Should I Prune this Larch?

[one_bonsai]

Summer has just started here, so it's probably too late to prune, but I was thinking of just pruning the long leggy branches.

 

[defra]

I wouldnt prune without a plan,
Please be aware that larch doesnt backbud so the long bare trunk will stay a long bare trunk
So i sugest leave it be until needles have fallen and then wrap the trunk in raffia and wire and twist it up and go for a literati styled tree!

 

[AlainK]

Please be aware that larch doesnt backbud so the long bare trunk will stay a long bare trunk

Right, but if you prune long branches, the buds lower down will produce new twigs so it will be more ramified, then:

(when) needles have fallen and then wrap the trunk in raffia and wire and twist it up and go for a literati styled tree!

 

[defra]

Right, but if you prune long branches, the buds lower down will produce new twigs so it will be more ramified, then:

(when) needles have fallen and then wrap the trunk in raffia and wire and twist it up and go for a literati styled tree!

True.
If you have another flush comming i guess its ok to prune the branches back to promote ramification as alain sugests !

 

[one_bonsai]

How hard can I prune it? Can I prune back the branches to about 5cm?

 

[defra]

No dont work in cm but:
Prune back to at least two visible buds left on the branches.
https://www.bonsainut.com/threads/larch.25534/page-3#post-479681
Post 56 in thread above shows the buds i mean.
No buds left could lead to a dead branch

 

[one_bonsai]

No dont work in cm but:
Prune back to at least two visible buds left on the branches.
https://www.bonsainut.com/threads/larch.25534/page-3#post-479681
Post 56 in thread above shows the buds i mean.
No buds left could lead to a dead branch

I see. Should I do as you did and prune back to the fourth bud from the trunk?

 

[defra]

Thats up to you my plant was repotted so i left two extra on to keep more growth to help the tree recover

 

[defra]

I would just prune the longer strongest shoots back to two - four buds

 

[one_bonsai]

I would just prune the longer strongest shoots back to two - four buds

OK great. Thanks.

 

[one_bonsai]

To develop a thicker trunk, should I wire it up, plant it into the ground and then let the top grow out?