produced and where sugar is used which can change plant shape as well. ( defoliation, needle pulling). Removing the big buds on the end of the branch removes the largest drain on sugar use which allows the tree to strengthen other weaker areas. ( Balancing )
The fact is, that pruning can invigorate growth when used correctly.
Understanding plant physiology can only add to the effectiveness of our efforts in Bonsai. Certainly allowing the tree to grow unimpeded results in a balance of normal growth. ( all other factors being equal such as water, sun, oxygen, fertilizer, temperature) . Bonsai techniques ( Pruning) allow us to modify the tree by creating imbalance in hormones. ( two key ones being Auxin and cytokinin ). Which is why the technique was suggested. Specific purpose to thicken the branch in a shorter period of time. The key is to understand and apply Bonsai techniques to obtain the desired result. When growing and training young trees we keep the end buds to promote root and trunk growth. When refining older trees we decandle or cut back the ends to create more and smaller interior growth. Also for those who have been doing Bonsai for a long time it is understood that the pruning and balancing techniques are applied differently to trees and shrubs. This is because of where the dominant hormones are located. Apical or Basal dominance.
For those who care to do the research, or review the botany behind the theories, i believe it will lead to a deeper understanding of why many traditional Bonsai techniques have been effective.